Six of the best rooftop bars in Bristol where you can enjoy the summer sunshine

With the British summer proving to be a scorcher, it’s always nice to know where the best rooftop bars are to head to for a cooling drink of a weekend evening.

Bristol might not be stocked full of skyscraper rooftop terraces, but there are still a fair few choices for people who want to head out and feel the breeze while they sip. Let’s take a look at the options.

Bambalan

It wouldn’t be a rooftop bar round-up without including Bambalan, which is possibly Bristol’s most famous rooftop spot and one of the only that can truly call itself a rooftop bar by definition.

Another one that is run by the Hyde & Co group, Bambalan is situated right on the city centre in the Beacon Tower, and is one of Bristol’s best-loved drinking, dining and music destinations, and boasts unrivalled views across the city.

The terrace is large and often plays host to DJs and late-night music on a weekend, so it’s a place that can really get you in the holiday feeling. For hot and sunny days, there are shady spots on offer, too.

Grain Barge Deck

Okay, so it might not be exactly what you have in mind when it comes to a rooftop bar, but it is a bar on a roof, the roof just so happens to be on the top deck of a boat.

Boasting some of the best views in the city, The Grain Barge floats on the harbourside and provides a perfect bustling atmosphere with sunshine and good drinks.

If you fancy some good food, too, The Grain Barge has you covered. When it comes to holiday vibes with a Bristol twist, this is the place to head.

Clifton Observatory

You don’t get a much better view than the view from the top of the Clifton Observatory, overlooking the Suspension Bridge, the city and the countryside of Somerset.

Sit up on the beautiful roof terrace and sip something from the bar. ​​The terrace is the perfect place to enjoy the spectacular panoramic landscape and it’s open to all visitors, including dogs.

It’s worth noting that it can close for private events, so don’t be disappointed if you arrive and can’t get up there. It’s worth checking it out, though, as it’s really quite unique up there!

Urban Roof Terrace

The Urban Roof Terrace can be found on top of the Marriott Hotel in Bristol City Centre, and is a perfect spot for watching the sun go down while enjoying some nibbles and a few drinks.

It’s wonderfully designed and you can sip away atop the hustle and bustle of the city while ​​surrounded by Bristol’s very own talented Cheo’s artwork.

The bar is slightly harder to find, tucked away on top of a hotel, but it’s perhaps one of the coolest terraces in the city. The views mean you get to look out over Castle Park, too, which is a pretty spectacular opportunity.

Old Market Assembly

The fantastic roof terrace at The Old Market Assembly is definitely one to remember for alfresco evenings with a few drinks planned.

It’s a beautiful ornate building and ​​a wood burning stove keeps things toasty in the winter, whereas during the summer months the fantastic roof terrace offers an awesome sunset view over Bristol. It’s what summer evenings are made of.

Barrel House

The pub/dive bar that makes up Barrel House on Gordon Road in Clifton is a brilliant spot to head to when you’re on the lookout for something different for a warm evening or, in particular, you fancy a rooftop terrace with a difference.

Inspired by the classic dive bars of the southern states, you’ll find an atmosphere akin to a dive bar with all the frills, or no frills, of a traditional British boozer.

The outdoor terrace offers multiple seating options and is tucked away on different levels amongst the historic Clifton rooftops.