Bristol is now home to some of the best small-scale independent breweries in the UK, making a name for itself when it comes to craft beer. It seems only natural then that it should have some of the best pubs around, from traditional favourites to young entries on the scene brewing their own beer. Bristol’s love of beer and cider is ever-growing with no signs of slowing down, and this makes it a reliable option if booking a stag party in Bristol.
We think Bristol is best explored on foot as many of its best bars, pubs and clubs are all in the city centre however don't be afraid to explore as there are some superb venues dotted along the Whiteladies Road and up in Clifton. This makes Bristol a great city for a pub crawl as you’ll never have to walk too far in between destinations.
The Beer Emporium
Located on King Street, hidden beneath the bottle shop, is three vaulted underground cellars that have more different types of beer than anywhere else in Bristol. With 24 draught lines and an ever-changing selection, The Beer Emporium features craft beer from all around the globe but also supports local breweries too.
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The Pipe & Slippers
Before Stokes Croft became a popular locale, The Pipe & Slippers has been offering some of the best food and drink in the area. It’s a classic and cosy pub, with dimmed lights, vintage 1950s furniture, armchairs and a fireplace with a real homely feel. There’s a great selection of drinks, from draught ales to ciders, premium lagers and even cocktails like the infamous Pipe Dream.
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The Apple
Take a walk down past the waterfront towards the city centre and you’ll find this beautifully converted barge perfect for cider-lovers. Choose from 40 different ciders, or cider-related drinks with a variety of different flavours, including local artisan craft ciders. Grab some loaded cheesy chips and take them outside to the popular terrace overlooking the harbour.
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The Steam Crane
Named after Bristol’s famous landmark the Fairbairn Steam Crane, this alehouse, kitchen and live music venue brings a fresh experience to North Street. With a focus on traditional British cask ales and American-style craft beers, there are up to six real ales and eight craft beers available, plus a great selection of bottled beers. Relax on one of the leather sofas and enjoy exhibitions from local artists, performances from live jazz bands and local DJs.
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Small Bar
Named, not for its size, but for its support of the best small independent breweries in the south-west, this craft beer bar on King Street is hard to match. With 31 taps in total, drinks are highly alcoholic and are served in ⅓ or ⅔ glasses, so you have room to try more varieties. The bar is spread across two floors, with leather sofas and a comfy area upstairs to chill out and chat.
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Grain Barge
Moored in Bristol Harbour, this popular converted barge is now supplied by the award winning Bristol Beer Factory with a great selection of local craft beers, wine and cider, to be drunk alongside good quality food with locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy a drink on top of the barge with panoramic views from the nearby SS Great Britain all the way down to Ashton Court.
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The Famous Royal Navy Volunteer
2 minutes down Kings Street and you’ll find this pub, otherwise known as The Volley, which is a cosy alternative to the buzzing bars in the city centre. With good drinks, good food and live music, be sure to check the board for the latest selection of craft beers, real ales and ciders, complete with tasting notes.
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Full Moon
With a pub, bar, club and hostel, Full Moon has a lot going on with a great mix of people coming and going from Stokes Croft. Boasting one of the largest pub courtyards in the city, it’s a great place to have a drink, enjoy the quality DJs and try one of Pepenero’s organic pizzas. There are even a pool table and photo booth to capture your night.
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The Bell
Tucked away just off the popular Stokes Croft area, this pub is for everyone, from artists to DJs, locals and pre-drinkers. On weekends it transforms from a quiet spot for a laid-back drink to a lively destination, with people spilling onto the dance floor when all the seats in the spacious garden area have been filled.
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Bristol will keep you on your toes, thus a stag weekend in Bristol is a great choice, but it's well worth lining your stomach before things get too heavy and if things really do get on top of you, one can always duck out for a kebab whilst on your way back to the hotel.
