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.
5. Nova Scotia
The Grade II-listed Nova Scotia dates from 1811 and was originally three houses before it became a dockside coaching inn. It has a spacious bar and a tiny ‘captain’s cabin’ snug. Soak up the real ale and traditional cider with one of the legendary doorstep sandwiches. 1 Nova Scotia Place near Cumberland Basin. | Google
6. The Bear
With its pool table, dart board and live sport on the TV, The Bear is a ‘proper’ Bristol pub and it also has a ‘secret’ beer garden at the back. 261 Hotwell Road, Hotwells | Google
7. The Mardyke
Across from the floating harbour, this popular drinkers’ pub is deceptively spacious inside and serves some of the cheapest pints in the area, with Butcombe Original currently just £2.70. 126 Hotwell Road, Hotwells | Mark Taylor
8. The Myrtle Tree
Easy to miss despite being on the busy roundabout at the bottom of Jacob’s Wells Road, The Myrtle Tree is well known for its range of beers, but also for its love of televised horse racing. 127 St George’s Road, Hotwells | Google