It can be an expensive business drinking in central Bristol pubs these days but stick to old-school ‘proper’ boozers off the beaten track and you’ll save money - and have a great time too.
As well as cheap pints, these no-frills pubs have all the ingredients for a lively pub crawl, with some serving cheap bar food like filled rolls, pork pies and Scotch eggs.
We’ve rounded up seven ‘proper’ Bristol pubs that would easily form a brilliant pub crawl around the River Avon and harbourside area. Let us know how you get on.
1. The Mardyke in Hotwells
Mark Taylor
2. The Little Grosvenor
Close to Bedminster Bridge and opposite the river, the appropriately named Little Grosvenor is one of the last ‘proper’ pubs in Bristol. Cash only and serving just bottles and cans of beer, lager and cider, it’s packed with locals and Bristol City fans from early morning onwards. 3 Coronation Road, Southville | Google
3. The Orchard Inn
Dating back to 1834, The Orchard Inn is now one of Bristol’s foremost cider pubs. A one-room corner pub close to the boatyards of Spike Island, it offers no-frills bar snacks of rolls, pasties, pork pies and sausage rolls alongside the 20 or so ciders and perries. Hanover Place, Spike Island. | Google
4. The Avon Packet
Built in 1843, The Avon Packet overlooks the River Avon and is packed with great characters. It also has a timeless interior and a huge beer garden at the back. 185 Coronation Road, Southville. | Google