Daytime Drinking in Bristol

Bristol's most celebrated rooftop bottomless brunch where every Saturday transforms into an Ibiza Day Sesh — live DJs, unlimited prosecco, Bloody Marys, beer, cider, and Dr Feel Good cocktails flowing from 10am alongside proper brunch dishes. The Hyde & Co group have created something genuinely special at the foot of Beacon Tower: a sun-soaked terrace with views across the centre towards the waterfront that makes afternoon drinking feel like a holiday rather than a Tuesday. Gets absolutely packed when the weather cooperates, with groups settling in for long sessions that blur effortlessly into evening. Winter months bring the party inside with the same energy, just with added cosiness. Bristol's definitive bottomless brunch destination — the one everyone recommends when asked.

Brutalist 1960s icon opposite St Mary Redcliffe Church, recently reinvented by the World Famous Dive Bars group — the team behind Mother's Ruin and The Crown — into Bristol's most characterful late-night drinking destination. The covered terrace gazing out at one of England's finest Gothic churches provides a backdrop that no amount of interior design budget could replicate, while the Mediterranean-inspired tapas and handcrafted cocktails make afternoon sessions genuinely pleasurable. A 24-hour licence means sessions can theoretically continue until 4am, making this the rare afternoon drinking spot with serious staying power. The iconic yellow lettering has been preserved, the dive bar soul maintained, and the roof garden plans promise even more outdoor drinking to come. Bristol's most architecturally distinctive afternoon venue.

Perched on the edge of the Avon Gorge with the Clifton Suspension Bridge filling the view to the right and Leigh Woods across the gorge — this is simply one of the finest outdoor drinking settings in England, full stop. Part of the Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin, the huge terrace is the definitive Bristol afternoon drinking spot when the sun appears, with craft ales, gourmet food, and views that justify every penny. Gets packed fast on sunny days as locals descend to claim their spot — arriving early is essential. The gorge backdrop makes even a disappointing pint taste better, though the drinks are reliably excellent. Perfect for impressing visitors, celebrating something, or simply reminding yourself why Bristol is one of the UK's finest cities.

Converted 1930s barge moored on the Harbourside, where the rooftop top deck delivers panoramic views across the floating harbour and towards the SS Great Britain while you work through a menu of Bristol Beer Factory ales. The dog-friendly policy, live music programme, and rotating seasonal menu create the kind of relaxed afternoon atmosphere that's genuinely rare — this feels like a local secret even when it's full. Cosy indoor nooks handle inevitable British weather, but the top deck is where afternoon drinking comes into its own on sunny days. The combination of extraordinary setting, quality local beer, and genuine character makes this one of Bristol's most beloved outdoor drinking spots. Day drinking on a barge overlooking Bristol's harbour is, objectively, an excellent life choice.

The quintessential Bristol view from a rooftop terrace that's earned its reputation as the city's finest vantage point — panoramic harbourside views taking in the colourful houses of Redcliffe Parade, the floating harbour, Prince Street Bridge, and MShed all from one gloriously positioned outdoor space. The highly-prized terrace tables fill up fast when the sun appears, so arriving early is essential. Inside, the cycling-themed cafe bar creates a charmingly Bristol atmosphere, while the seasonal food menu and well-chosen drinks list make extended afternoon sessions entirely comfortable. Perfect for first dates, visiting friends, or any occasion that deserves a backdrop rather than just a bar. Bristol's most coveted outdoor seats on a sunny afternoon.

Converted Victorian tram shed turned microbrewery and bar with a rooftop terrace and three small balconies delivering views across Bristol's Old City — count the ancient church spires while you work through beers brewed in the copper tanks visible behind the bar. The Beat the Clock happy hour makes afternoon visits economically irresistible, while the wood-fired pizzas fuel sessions admirably. The combination of extraordinary architecture, on-site brewing credentials, and outdoor space creates an atmosphere unique to Bristol. The Mango Beer alone justifies an afternoon visit. Perfect for craft beer enthusiasts who want their drinking to come with genuine brewing heritage and a view of medieval spires. One of Bristol's most architecturally remarkable afternoon drinking destinations.

Floating Mediterranean haven on a restored cargo ship moored on the Harbourside — handcrafted cocktails, fresh tapas, and stone-baked pizza enjoyed on a rooftop deck twinkling with fairy lights while the harbour waters lap below. The cosy wood-panelled interiors handle any weather, but the spacious rooftop deck is where afternoon drinking becomes genuinely magical. Live music and open mic nights mean there's usually entertainment beyond just the harbour views. The combination of unique floating venue, quality drinks, and Harbourside location creates an experience that couldn't happen anywhere but Bristol. Perfect for date afternoons, group sessions with a difference, or anyone who wants their afternoon cocktails served with a side of maritime atmosphere. Bristol's most romantically situated afternoon drinking spot.

One of Bristol's most beloved traditional pubs, famous for the working model train that trundles around the bar — a detail that's delighted drinkers for years and makes this one of the most genuinely unique pub interiors in the country. The real ales are excellent, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the beer garden out back provides proper outdoor drinking space when the weather cooperates. A characterful, truly broken-in pub with invariably excellent ale and a cosy atmosphere in winter that's matched only by its garden charm in summer. The kind of pub that every city needs but few manage to preserve. Perfect for afternoon sessions that feel properly local rather than curated. Bristol's most characterful traditional pub.

Cider boat moored on the Harbourside — a genuine working vessel converted into Bristol's most unique pub, serving a vast range of ciders and perries alongside decent beer in a setting that makes afternoon drinking feel like an adventure. The specialisation in cider gives it credentials that most pubs can only dream of, while the harbourside location adds that holiday vibe to weekday afternoon sessions. Dog-friendly, wallet-friendly, and with the kind of relaxed atmosphere that makes ordering another cider feel entirely reasonable. Hidden away behind the SS Great Britain in a spot that rewards those who seek it out. Perfect for cider enthusiasts, curious drinkers, and anyone who wants their afternoon pint served on an actual boat. Bristol's most nautically adventurous afternoon drinking destination.

Gloucester Road institution with an extraordinary range of draught ciders, craft beers, and cask ales alongside a reputation as one of Bristol's finest sports pubs — multiple screens, HD projectors, and sports table service mean you never miss a moment of the action. The weekly open mic nights, live music every Saturday, and pub quiz every Monday create a buzzing community atmosphere that makes afternoon sessions feel like participating in neighbourhood life. The broad drinks selection, affordable pricing, and genuine local character make this a reliable afternoon destination regardless of what sport's on. Perfect for groups who want their afternoon drinking served with live sport and proper pub energy. Gloucester Road's most beloved daytime drinking institution.

Brewery, pub, kitchen, and bar all under one roof — the combination of on-site brewing credentials, excellent craft beer, and a proper pub atmosphere makes afternoon sessions here feel genuinely worthwhile rather than just convenient. Masterclasses for groups who want their afternoon drinking to come with educational credentials, alongside a hearty food menu of piled-high burgers and freshly pulled pints. The brewing tanks visible from the bar give every pint extra credibility, while the relaxed atmosphere welcomes everyone from craft beer enthusiasts to people who just want a good pint somewhere interesting. Dog-friendly and sustainably minded throughout. Bristol's most complete brewing pub experience.

Clifton Village institution with a three-tiered secret garden that's one of Bristol's most coveted outdoor drinking spaces — sun-soaked terraces with proper pub vibes just a five-minute walk from the Suspension Bridge. Recently refurbished in March 2025 with an upstairs bar boasting large windows overlooking The Downs, the Mall pairs its outdoor credentials with cosy indoor spaces and an extensive wine list for year-round viability. Sunday jazz and wine club from 5pm make it a genuine destination rather than just a convenient local. Dog-friendly, family-welcoming, and beloved by Clifton residents who consider it theirs. Perfect for lazy afternoon sessions that feel properly neighbourhood rather than tourist-facing. Bristol's finest secret garden pub.