Bristol's best pubs run from King Street's historic timber-framed inns to harbourside gardens and serious craft-beer bars. For heritage, the King's Head and the Llandoger Trow; for a waterside pint, the Ostrich; for beer geeks, Small Bar and the Barley Mow. Here are ten worth the walk, all confirmed open for 2026, with what each does best.
Bristol has no shortage of pubs, so this is about the ones with real character rather than a full list. Areas and specialities noted so you can pick by mood.
1. The Bank Tavern
Old City. A tiny, much-loved backstreet pub, nationally famous for a Sunday roast whose entire 2026 diary sold out in about 11 minutes. The weekday kitchen and the atmosphere make it worth a visit any day. ££.
2. The King's Head
Photo: thekingsheadsbristol.co.uk
Redcliffe, Victoria Street. A Grade II-listed 1660 pub with a unique tram-car snug, the only Bristol pub on CAMRA's National Inventory for its interior. Reopened by Good Chemistry Brewing and beautifully preserved. ££.
3. The Ostrich
Harbourside, Lower Guinea Street. Right on the water with one of the city's best beer gardens, Butcombe ales and a big rum list. The pick for a sunny afternoon by the harbour. ££.
4. The Barley Mow
St Philips, near Temple Meads. Bristol Beer Factory's flagship: eight hand-pumps, ten keg lines, proper kitchen food and a walled garden, in a rescued Victorian pub. ££.
5. Small Bar
Photo: smallbar.co.uk
Old City, King Street. Thirty-one taps focused on South West and independent breweries, over two floors, famously served in two-third measures so you can try more. A craft-beer benchmark. ££.
6. The Llandoger Trow
Old City, King Street. An iconic timber-framed 1664 inn steeped in pirate and Treasure Island lore, restored and trading again. As historic as Bristol pubs get. ££.
7. The Volunteer Tavern
St Jude's, near Cabot Circus. A Grade II-listed one-room pub with a large heated garden behind old walls, four rotating local ales and a veggie-friendly kitchen. A hidden gem. ££.
8. Zerodegrees
Photo: zerodegrees.co.uk
City centre, Colston Street. A brewpub in former horse-tram sheds, with house lagers and pale ales brewed on site and stone-baked pizza over two floors. Good for groups. ££.
9. Kongs of King Street
City centre, King Street. More late bar than pub: retro arcade machines, ping pong, craft beer and cocktails, with DJs until 3am at weekends and free entry. For a lively night. ££.
10. The Coronation
Southville, Dean Lane. A friendly, keenly-priced community local with trad and vegan food, quizzes and live music, and a genuinely local feel. £.
Also worth a pint
Both confirmed open: The Bag of Nails on King Street (an eccentric real-ale pub with resident cats) and The Drapers Arms in Horfield (a multi-award-winning micropub).
The honest alternative
If you just want a good pint near wherever you are, Bristol rarely disappoints; wander King Street or the harbourside and you'll fall into something decent. Save the trek across town for the King's Head or the Barley Mow when you specifically want heritage or serious beer. For clubs and live music, see our Bristol nightlife guide.
FAQs
What are the best pubs in Bristol?
For heritage, the King's Head (Redcliffe) and the Llandoger Trow (King Street); for a harbourside pint, the Ostrich; for craft beer, Small Bar and the Barley Mow; and for a famous Sunday roast, the Bank Tavern. All are confirmed open for 2026.
Which Bristol pub is best for a Sunday roast?
The Bank Tavern is the most celebrated, though its 2026 roast bookings sold out almost instantly. The Coronation and several others do excellent roasts too; see our dedicated best Sunday roast in Bristol guide.
Where are the best pubs for craft beer in Bristol?
Small Bar on King Street (31 taps of South West and independent beer), the Barley Mow (Bristol Beer Factory's flagship) and the Zerodegrees brewpub are the standouts for craft and cask.
What is the oldest pub in Bristol?
Among the historic contenders, the Llandoger Trow dates to 1664 and the King's Head to 1660, both on or near the Old City. Both are restored and open, and both are steeped in the city's maritime history.