20 Best Bristol Beer Gardens and Terraces

These Bristol beer gardens are among the best places in the city to enjoy the summer months! All of these pub gardens are expansive, charismatic, and have tasty food and drink selections. 

One of the best things to do in Bristol is to enjoy its rich culinary scene, and lots of these pubs have great options for food, as well as unique drinks.

If you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy a drink or two, have some delicious pub grub or simply a place to catch up with friends, check out this list of fantastic pub gardens in Bristol!

Best Bristol Beer Gardens: the harbourside and city centre

Arnolfini

Arnolfini is a popular art gallery in a prime spot in the centre of Bristol. Outdoors, it has the Arnolfini bar, which has epic harbourside views! This is a sunny terrace where you can enjoy an alfresco pint or glass of wine. 

They serve burgers, with four options – beef, chicken, veggie and vegan. This pub garden has the added benefit that you’ll be able to see some art while you’re there too (it’s free to enter the art gallery!). 

The Ostrich

The outside of The Ostrich pub in Bristol

The Ostrich is one of my favourite pubs in Bristol. It was built in 1745, and the story of its name is contested – some say that it is because of a market stall outside that used to sell feathers; others say it took the name from a boat moored nearby. 

It has a super spacious garden with lots of undercover heating, perfect for those days when the weather can’t make up its mind. Or if it’s a fine day, you can sit right by the River Avon and watch the world go by.

As well as local and international drinks, they sell delicious burgers and chips – try the dirty fries! If you’re vegetarian or vegan, don’t worry – they do a mouthwatering vegan burger and dirty hippie fries.

The Ostrich is a Butcombe brewery pub. This is a group of pubs and a beer brand based in Somerset and Bristol. All ordering is done by the Butcombe app. If the app doesn’t work for any reason, they can take your order in person. 

The Ostrich doesn’t take bookings – tables are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Apple

Bristol is the best city for cider – the place is full of cider lovers. You can try lots of different types of the South West’s favourite beverages at The Apple, Bristol’s only cider boat, with one of the biggest selections of cider brands in the city.

The boat itself isn’t a pub garden, but they have an outdoor area with loads of space in front of the boat. It’s always busy as it’s right in the city centre, but you usually won’t be queuing for long.

Definitely try the cider while you’re here – it’s why the boat is famous! They have a wide selection, and my favourite is Rich’s Medium Cider. However, if you’re not a fan of cider, there is wine, beer and spirits on offer too. Don’t tell too many people in Bristol that you don’t like cider, though – there’s almost a religious obsession with the stuff here!

King Street Brewhouse

King Street Brewhouse is – as the name suggests – located on King Street near the busy city centre, and it’s another one of my favourite venues in Bristol. It has a huge outdoor area that takes up half of King Street, with marquees to protect it against bad weather!

They serve a variety of different drinks here, including beers made on-site, local cider, and plenty of spirits, including a selection of gin. If you’re hungry, they also serve pizza. 

It’s easy to order at King Street Brewhouse – just use the City Club App, which you can use at other participating venues too. With each order, you accrue points for money off food and drinks!

The Old Duke 

The Old Duke is right next to King Street Brewhouse – they actually sometimes get mistaken for the same pub as they are so close! This King Street pub is famed for its live music – in fact, it is foremostly a music venue, although it does have a large seating area outside. 

Usually, gigs take place indoors and play a variety of music – from Jazz music inspired from New Orleans to blues tunes. They normally have live music nightly, as well as during Sunday lunchtime.

They offer a range of drinks and a small food menu. 

Hole in the Wall

The Beer Garden of the Hole in the Wall Pub, Bristol

The Hole in the Wall is a historic gastropub located right by Queen Square in the Old City. It was established in the 18th century and was named ‘Hole in the Wall’ because it had a literal hole in the wall. 

Press gangs used to disembark from their boats near the Hole in the Wall, and they would go to local pubs to find drunk patrons. They would then kidnap them and force them to work aboard their ships! These involuntary sailors would have to undergo perilous journeys to America and other destinations, and many never returned home.

However, publicans would use the spy hole of this pub to look out for press gangs. When somebody spotted one, everybody would hide and hopefully avoid being recruited into a life on the seas. 

Nowadays, the Hole in the Wall is simply a lovely place to enjoy a range of beverages and high-quality pub food. 

The Grain Barge

The Grain Barge is a little different to the other beer gardens on this list because it’s entirely on a boat! This is one of the coolest places for a date in Bristol or a fab spot to meet up with your friends!

Run by the Bristol Beer Factory, The Grain Barge has a cosy downstairs area as well as an expansive upstairs. 

From here, you can enjoy the epic ever-changing view of the Bristol Harbour, watch kayakers and paddleboarders go past, and of course, sample their extensive food and drink menu.

If you’re into beer, the Grain Barge is a delight – there is a fabulous selection of beers from the Bristol Beer Factory, made about a mile away in Southville! They also have plenty of ciders, different flavour gins, and some cocktails.

You’ll also be able to enjoy the extensive food menu at the Grain Barge. They have various delicious small plates, including fries with vegan aioli, which is one of the best dips I’ve ever tried. They also serve delicious pies if you need something hearty while you brace the elements!

Service at the Grain Barge is top-notch as well – the waitstaff are incredibly friendly and helpful. It’s one of my favourite Bristol beer gardens because of this! 

The Cottage Inn

The Cottage Inn is the sister pub of The Ostrich. It only has a small outdoor seating area, but it’s one of the best places in Bristol to catch harbourside views – look out for the iconic Cliftonwood coloured houses on the other side of the River Avon.

Like The Ostrich, it is a Butcombe pub, so you can use the app to order your food and enjoy refreshing, award-winning Butcombe beer.

This venue serves up local fish and seafood, as well as sharing platters – and on Sundays they do a mean roast. They don’t have the most impressive selection of vegetarian and vegan food, but there are a few options. 

The Pump House

With epic views over the bridge and a lovely, almost holiday-like atmosphere, The Pump House is a must-visit pub just west of the harbourside. As the name suggests, The Pump House is located in a historic pumping station that dates back to Victorian times. It still showcases many of its traditional features from these days. 

They serve up delicious drinks, including cocktails, beers, ciders and spirits, and tasty food in their harbourside garden. Away from the normal pub classics, you’ll be able to enjoy dishes like Cornish gouda dumplings, aubergine koji miso or River Fowey Mussels. In the winter months, try a glass of warming mulled wine or baileys and hot chocolate!

Bristol waterfront

Pub Gardens in Bristol Old Market

Left Handed Giant

I’m not sure if Left Handed Giant counts as a pub garden, but it’s one of my favourite places in Bristol! It brews and sells various beers and ciders and has a really tasty pizza menu. Try the Kale Rider or the New Yorker – they’re immense. 

Left Handed Giant is located just across the river from Castle Park – it is connected to the park by a bridge. There’s a small covered terrace outside, but if it’s full, you can get takeaway and enjoy your food and drink in Castle Park! 

 The Punch Bowl

I only discovered the Punch Bowl recently, and it’s already one of my favourite beer gardens in Bristol. It’s located in the Old Market area of Bristol and is housed in a building dating back to 1806.

As well as the expansive pub, there’s a traditional beer garden at the back. It’s got a friendly, local atmosphere, and as it is in the middle of the city centre and there are only 68 seats in the pub, tables do fill up – so you can book your spot on their website. 

Try one of their punch bowl cocktails, or enjoy traditional pub classics like a pint of local beer and a warming lunch! They have plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, including a vegan pie for Sunday lunch.

Bristol pub gardens in Clifton

Clifton Suspension Bridge 12

The White Lion

If you want to sit on a huge terrace with plenty of seating overlooking the Clifton Suspension Bridge and Avon Gorge, there’s no better place than The White Lion in Clifton Village – which has one of the most beautiful beer gardens in Bristol. It is well worth venturing up the steep hills of Bristol for the view – but be warned, it does get busy, especially the prime seats right by the gorge!

The White Lion serves up plenty of different draught and bottled beers, cider, gin and lots of other spirits. It also serves classic pub meals – salads, burgers and pizzas – with some vegetarian and vegan options. Prices are higher here – and if I’m honest, the food is better elsewhere – but you are paying a prime for that fantastic view. 

One other note when you’re visiting The White Lion – take your proof of age ID if you think there’s any chance the staff on the door will ask you for it. I was nearly not let in when I was 27 because I didn’t have my ID! 

The Mall

Based in Clifton Village, one of the most popular places to stay in Bristol, the Mall has a lovely terrace. While the walled garden is often full (it does have a huge indoor area downstairs though!), it is a friendly pub with delicious food and drinks, so it is well worth checking out!

The Mall has a cosy atmosphere, and they serve a range of small plates, lunches and dinner to suit any palate. They have a few veggie options, although unfortunately, they don’t serve a vegetarian roast dinner.

The Cambridge Arms

This pub is more in Redland than Clifton, but it’s just a short walk away from Whiteladies Road. It’s one of Bristol’s most traditional pubs, serving up traditional pub favourites, excellent Sunday roasts and a range of cider, beer and other drinks.

It’s also got one of the best pub beer gardens in the area – it traps the sun really well, so it’s a great place to visit on a spring or summer afternoon.

Racks Bar

Racks Bar is more of a food venue, but it has a great outside space. Located by the Clifton triangle, Racks has a covered and heated terrace. It’s perfect for the colder months if you still want to enjoy alfresco dining! 

Racks Bar serves up plenty of delicious food items on its various menus, including vegan fish and chips (highly recommend!), salads, pizza, wraps, sausage and mash, and pasta dishes. It also has an extensive gin and wine menu!

Pub gardens in Stokes Croft and Gloucester Road

Driving past Cheltenham Road sign

Stokes Croft Beer Garden

Stokes Croft Beer Garden is a huge outdoor space in the centre of Stokes Croft, and it can seat up to 150 people. This is a unique space as it hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, summer and Christmas parties, and even private parties. Take a look at their website to see what’s on!  

The Bristol Flyer

The Bristol Flyer has one of the biggest beer gardens in the city. They’re known for their huge range of drinks and delicious food – it’s so good, in fact, that it’s got a popular takeaway menu on Deliveroo

They serve up burgers, delicious sides, spicy cauliflower wings and more. Drinks-wise, you’ve got cocktails, wine, beer and a range of other options! 

The Bristol Flyer is located in buzzing Bishopston, a really fun place for a night out. 

The Full Moon and Attic

The Full Moon and Attic outside area in Stokes Croft, Bristol

The Full Moon and Attic Bar are located at the start of Stokes Croft, right by James Barton roundabout. It’s considered one of the best pubs in Bristol because it has a huge beer garden spanning over its courtyard.

The venue actually consists of two bars, a live music nook, two restaurants and a backpacker’s hostel – so you could say it’s the place to be! 

You can purchase food from two on-site eateries. The Pizza Kitchen serves up delectable Sicilian pizza, and Taco Station, who serve authentic Mexican tacos. I’ve personally never tried these tacos, but the stall is run by a Mexican chef who has taken the recipe straight from Mexico City. I lived in Mexico City when I was younger and concur that the photos do look like very authentic tacos!

The Full Moon is more of an institution than a pub garden – and it’s one of the best places in Bristol for a night out. 

The Grace

One of the two pubs in Bristol named after local cricketer William Gilbert Grace, The Grace has a cosy outdoor space with heaters. They pride themselves on their outstanding service and delicious drinks and food.

They have an extensive drinks menu featuring cocktails, spritzes and gin, as well as lots of soft drink, so it’s a great place to visit for people who want to drink something a little different. Also, you’ll find a variety of pub staples as well as less traditional dishes here. Visit on Sunday for a roast if you can, as The Grace is famous for them! 

Cat & Wheel

The Cat & Wheel has whopping three outdoor spaces and is one of the most popular pubs on Gloucester Road, located near The Arches. It’s the perfect spot for a friendly, laid back night out.

They have screens that show sporting events, karaoke, and a huge range of drinks. Try one of their eight real ales and ciders, or stick to a gin and tonic! 

The Anchor

Anchor Pub Garden
Thanks to The Anchor for letting me use this photo!

The Anchor is one of the biggest pubs in Bristol. It’s a popular sports bar, but it’s also somewhere to visit if you’re not into football.

The Anchor serve a bottomless brunch every day. This consists of 90 minutes of unlimited drinks – choose from beers, prosecco, gin and tonics or non-alcoholic drinks. For food, there are options like a delectable pancake stack or a cooked full English.

If you’re there after brunch, The Anchor has an extensive menu consisting of subs, burgers, hot dogs, and dishes like mac and cheese, sharing dishes, and loaded fries. If you don’t want to drink alcohol, no problem – there are plenty of smoothies and shakes to enjoy. 

The indoors is expansive, but there are plenty of seats in the summer beer garden too.

The Hobgoblin

The Hobgoblin is a small independent on Gloucester Road. It has a friendly beer garden – it’s not the largest, but as long as you get there early, you should be able to nab a seat in the sun! 

The main reason to visit the Hobgoblin, as well as its friendly atmosphere, is for its delectable stacked burgers and loaded fries. These dishes are famous – and are the main reason why the pub has so many dedicated patrons! 

Pub Gardens in Bedminster and Southville

The Spotted Cow

Located on North Street, Bedminster, The Spotted Cow is a renowned Bristol institution. It has a huge outdoor beer garden that traps the sun, so it’s a wonderful place to while away the afternoons in the warmer months and enjoy some alfresco drinks! It does have a food menu with a few good options – although it isn’t the best for veggie food.

The Ashton

Deer at Ashton Court

The Ashton is a lovely pub with an extensive garden located right by Ashton Court, one of the best places for walks near Bristol. This is technically Long Ashton, but you can easily walk here from Southville (and the city centre or Clifton!). 

The massive terrace looks out over Ashton Court, and it’s the perfect space to enjoy a cocktail, a glass of wine or a cider in the sun. The Ashton serves up delicious gastropub food – I recommend visiting on a Sunday and enjoying a Sunday roast! They even do a great veggie option. 

Amazing pub gardens in Bristol…

Whether you’re looking for the pub that serves freshest pints or an outdoor terrace for a relaxed drink after work, this list of Bristol beer gardens has tonnes of recommendations – perfect for the hotter months! Most of these venues have an excellent house menu, and some even play a variety of music, so you’re spoiled for choice!

Whether you’re living in Bristol and want to try somewhere new, or are just exploring the city for a weekend, there should be something for you on this list of beer gardens in Bristol.

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