Bristol’s best places for Halloween

What better way to celebrate Halloween than in a Harry Potter-esque speakeasy? The Library is an exclusive and private secret cocktail lounge that’s perfect for pre/post dinner cocktails or to unwind with friends. The settings are suitably characterful: ancient-looking tomes line the walls, there’s plenty of plush leather armchairs, and the retro lamps and dark wooden dining tables will make you feel like you’ve stepped back into the 1920s. It’s eclectic – cosy but unlike anything you’ve seen before – and there’s a killer drinks menu to boot. Sit back and enjoy the Library Spritz, complete with vodka, apricot spirit, apricot brandy, and Delamont Champagne, and immerse yourself in a different world entirely!

Bambalan is an all day dining restaurant specialising in fresh and light fare. The menu includes mezze sharing platters, hearty salads and grilled meats from the clay oven. The venue is large and the atmosphere is always buzzing — making it an ideal spot to get the party started if you’re going out this Halloween! Celebrate with some frighteningly good tipples (like the Dangerzone cocktail — a heady mixture of gin, Campari, blood orange and passion fruit), and soak up Bambalan’s liveliness!

Even the name of this place sounds positively halloween-y, doesn’t it ?  A welcoming high-street pub serving up some of the best burgers, wings and pulled pork in Bristol, The Hobgoblin always holds plenty of spooky themed events in October. From haunted halloween quizzes to scary drink specials, it’s the perfect spot to celebrate. Happily, the food here is also top-notch. Burgers are the order of the day; we love the Double Bubble (a double beef burger stack with crispy bacon and American cheese), and the veggie halloumi burger (topped with fresh salsa and coriander mayo). If you’re celebrating with friends, there are great sharing plates — from nachos with pulled pork, spicy bean chilli, and loaded fries, no one will leave hungry.

Deep in the heart of Bristol’s Old City, hidden in one of the most historic buildings, you’ll find The Raven – a clandestine cocktail bar for those looking to experience things a little differently. Perfect for Halloween, you’ll be asked to leave your preconceptions at the door and to immerse yourself in the world of turn-of-the-century witchcraft, cocktails and jazz, where “nothing” the team say, “is quite what it seems”. If you’re feeling extra spooky, why not partake in a tarot reading and delve into the world of magical symbolism with The Raven’s resident seer? Sessions last 15 minutes and take place each Thursday — book now to avoid disappointment!

Mud Dock Café is your haven for warming up this spooky season! Indulge in the Mexican coffee, a delightful blend of brown sugar, cream, cinnamon and cocoa powder that’ll leave you feeling cosy and content. If you’re in the mood for something more substantial, why not try the pancake stack topped with caramelised apple, chocolate sauce and toasted pecans. After all, if Halloween isn’t a time to indulge in lots of sugar, when is?!

For a laid-back Halloween, Bocabar Paintworks is the spot. It’s got a seasonal menu brimming with autumn flavours, featuring everything from pumpkin-topped pizzas to festive drinks. The rustic, chilled vibe is perfect if you’re looking to enjoy the season in a relaxed setting. The staff are friendly, the prices are reasonable, and it’s a great place to kick off a night out.

Pieminister captures the enchantment of Halloween with a menu that truly embodies the season! As leaves change and the air turns crisper, there’s no better time to savour the comforting warmth of a hearty pie. Among the offerings, you’ll discover seasonal creations like pumpkin, goat’s cheese and red onion pie, or the hearty chicken and portobello mushroom pie, where each bite encapsulates the rich, earthy flavours of autumn. If this year’s Halloween specials are half as tasty as last’s years ‘Seven Deadly Sins pies’, then we’re in for a real treat!

Hyde & Co Prohibition Cocktail Bar beckons as the perfect haunt for Halloween revellers! This hidden gem not only offers a unique experience reminiscent of the Prohibition era, but also serves as an ideal destination for those looking to celebrate Halloween in style. This bar’s mysterious and sophisticated ambiance provides the perfect backdrop for a night of Halloween festivities — enhanced by the (sometimes spooky, always delicious) cocktails. Whether you’re drawn to classics or contemporary concoctions, Hyde & Co Prohibition Cocktail Bar invites you to enjoy the art of mixology in a captivating setting that’s ideal for a Halloween celebration.