Bedminster and Southville, the BS3 postcode south of the river, are where a lot of Bristol's energy has moved. North Street is a run of independent cafes, bars and shops anchored by the Tobacco Factory; the area hosts Upfest, Europe's largest street-art festival; and it's home to some of the city's best restaurants, including the Bib Gourmand COR. Affordable-ish, creative and close to the centre, it's one of the most liveable parts of Bristol. Here's the guide.
Just over the river from the centre (walk the Gaol Ferry Bridge from Wapping Wharf), BS3 splits loosely into leafier Southville around North Street and more workaday Bedminster around East Street.
What to do
- North Street: the heart of it, lined with independent cafes, bars, bottle shops and the Tobacco Factory, a converted factory with a theatre and a Sunday market.
- Upfest: the huge street-art festival returns across Bedminster and Southville over roughly 17 days in late May, leaving murals up year-round. See our street art guide.
- East Street market: traditional Bedminster shopping and markets, grittier and cheaper than North Street.
- Gaol Ferry Bridge: the quick walking link over to Wapping Wharf and the harbourside.
Where to eat and drink
BS3 punches well above its weight for food. COR and Other both hold Michelin Bib Gourmands, Sonny Stores is a tiny, brilliant neighbourhood Italian, and Peggy's (formerly Tincan) does excellent coffee and brunch on North Street. For a pint, The Coronation on Dean Lane is a proper community local with a well-loved roast. See our best restaurants guide for more.
What it's like to live there
Southville and Bedminster are popular with young professionals, families and creatives priced out of Clifton: close to the centre, full of independents, and cheaper than the north-west of the city, though rising. Southville is the smarter, leafier end; Bedminster the more mixed and affordable. For how it compares, see our neighbourhoods guide.
The honest alternative
If BS3 is getting too popular (and prices are climbing), Easton to the east offers a similar diverse, independent feel for less. But for a visit, North Street on a weekend, with the street art, the food and the Tobacco Factory market, is one of the most enjoyable and least touristy afternoons in Bristol.
FAQs
What is Bedminster known for in Bristol?
Bedminster and neighbouring Southville (the BS3 area) are known for North Street's independent cafes, bars and shops, the Tobacco Factory arts venue and market, the Upfest street-art festival, and a strong food scene including the Bib Gourmand restaurant COR. East Street is the traditional shopping heart.
Is Southville a good place to live?
Yes, it's one of Bristol's most popular areas: close to the centre, full of independents, with a strong community feel. Southville (around North Street) is the leafier, smarter end and Bedminster the more affordable, though prices across BS3 have risen.
What is there to do in Bedminster and Southville?
Explore North Street's independents and the Tobacco Factory, see the Upfest murals, browse East Street market, and eat at some of the city's best restaurants. It's a short walk over the Gaol Ferry Bridge from the harbourside.
When is Upfest in Bedminster?
Upfest, Europe's largest street-art festival, returned in 2026 and runs across Bedminster and Southville over roughly 17 days in late May. It's free, and many of the murals remain to see year-round.