Bristol has been a cider city for centuries, and three venues do it properly: the Coronation Tap in Clifton, a cider house since long before craft beer existed; the Apple, a converted barge moored on Welsh Back; and the Orchard Inn, a 190-year-old corner pub on Spike Island. Between them you'll find everything from scrumpy poured straight from the cask to a wide range of West Country farmhouse ciders.
The Coronation Tap, Clifton
Known locally as "the Cori," the Coronation Tap at 8 Sion Place, Clifton, BS8 4AX is one of Bristol's oldest and best-known cider houses, with a pub on the site since the 18th century - older than the nearby Clifton Suspension Bridge. It specialises in exhibition-strength cider poured from the cask alongside a range of other ciders and bottles, and it hosts regular live music. It's open from 5.30pm Monday to Friday and from 7pm on Saturdays; it doesn't publish Sunday hours online, so call ahead (0117 973 9617) if you're planning a Sunday visit. It's a short walk from Clifton and the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
The Apple, Welsh Back
The Apple is a genuine converted barge moored on Welsh Back, Bristol, BS1 4SB, right on the Floating Harbour, with a huge range of ciders and perries served alongside harbourside views. It's open Monday to Thursday from 4.30pm to midnight, Friday and Saturday from midday to midnight, and Sunday from midday to 10.30pm. It's a natural stop if you're already exploring the Harbourside and Old City, and it closes for a few days over Christmas, so check ahead if you're visiting late December.
The Orchard Inn, Spike Island
Formerly known as the White Horse and trading since 1834, the Orchard Inn at Hanover Place, Harbourside, BS1 6XT is a traditional corner pub best known for its extensive range of West Country ciders and real ales, plus a weekly blues jam. It's open from 4pm to 11pm on Mondays, midday to 11pm Tuesday to Saturday, and midday to 10pm on Sundays. It sits on Spike Island, within easy reach of the SS Great Britain - see our SS Great Britain ticket guide if you're combining the two.
Why Bristol does cider well
Bristol sits close to the orchard country of Somerset and Herefordshire, and the city has traded and drunk West Country cider for generations, well before craft beer arrived. That history shows in venues like the Coronation Tap, which has been serving cider for longer than most Bristol pubs have existed at all. Traditional West Country cider is often stronger and drier than the mass-market bottled stuff, and served straight from the cask rather than a keg, so if you're new to it, ask staff for a recommendation before committing to a pint of the strongest one on the board.
Quick reference
- Coronation Tap (Clifton): 5.30pm-late Mon-Fri, 7pm-late Sat, Sunday hours unconfirmed - The Apple (Welsh Back): Mon-Thu 4.30pm-midnight, Fri-Sat midday-midnight, Sun midday-10.30pm - Orchard Inn (Spike Island): Mon 4-11pm, Tue-Sat midday-11pm, Sun midday-10pm For pubs more broadly, including food-focused options, see our best pubs in Bristol guide, and for local breweries and taprooms rather than cider specifically, our breweries and taprooms guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Apple really a boat?
Yes, it's a converted barge permanently moored on Welsh Back on Bristol's Floating Harbour, with seating on deck as well as inside.
Which cider bar is best for a first visit?
The Coronation Tap is the most historic and the classic Bristol cider experience, especially if you're already exploring Clifton. The Apple and the Orchard Inn both suit a harbourside day out and have a wider range of ciders to work through.
Can I get food at these venues?
They're primarily drinking venues rather than restaurants, though snacks are typically available; check with each venue directly if a full meal matters to your plans.
Is the Coronation Tap open on Sundays?
It doesn't publish Sunday opening hours, so call ahead (0117 973 9617) if you're planning to visit on a Sunday.
Are these venues suitable for groups?
All three are traditional pub-style venues used to a mix of regulars and visitors, but for larger groups it's worth calling ahead, especially at the Coronation Tap on live music nights.
Is Bristol cider stronger than normal cider?
Traditional West Country cider served at venues like these is often stronger and drier than mass-market bottled cider, so if you're new to it, ask staff for a recommendation rather than starting with the strongest option on the board.