All the best places to eat and drink in Bristol’s sun traps

We all know that Bristol is the best place to be once the sun gets its hat on, but do you know the best joints in town to soak up some rays whilst you have a good munch and sup a cold beverage?

Well, look no further, because here are the sexiest sun traps in town:

1. Bambalan 

bambalan

The biggest terrace in the city, with plenty of seating, ping pong tables and jazzy decor. The perfect spot to enjoy their Fizz Thursdays and colourful cocktails on a sunny day.

2. Grain Barge

I’ve spent many a full summer’s day sat on the top deck of this boat, waving at passing ferries and honking at swans. Plus once the sun goes in you can head downstairs for some live music or just to chill in a cosy corner.

3. The Victoria Park

victoria park pub bristol

A lovely neighbourhood pub with a big sloping garden, which gives lovely sunset views over Dundry. They also have a pizza oven and regular fun events, hurrah!

4. Beese’s

A little way out of town but worth the trip, Beese’s is a local institution and for good reason. The best way to get here is by ferry from the centre (a scenic 40min trip), and once you’re there you can enjoy a nice Sunday roast or cream tea.

5. The Gallimaufry

the gallimaurfy
Via Indies in Bristol

Gloucester Road‘s place to be seen no matter what the time of year, but it’s when the sun’s out that the front terrace of this place really comes in to its own. The perfect spot for people-watching whilst you slurp on a cider.

6. Royal Oak

royal oak

Another large pub on Gloucester Road, the garden is bigger than the pub itself, with a play area for the kids and an outside bar & pizza oven for busier days.

7. St Werburghs City Farm Cafe

city farm cafe

Not just a quirky building in a nice setting, this cafe also serves up some delicious food; much of it sourced from the allotments across the road! If their little balcony is too busy you can always pop to The Farm pub next door and sit in their lovely big garden to bask in the sunshine.

8. Mud Dock

mud dock

Tucked away above a bike shop next to the harbour, their balcony offers some of the best views for boat watching in town.

9. The Spotted Cow

the spotted cow

A summertime staple for the residents of Bedminster & Southville – the garden is bigger than the pub itself and is the perfect spot for a lazy weekend session with friends.

10. The Grace

the grace garden
Via The Grace

One of the only pub gardens along Gloucester Road, and worth a visit for sure. Make sure you try some of their yummy small plates or pizzas, or their roast is reported to be one of the best in town.

11. Spoker & Stringer

Another harbourside gem, just a few doors down from Brigstow Lounge in fact (sunny pub crawl perhaps?). The interior is hip and the tapas here is first rate – get involved.

12. Zero Degrees

zero degrees outside

Two of the finer combinations on a summer’s day: a pint of Zero Degrees’ mango beer, drank on their balcony overlooking the centre. Grab a pizza while you’re there too; you’ll probably be sticking around for a while.

13. The Pump House

the pump house bristol

One of the more refined watering holes down the far end of the harbour, not only is the food great, but they have one of the best collections of gin in the country (over 400 and counting!), so you can work your way through some exciting G&T combinations…

14. Arnolfini

arnolfini

What says summer more than dangling your legs over the Quayside outside the Arnolfini?

15. The White Lion Bar 

white lion bar bristol
Via White Lion Twitter

There may be pubs that are more atmospheric, but the views of the gorge and suspension bridge from its terrace are unrivalled. Definitely worth a pint for the wow factor of the scenery alone.

16. The Apple

The Apple Bristol

No sunny day drinking list would be complete without this Bristol icon – obviously cider is at the forefront of activity here, but I also implore you to try one of their ploughman’s, or be adventurous and order one of their cider cocktails. You’re not a true Bristolian until you’ve lost a day to The Apple, FACT.

Fancy more like this? Check out Shonette’s guides on her blog A Life Less Organised.

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