Thursday, 17, December 2015

An Insiders Guide to Bristol

Hot-air ballons over Bristol City

You know you’ve found a great place when it’s filled with locals and away from the baying crowds of tourists. The city of Bristol is full of independent bars, shops and pubs with charming atmospheres and wonderful local produce. To help you find these hidden gems, here’s our insiders guide to discovering Bristol.

To Drink

The Apple – Welsh Back, Bristol, BS1 4SB
This fantastic floating cider pub is positioned right on the water next to Bristol’s famous harbour. The Apple offers up a variety of the finest independent ciders as well as some exceptional beers and wines. The terrace is speckled with hundreds of fairy lights and if you find the cold too much the boat itself (an old Dutch barge) is spread over two floors with a covered terrace. Here you can also enjoy a west-country inspired menu. Just 5 minutes walk from from The Bristol, this warming, friendly pub has to be high on your must-visit list.

The Albion – Boyce's Ave, Clifton Village, Bristol BS8 4AA
Walk down an enclosed cobbled courtyard you’ll find this 17^th Century pub. Set in the stylish area of Clifton Village in Bristol, you’ll be welcomed with a roaring fire, tasteful décor and excellent modern English cuisine. If you’re looking for a quiet, cosy night out with great food & drinks, The Albion is your place.

The Coronation Tap – 8 Sion Place, Clifton, City of Bristol BS8 4AX
If you have never been ‘Corried’ in your life, then you have never been to The Coronation Tap. This independent cider house is situated near Bristol’s magnificent Suspension Bridge. Famed for its warm atmosphere, live music and home to the Exhibition Cider (produced exclusively for them) you are sure to have a good time here.

Hyde & Co – The Basement, 2 Upper Byron Pl, Bristol BS8 1JY
This speak easy style bar is one of Bristol’s best-kept secrets. There is no sign outside to point you to the direction, just an unmarked black door. After knocking someone will open the hatch and make the decision on whether you can or can’t come in (usually dependent on numbers already in the bar). Here you can sip on a mean cocktail and relax on vintage sofas whilst listening to the dulcet sounds of a live piano.

To Do

Bristol Savages – Red Lodge, Park Row, Bristol BS1 5LJ
Back in 1904, a collection of various artists, musicians and various other entertainers came together to create an independent space where they could show case their work, and still to this day that is the case. Not many people know about the Bristol Savages Art Club (which is why the locals love it) but this historic boutique art exhibition is one of Bristol’s real hidden gems.

Clifton Lido – Oakfield Place, Bristol BS8 2BJ
This Bristol pool is one of the oldest surviving Lido’s in the UK dating back to 1849. After going through a huge restoration, this fantastic pool and spa is now open to the public. Tucked amongst the residential houses of Clifton, you can enjoy an outdoor swim in the heated pool, one of their fantastic spa treatments or a sauna and steam room to unwind after a few lengths.

St. Nicholas Market – Corn St, Bristol BS1 1JQ
This vibrant market is right in the centre of Bristol. Divided into three sections, ‘St. Nicks’ market is full of boutique items and quirky characters. Independent food stalls from all over the world, clothing brands and furniture shops make it a great place to wander round. Along with a weekly farmers market you’ll be able to pick up some of the best local produce.

The lively St. Nicholas Market, Bristol City

To Shop

Rag Trade Boutique – 2 Upper Maudlin St, Bristol BS2 8DJ
Bristol is home to many vintage shops mainly aimed at students looking to pick up a bargain however the girls at The Rag Trade have created a different type of second hand boutique. Realising that women only wear 10% of their wardrobes, they encourage you to bring in any designer piece in good condition in which they will swap for cash, thus creating an Aladdin’s cave of affordable designer gear for you to explore.

Fig – 206 Gloucester Rd, Bristol BS7 8NU
This independent shop is located on the trendy Gloucester Road in Bristol and sells beautiful handmade gifts, bespoke jewellery, limited edition prints and cards. The artists are always changing which make it a great place to visit more than once to see what new creations are available.

Cox & Baloney – 182-184 Cheltenham Rd, Bristol BS6 5RB
Originally a boutique tearoom serving up a variety of their very own tea brand and homemade cakes, Cox & Baloney has now expanded their tea venture into creating Bristol’s only tearoom slash vintage shop. Full to the brim with vintage clothing, accessories and furniture, shoppers will be able to explore this treasure cove of vintage lifestyle and then pop into their adjoining café for a unique tea experience.

Cox & Baloney in Bristol