Summer is here (kinda) and the sun is shining (sometimes), so we all spend as much time outside as we can. Drink in hand, sunscreen on our face. Thankfully, Bristol has some wonderful waterside pubs. (In fact, you can find some pretty cheap pints around Bristol’s harbour.) But some of the most memorable riverside pubs for a drink are actually a little further outside of Bristol. We realised you could probably take a riverside pub crawl along the Avon towards Bath, soaking up some spectacular sights of the river. Here we go!
If you want to take a different look at this riverside pub crawl along the Avon, here’s a handy map to plan your route.
1. Beeses
Starting at the edge of the city in Brislington, Beeses self-proclaims to be ‘Bristol’s best kept secret’. We’re pretty sure everyone knows about this riverside pub in Bristol now, but that doesn’t stop it from being one of the best beer gardens for miles. Only open from April to the end of October each year, you’ll want to start this pub crawl before the winter comes. But who wants a pint on the river when it is cold, anyway?
The best way to travel there from Bristolis by ferry. With both the Bristol Ferry and the Bristol Packet offering trips along the Avon to Beeses. The tranquil setting is what summer days were made for. While on Friday nights, the pub becomes very lively thanks to weekly live music.
Beeses, Wyndham Cres, Brislington, Bristol BS4 4SX
2. Old Lock & Weir Inn
Okay, so we’re only one pub in, but now we have a double-whammy. Still in Bristol, but only just, is the very proper English pub, Old Lock & Weir Inn. Specialing in ale and cider (so we’re definitely still in Bristol), this traditional pub has a huge beer garden and serves freshly prepared British grub to fuel you up. It’s dog-friendly too!
Old Lock & Weir Inn, Ferry Rd, Bristol BS15 3NU
3. Chequers Inn
Sitting right next door to Old Lock & Weir Inn is the Chequers Inn – you’ve got to love British thinking sometimes! A little more, shall we say, fancy: Here you’ll find cask ales and craft beer, fine wines from around the world and a collection of craft gins, as well as a seasonal menu made using British ingredients. The pub garden on the banks of the River Avon, with calming and relaxed atmosphere, ain’t half bad either. During the winter months, however, you can still enjoy the views cosied up by the log fire!
Chequers Inn, Hanham Mills, Ferry Rd, Bristol BS15 3NU
4. Lock Keeper
You’ve made it to Keynsham along this riverside pub crawl, well done! There used to be a nightclub in the cellar of this rustic pub in the 70s, which dates back to the 1700s. But today we’re just visiting to listen to the river Avon babbling away and watch the water falling over the weir. The Lock Keeper’s huge pub garden provides plenty of room to spread your achy legs after a long walk. During the summer months, it’s Burger Shack provides a much-needed energy refuel.
Lock Keeper, Keynsham Rd, Keynsham, Bristol BS31 2DD
5. Jolly Sailor
We all know Bristol’s history with pirates, but we doubt you’ll come across raiding buccaneers while having a drink at the Jolly Sailor. This charming Inn, dating from 1726, overlooks the Saltford Lock on the River Avon and has a cosy atmosphere compared to other spots on this riverside pub crawl. With an ivy-covered exterior, enviable views, proper British food and an overall traditional pub feel – the Jolly Sailor feels like it belongs to another era. (You still won’t see any pirates, mind.)
Jolly Sailor, Mead Ln, Saltford, Bristol BS31 3ER
6. Riverside Inn
When you’re called the Riverside Inn, you better have some stonking views of the river. Sat between the Saltford Brass Mill and Saltford Marina, it more than provides. The beautiful location often hosts weddings, parties and wakes. If that gives you any indication of the quality you can expect. Hungry? The Riverside Inn offers a range of both traditional English dishes and Latin Caribbean-inspired cuisine, as well as wood-fired pizza. While, if you want to break this riverside pub crawl up a bit, you can always spend the night in the hotel too.
Riverside Inn, The Shallows, Saltford, Bristol BS31 3EZ
7. The Boathouse
We hope you’ve filled up on food and drink because it’s a bit of a trek to the next pub, but you’re almost in Bath! The Boathouse sits on the very edge of the city. A lovely country pub with picturesque views and a relaxing riverside pub garden. You even dine alfresco out here, tucking into a menu of classic pub food, from fish ‘n’ chips to Sunday roast. Inside, roaring log fires will keep you warm in the winter, while guest rooms provide a place to kip at night.
The Boathouse, Newbridge Rd, Bath BA1 3NB
8. The Locksbrook Inn
Technically it sits on the canal, rather than the River Avon, but it is close enough. (Literally and figuratively.) Anyway, you’ve finally made it to Bath and our final stop on this riverside pub crawl. So who cares! Better make it a double! The Locksbrook Inn is a beautiful spot too. Very much a modern pub, you’re still treated to stunning views of the water that you (by now) know and love on its patio garden. Soak it in, you deserve it!
The Locksbrook Inn, 103 Locksbrook Rd, Bath BA1 3EN
If you want to take a different look at this riverside pub crawl along the Avon, here’s a handy map to plan your route.