With the sun occasionally creeping out and British Summer time almost here, a drink at one of the rooftop bars in Bristol is definitely overdue after the bitterly cold winter- and we’ve got to make the most of the warm weather. Here are some of the best rooftop bars in Bristol for you to visit and take in insane views of the city.
1. Bambalan
Possibly one of the top outdoor dining spots in the city for views, Bambalan is an urban paradise. Located in the heart of the city up in the Beacon Tower, this rooftop bar has a magical tropical vibe, especially during the evenings. Bambalan’s terrace has plenty of outdoor seating as well as canopies to take cover from the unpredictable British weather. Plus, Bambalan is bringing back their Terrace Sessions events this summer, which feature top DJs on the decks and delicious food and drink- we can’t wait!
Bambalan, Podium Level, Beacon Tower, Colston Street, BS1 4XE
2. Clifton Observatory
If you’re after a view, you’ve certainly got one here! Clifton Observatory is based right by Clifton Suspension Bridge making it the perfect destination as rooftop viewpoint. The bar serves up a selection of drinks including G&Ts, wine and generously-topped, indulgent hot chocolates, as well as wonderful views overlooking Clifton Downs and the River Avon. The restaurant and bar less than four miles away from the city centre is a great place to stop at after an evening stroll in the Downs or for weekend plans with friends and family.
Clifton Observatory, Litfield Place, BS8 3LT
3. Zero Degrees
The Bristol brewery helped get us through lockdown with their beer to takeaway but nothing quite beats a refreshing pint of craft beer out in the sunshine. Now Zero Degrees is back pulling pints, we’ll be sipping a beer on their rooftop as well as devouring some damn good pizzas and garlic fries too. The brewery has three balconies and a terrace to catch the sun from and the brewery recommends a pint of their mango beer for it to truly taste like summer, which we can’t wait to get our hands on.
Zero Degrees, 53 Colston Street, BS1 5BA
4. Grain Barge
Ok, hear us out. It may be a deck as opposed to a rooftop but the views you get up on Grain Barge match some bars higher above sea level. The Grain Barge started its life as an engineless transport barge that carried barley and wheat from Bristol to Cardiff across the Severn Estuary, but now you can enjoy a few bevvys on board their top deck. Sipping local cider, hearing the hubbub by the waterside and taking in views of Bristol Harbour are exactly the ways you should spend a sunny weekend.
Grain Barge, Mardyke Wharf, Hotwell Road, BS8 4RU
5. Under the Stars
Another boat, another deck- it’s Bristol after all! The magical Under the Stars boasts a top deck perfect for an outdoor meal or pint, or both, plus provides you with views down the harbour. Under the Stars describe themselves as “a floating Mediterranean tapas restaurant”, plus they are keen to feature recipes on their menu inspired by the places visited by ships leaving Bristol Harbour. Their top deck is also covered by a canopy and the boat is moored at Narrow Quay. Be sure to say “Ahoy there!” to one of their seasonal cocktails too.
6. The White Lion Bar
A marvellous spot to visit all year round, The White Lion Bar in Hotel Du Vin boasts some of the best views in the city, such as Clifton Suspension Bridge and hills of Somerset in the background. This spring and summer you can enjoy lounging on their terrace, specially created for those warm days. Dine on beautifully presented meals and say cheers to freedom with refreshing cocktails and pints, but be quick as this rooftop spot gets booked up super fast.
The White Lion Bar, Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin, Sion Hill, Clifton, BS8 4LD