We’ve mentioned The Milk Thistle’s sister site Hyde & Co before. If you’ve heeded our advice and headed down to Bristol’s worst kept secret, you might have a sense of what to expect from their other prohibition-style bar. But, far from a bloated copy, there are plenty of unique wonders to unearth.
Oozing sophistication and style, The Milk Thistle is well-known for its eclectic decor set over four floors – think antiques, taxidermy, bookcases and mismatched seating. Furnishing aside, its the cocktails that truly standout. An ever-changing menu largely focuses on classic cocktails you know and love, but with unique twists, as well as the knowledgeable bartenders’ unique concoctions.
On top of the regular menu, attendees can also peruse the cocktail bars monthly specials – which only inspire repeat visits. As well as cocktails, there is also a healthy selection of wines, local beers and ciders. The Milk Thistle’s wonderful bartenders are also more than happy to create something individual to your tastes. Unsurprisingly then, it was voted one of the best cocktail bars in the UK earlier this year. And has countless other awards to its name too.
You might think a four floor cocktail bar in the city centre, housed in a historic Bristol building, would be hard to miss. But The Milk Thistle makes no song and dance about its existence. Situated next door to The White Lion, nearby the cenotaph, it looks like a historic block of flats. Only a small black sign next to the door reveals its true intentions.
Inside, there are four main areas. This includes two decadent main bars, the attic – featuring a dining room and bar for private parties – and a whisky vault hidden below street level. Down here you can discover a range of world-renowned whiskies – and it is available to hire for tastings. The Milk Thistle also has an outdoor terrace overlooking the city centre.
If that wasn’t enough, The Milk Thistle also wants to share their in-depth cocktail knowledge with guests too. Special cocktail masterclasses are available for parties of anything from eight to 30 people. So whether after a quick and classic Negroni, or wanting to travel the world of whiskies, make The Milk Thistle your next destination.