The best beer in Bristol

Located in good company on Bristol’s legendary King Street, Small Bar has been pouring 31 of the best beers around since 2013. Choosing from the rich pool of locally brewed beers first, then topping up its selection with a few world-class international breweries, we feel spoilt for choice every time we set eyes on the ever-changing chalk boards behind the bar. Not sure if there’ll be enough space for you and your mates? Don’t let the name fool you, there’s additional seating upstairs, or sit out front and enjoy King Street’s ever-bustling atmosphere.

This spectacular building is centrally located in Finzels Reach. Directly next to the river and accessible via the iconic sweeping Castle Bridge, this glass-fronted tap room truly is one of a kind. With plenty of sociable bench seating both inside and out on the covered terrace, tasting flights are available as is a menu of vegetarian and vegan delights from Mission Pizza, making this the ideal place to relax with a few mates and enjoy some proper beer. 

As part of the Wapping Wharf development, this Wild Beer Bar has large windows, sociable bench seating, window seating that is ideal for people watching, and an attractive outdoor area complete with deck chairs. Serving up a selection of its own beers alongside hand-picked brews from around the UK and further afield, these guys also offer up an interesting and varied food menu that will complement your beverages perfectly.

If you’re in town on a Friday or Saturday afternoon and in the mood for a delicious beer in relaxed surroundings, poured by knowledgeable people who really care about the brews they serve, the Moor Beer Company tap room is a must visit. Stay for one, two, or a few from the carefully curated selection of beers and enjoy the wide-ranging flavours accompanied by paella on Friday nights and dub, ska, funk and soul DJs on Saturday nights.

Just a stone’s throw away from the Bristol Beer Factory brewery itself, these guys have five ever-rotating hand pulls showcasing their latest brews, eight keg lines, and fridges chock-a-block with chilled beers just waiting to be cracked open. Pop in to pick up a few bevvies for takeaway or stay and enjoy a couple of pints in the bright, friendly interior alongside likeminded beer lovers.

With 13 draft products, 17 bottled beers and a famous cocktail menu, The Pipe and Slippers has created a drinker’s paradise. It focuses on local brews with a few handpicked worldly specials. The popular pub regularly features breweries like New Bristol Brewery, Lost and Grounded, and Bristol Beer Factory, and also has an impressive range of non-alcoholic options to choose from, too. Not one to miss.