Whether you’re in search of a cocktail bar, a quiet space to sample high-quality whisky or a lively venue frequented by a younger crowd, Bristol has it covered. Our guide to the best bars in Clifton leaves you spoilt for choice when deciding where to get your pints on a night out in one of the most popular cities of England.
A night out in Clifton is not complete without paying a visit to the world-famous The Coronation Tap. The only bar in Clifton to merit its own terminology, getting ‘corried’ is the way to have a fantastic night out while knocking back a few drinks at the oldest, and only, cider house in Bristol. Their large selection of ciders are served in half-pints only and the lively atmosphere guarantees entertainment into the late hours of the night. Also a live music venue, The Coronation Tap is a frequent haunt for Bristol’s students and Clifton visitors. 8 Sion Place, Clifton, City of Bristol, UK, +44 117 973 9617
Manos Liquor Bar is the go-to for classy cocktails in all of Bristol, let alone Clifton. The courtyard seating and leather sofas in the lounge create a stylish and sophisticated atmosphere to sip on the equally sophisticated cocktails. There’s an extensive menu of long, short and sparkly cocktails. Centrally located and open until late, Manos Liquor Bar is a top choice for sampling new and inventive drinks made by expert mixologists.
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Berlin-inspired Hausbar brings European cool to the quaint Clifton neighbourhood. The speakeasy-style atmosphere and extensive cocktail list creates a unique atmosphere in Clifton, away from the usual strip of bars and pubs. The only way to enter the dimly lit bar is by ringing a doorbell. A previous winner of the ‘Best Service’ title at Bristol Cocktail Week, Hausbar has garnered a loyal following, so it’s best to call ahead and book a table if you want to secure a seat for your group.
Looks like it's closedHours or services may be impacted due to Covid-19
Wine enthusiasts visiting Bristol’s Victorian suburb of Clifton will be nothing short of delighted after a few hours spent at The Quadrant. This establishment, centrally located in Clifton village, is a tapas bar by day and a wine bar by night; a growing menu of over 30 international wines will have you buying by the bottle. The intimate wine cellar often hosts wine tasting events for an alternative evening out, catering to novices and connoisseurs alike.
Once you ring the doorbell and enter Hyde & Co, this prohibition-era themed bar takes you back to a time of secret rooms and delinquent drinking. The decor immerses guests in the 1920s speakeasy atmosphere. A secret private room, vintage lampshades and a piano (for the musically inclined) can be found in the dimly lit room, creating a relaxed drinking space for the cool, calm and collected Cliftonites. The cocktail menu dominates the drink choice, with extensive classics and specialities on offer.
Amoeba’s venue offers a snug place to kick back and drink a beer in the heated and covered back garden area or the cosy candlelit interior. Specialising in craft beer, Amoeba has over 70 craft beers from around the globe to choose from, and its menu encourages creative choices of drink. Off the beaten track Amoeba is tucked away down one of the notorious hidden back-roads of Clifton. Weekend DJ’s and lavish decorations secure Amoeba as one of the best bars in Clifton. 10 King’s Rd, Bristol, City of Bristol, UK +44 117 946 6461
The Woods is inconspicuously located just off Park Street. The bar spans two separate rooms, where animal heads and insects decorate the walls. Rustic seating and cosy chesterfields for intimate parties or large groups are available. While the menu boasts a variety of exciting beers and spirits, The Woods is beloved by locals for its exceptional whisky, the quality and range unlike any other in Clifton village.
Cliftonites head to The Somerset House to start the night. A fashionable candlelit gastropub with vintage radios and bare brick walls, this pub is a chilled out place to have a drink. The champagne and gin dining room serves over 60 varieties of gin with a full range of fever-free tonics, creating exciting twists and turns on the classic British gin and tonic. Wine lists may change with the season, but The Somerset House is an appealing bar any time of the year.
Her Majesty’s Secret Service has gained recognition at the Bristol Cocktail Week for having the best atmosphere. Its unique wartime theme explores secret intelligence gatherings and espionage through dark oakwood furniture and a portrait of Winston Churchill. Fiery and complex cocktails adorn the pages of a passport-style menu. Whiteladies Gate, Whiteladies Road, Bristol, +44 808 227662
Alterego is located right at the heart of the Whiteladies Road strip, and is Clifton’s best sports and cocktail bar. Alterego is all about the game, screening up to five games simultaneously and covering every live major sporting event on ten HD screens, including two large projectors. With an appetising array of cocktails on the menu, a lively night is guaranteed. Alterego also offers cocktail lessons, including three cocktails and one shot. A popular joint for students and stag-do’s alike, Alterego is the perfect bar to go out and get loud.
