Rooftop Bar in Bristol: 8 Places to Drink with a View

Bristol is a gateway to the South West of England and is a city with a proud spirit and bold personality. The city streets are filled with friendly faces and are easily navigable with lots for you to do; are you interested in checking out art galleries and museums? Or maybe you are looking for some retail therapy. If that is the case, take a look at these places for shopping in Bristol! If you would rather spend time in nature there are some lovely greenspaces to enjoy as well, and in fact, this was the first city in Britain to earn the title of European Green Capital.

When you are visiting such a beautiful city you will want to spend as much time outside as possible. The next time that you go out for dinner or to meet up for some drinks with friends, try finding a table at one of these rooftop bars in Bristol so you can drink with a view. But first, find somewhere to store your bags safely in Bristol. Bounce can stow your shopping purchases and extra gear while you admire the view!

Old Market Assembly

What's it like:

This rooftop bar in Bristol is home to a gorgeous rooftop terrace and is arguably the top spot to go to catch the sunset in Bristol. It is also a great spot to attend events and watch performances since it is often used as a live music venue. They are proudly a member of the Sustainable Restaurant Association so you can eat in confidence knowing that they are conscious about the environment.

This is a fantastic place to go for a casual meal and entertainment. Invite some friends and grab a few drinks! Of course, we suggest sitting on the outdoor terrace, but if the weather isn't cooperating or it is too cold you can be nice and toasty inside, thanks to the wood burning stove.

Our recommendation:

Check their website to see what kind of events are happening while you are in town! If you want to make sure that you will get a spot, book a reservation in advance. You will need some drinks while you watch the performances so why not try something unique like the bar's very own brand of gin? Are you convinced about visiting the Old Market Assembly? Come grab a seat on their outstanding rooftop garden terrace!

Location:

You can find them at 25 West St, Bristol BS2 0DF, United Kingdom.

Urban Roof Terrace

What's it like:

Looking for somewhere to meet new people, nibble on delicious food, and sip on some tasty drinks? This urban rooftop terrace is the place to go! Many people say that this is one of the coolest rooftop bars in Bristol and the open air bar spoils its customers with a spectacular view over Castle Park. The Urban Roof Terrace is situated in the lovely Bristol Marriott City Centre hotel.

Other than the views, this bar also features some stunning artwork by talented locals. You can really get comfortable here in their bean bag chairs or deck chairs while sitting under the fairy lights of the terrace. It gives off real cozy garden party vibes, especially with the outdoor games that they have like a ping pong table.

Our recommendation:

This is one of the places that you will want to go with friends, so try putting together a small group. If you want to make the most of your evening we recommend trying to make it in time to watch the sunset.

Location:

This place is sort of a hidden gem and can be a little hard to find but you shouldn't have any trouble if you head to 2 Lower Castle St, Bristol BS1 3AD, United Kingdom.

Clifton Observatory

What's it like:

The Clifton Observatory functions as both a café and a bar, depending on the time of day. It is one of the lovely Bristol rooftop bars where you can admire the North Somerset countryside from above! The observatory was once abandoned but after lots of love and renovation, it was given new life. At one point it was an exciting cultural space used as an artists' studio but is now a buzzing hub for social gatherings and meeting up with friends.

Although it has been transformed, the Clifton Observatory is still proud of its history which began back in 1766. There is even a self-contained museum lying inside the venue. They serve everything from gin and tonic to wine and even some sweet and indulgent hot chocolate. Admire the River Avon and Clifton Suspension Bridge while you sip on your drink.

Our recommendation:

It is important to note that the Clifton Observatory is sometimes used as a venue for events and will be closed to the public during those times. Otherwise, the 360-degree view terrace is open to everyone including dogs, so bring your furry friends along with you!

Location:

The Clifton Observatory is the prime spot for drinking in Bristol with a view. You can find this bar at Litfield Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3LT, United Kingdom.

Bambalan

What's it like:

Bambalan is one of the more popular bars in Bristol and you will soon understand why. It features ample outdoor seating for those warm days, and if the sun goes away and rain takes its place there is no need to worry! They have some canopies that can keep you sheltered from the elements.

You will almost feel like you are away on vacation in this urban paradise situated on the bustling waterfront. There is more than enough room to meet up with friends or for a family event since Bambalan features one of the city's biggest sun trapping terraces. Make sure that you stop by this modern restaurant serving great snacks and even better drinks at least once during your stay in Bristol.

Our recommendation:

Bambalan puts on regular events in the summertime. They are called Terrace Sessions and you won't want to miss out! These nights feature live music by DJs as well as fantastic food and drinks. If you can't make it to the event you should at least visit them for their happy hour which is from 4 pm to 9 pm.

Location:

You will find Bambalan perched way up on the Beacon Tower in the heart of central Bristol. You can reach them by heading to the Podium Level, Colston Tower, Colston Street, Bristol BS1 4XE, United Kingdom.

White Lion Bar

What's it like:

Come to the White Lion Bar for a spectacular view of the city, sure to get you almost as excited as the fantastic drinks and food on their menu. They have a mega rooftop bar on a beautiful and spacious terrace. It's perfect for enjoying the nice weather on a sunny day as you take in the Mendip Hills of Somerset in the distance. You will find this private rooftop terrace bar on the side of one of the nicest Bristol hotels.

This is a pretty popular bar and sometimes it can get busy. If you want to guarantee yourself a spot try to get there a bit early since they do not accept reservations. You will want to stay for a while to try their fantastic cocktails, draught beers, and something from their list of international wines.

Our recommendation:

When you are ready to order from their menu you will have lots of great options. Hungry? We recommend macaroni cheese which is made with tasty pasta and delicious creamy cheese. While you are here make sure that you look at the Clifton Suspension Bridge in the distance, or see if you can spot some hot air balloons floating over Leigh Woods!

Location:

The sun catching roof terrace on the Hotel Du Vin boasts some of the best panoramic views of Bristol city centre. Their address is Avon Gorge Hotel, Sion Hill, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4LD, United Kingdom.

Grain Barge

What's it like:

For an experience like no other head to the Grain Barge! This place is different from the others on the list because, instead of being in a building, you will actually be on top of the water! You should go out for drinks on Bristol's floating bar at least once during your stay in the city.

The bar is moored right on the water and won't actually be moving so you can enjoy the same stunning view of the inner city environment all night. The boat that you will be dining on was actually a transportation barge from the 1930s so you can enjoy a bit of local history at the same time. They also serve some of the best local craft beers and ciders.

Our recommendation:

If there are any seats available, definitely try to grab a spot on the top deck. This is where you can get the best views of the historic SS Great Britain moored nearby! It is also a pretty cool place to be at night as you drink on the water with the night sky above you.

Location:

To reach the Grain Barge just head to the bustling waterfront of the Bristol Harbour! Their full address is Hotwell Rd, Bristol BS8 4RU, United Kingdom.

Zerodegrees Microbrewery

What's it like:

Zerodegrees Microbrewery is a Bristol beer factory that has three separate terraces so you can choose whichever outdoor space best suits your mood! Take your pick from a relaxing dining garden, a pleasant outdoor terrace, or an exciting balcony. The views from the balcony are spectacular and you might even be able to see the Bristol Cathedral from there.

This will be a favorite for all beer lovers and the drinks served here are pretty unique. Zerodegrees Microbrewery is proud to offer non-pasteurized or filtered beers that do not contain any additives. You can almost say that they are healthy and it is a great excuse to order more than one!

Our recommendation:

Zerodegrees features an impressive drinks menu of craft beers with several different varieties available. We recommend the fruity and seasonal mango beer. You'll need some food to go with it; order a yummy pizza with a side of garlic fries.

Location:

This is one of Bristol's finest local brewers so you can expect flavorsome craft beers anytime that you visit Zerodegrees Microbrewery! To reach them make your way to 53 Colston St, Bristol BS1 5BA, United Kingdom.

Under the Stars

What's it like:

Under the Stars is much more than just a gorgeous waterside terrace, it is actually a floating Mediterranean tapas restaurant. Similarly to the Grain Barge listed above, you will get to dine in style on top of the water. The food they serve follows the same theme and is inspired by the different voyages that have been made by the boats from Bristol Harbour.

This is the optimal destination for sunny days. Nothing beats soaking up the sun on the waterfront, after all! If it gets too hot you can always move under the canopy of the upper deck. As for drinks they offer whisky, gin and more beverages from their cocktail bar.

Our recommendation:

Under the Stars is definitely one of the best rooftop bars in Bristol for a romantic date. Bring your partner for a fun date night on the water! While you are here, try one of their seasonal cocktails.

Location:

Under the Stars is moored and ready to welcome you at the Narrow Quay in Bristol. Find them at Narrow Quay, Bristol BS1 4QA, United Kingdom.

The Best Alfresco Dining Restaurants and Bars Bristol Has To Offer

Just by taking an evening stroll around Bristol, you will get to see how lively the city can really be as you pass by entertainment seeking hoards of locals and tourists trying to find the top place to eat in the city.

The next time that you fly into Bristol Airport, head to the city, and want to eat somewhere with a view you should try going to one of the places above. They are some of the best alfresco dining restaurants in Bristol. Eating or enjoying a cocktail on a huge terrace high up on a rooftop can really make your evening an unforgettable experience.