Whether it’s hidden speakeasies or rooftop bars, Bristol can serve a cocktail in style. We’ve officially got some of the coolest cocktail bars in the UK. Many of whom will be shaking up the city for the eagerly anticipated second edition of Bristol Cocktail Weekend this September.
Back for more spirited fun, from September 26 to 29, the cocktail extravaganza is Bristol’s biggest showcase of mixology – featuring signature cocktails, food deals and incredible events. And by grabbing a ticket for Bristol Cocktail Weekend (starting at £10), you’ll have access to it all – with over 30 Bristol venues participating, each offering exclusive cocktails and mocktails.
Each participating venue will be crafting its very own signature cocktail for £6, with an accompanying mocktail at £5. The Hendrick’s Gin Hub at Bambalan will be at the heart of the action, joined by renowned spots including Milk Thistle, Her Majesty’s Secret Service, The Cocktail Club and The Botanist, with 2023’s Bristol Cocktail Weekend Cocktail of the Year winner, Flight Club, also returning for the chance to reclaim the crown.
It’s not just unique crafter cocktails either – many bars will offer exclusive food discounts, including a 25% discount on food at waterside spot Rick’s and 25% off sourdough pizzas at Flight Club. Guests can also head to Filthy XIII to unlock the renowned venue’s signature cocktail and hot dog pairing for just £12, or swing by The Colosseum for a rump steak with chimichurri for just £10.
Elsewhere, there’s a pre-festival five-course cocktail pairing dinner at Hotel du Vin on Wednesday, September 25. On Thursday, September 26, Crying Wolf joins forces with Black Cow Vodka to present guests with an exclusive martini masterclass and Hyde & Co welcomes a takeover from Birmingham’s award-winning Fox & Chance. Meanwhile, The Library will host a one-off immersive candle-making workshop (with 12-year Scotch from The Balvenie) on Saturday, September 28.
“Bristol Cocktail Weekend is back for a second year and it’s bigger and better than ever!” said Alex Nicholson-Evans, Bristol Cocktail Weekend’s founder. “We’ve got even more bars serving up exclusive £6 signature cocktails and £5 mocktails, a fantastic selection of food offers to keep everyone fuelled and this year’s programme of events presents some truly unique experiences! Whisky candle making anyone?!”
Bristol Cocktail Weekend will also be showcasing live music and DJs across the weekend. Join Death Disco on Friday for an evening of cocktails, slushies, and electronic DJ, Ross Wilson. On Saturday, The Golden Crane will then offer late-night live music, incredible cocktails and kimchi cheese toasties on the dance floor. Head to the Clayton Hotel both nights for classic instrumentals infused with modern DJ mixes, courtesy of Mark Fortnum.
What else is happening over Bristol Cocktail Weekend?
- Hotel du Vin and Harvey Nichols will both offer 20% off the bar classics and nibbles menus
- Harbour Bar & Kitchen will be taking 20% off main courses.
- Lost & Found and Bomba Tapas & Cocktails will both be offering 10% off food bills for wristband holders.
- Clayton Hotel will be offering its signature cocktail with a Mini Clayton Slider & Chips for just £15, or a snack board and signature cocktail combo for £12.
- The Raven will host a unique evening filled with Dominos and Daiquiris on Friday, September 27 with a free daiquiri on arrival, and a range of prizes to be won in a friendly domino’s competition
- Harbour House will host a sensory journey with a Silent Pool Gin Aroma Class. on Saturday, September 28 – guiding cocktail lovers through the aromatics and botanicals of ultra-premium gin, before curating their own perfume.
- Filthy XII will host the last event of the festival, Smash Burger Sunday with Jack Daniels.
The full venue line-up:
Bambalan, Be At One, Blame Gloria, Bomba Tapas, Bristol & Bath Rum Distillery, Bristol Harbour Hotel: The Harbour Bar & Restaurant, Brozen, Clayton Hotel, Cosy Club, Crying Wolf, Death Disco, Dirty Martini, Flight Club, Filthy XIII, Golden Crane, Harbour House, Harvey Nichols, Her Majesty’s Secret Service, Hotel du Vin (City Centre), Hyde & Co, Milk Thistle, No.1 Harbourside, The Botanist, The Bristol Hotel (Rick’s), The Clockwork Rose, The Cocktail Club (Corn Street & Triangle), The Colosseum, The Granary Club, The Library, The Lost & Found, The Raven, The Wellhead, Tonight Josephine, and 6 O’clock Gin Boat.
Tickets to Bristol Cocktail Weekend start at £12. A wristband grants access to the cocktails and mocktails which have been created exclusively for festival goers, as well as all the food offerings at participating venues and the special events taking place throughout the weekend. To get your tickets head here.