I went in search of Bristol’s best pubs – here are my six favourites

I moved to Bristol two years ago seeking community and good times, and I’m pleased to say that the city has delivered on both fronts. Bristol’s lively pub scene certainly helped me settle in. Its best boozers embody all that’s brilliant about this city, with its indie spirit, thriving music scene and sense of togetherness. These qualities can also be seen in its brewing scene, with more than 20 indie breweries in and around the city. Among them is Bristol Beer Factory, which won Camra’s Champion Beer of Britain 2026 for Independence, an American pale ale, and has three pubs and a tap room in the city. But I’ve selected six of my regular haunts, which will make Bristol feel like home to visitors too. Nova Scotia One of my favourite things to do when people visit me is take them on the ferry to Nova Scotia. Not the Canadian province, the pub at the far end of the harbour. The community-owned ferry sails past Brunel’s SS Great Britain on the way out. The maritime theme continues inside the Nova Scotia, which has nautical charts as wallpaper and a Victorian bar originally designed for a ship. The Nova Scotia has a nautical theme During Bristol’s seafaring heyday, the end-of-terrace tavern was a popular hangout for dockworkers, and the pub still gets rowdy when Bristol City are at home. Folk evenings are also lively. As for the name, it’s a reference to the Bishop of Bristol John Robinson negotiating the cession of Nova Scotia from France to Britain in 1713. The walk back into town goes via Underfall Yard, a working dock, as well as the Cottage Inn (another great pub), a steam railway, and Banksy’s Girl with a Pierced Eardrum. All in all a proper Bristol day out. The King’s Head Truly one of a kind, this grade II-listed pub is considered of national importance by the Campaign for Real Ale thanks to its exquisite Victorian interior. The mirrored back bar, featuring embellished wood and gilded ads for long-defunct brands, is thought to be the oldest of its kind in Britain. Also delicately preserved here is the art of conversation. Barstools and a cosy snug built in the style of a tram carriage create an intimate atmosphere. “We do like people to talk,” says barman Sam Williams, who can hold court on everything from Beat Generation literature to the local pub scene. The beer selection is outstanding and the clientele a mix of regulars and passers-by on busy Victoria Street. “Oh, and it’s haunted, apparently,” says Sam. Barman Sam Williams enjoys chatting to the clientele at The King’s Head The Bank Tavern Most visitors to Bristol miss this small, wood-panelled pub, hidden down an alleyway in the city centre – and all the better for maintaining its relative obscurity. “We’re the last locals’ hangout in the old city,” says manager Ed Del-Nevo, pouring me a pint as the pub fills up. Standing since the 1800s, this freehouse has survived riots, the Bristol Blitz and unsympathetic post-war planners. It’s not just a boozer; the food is award winning and the Sunday roasts legendary. Like all good locals, there’s a pub quiz, plus occasional karaoke with a live band. While most punters are on first-name terms with the staff, the Bank Tavern is very welcoming to outsiders. Its proximity to live music venues Electric Bristol, Strange Brew and Rough Trade makes it a popular spot for pre-gig drinks. The Bank Tavern has been going since the 19th century The Old Duke The epicentre of Bristol’s nightlife, cobbled King Street is a pedestrianised road lined with crooked pubs and pumping bars – and The Old Duke is the jewel in its crown. Britain’s live music scene would be much poorer without this 18th-century pub, which is a nationally significant venue for jazz and blues. On some nights, when it’s packed with jiving punters and the booze is flowing, you could almost be in New Orleans. The Old Duke stands directly opposite another historic pub, The Llandoger Trow Except this is very much a Bristol institution. In fact, some of the old city walls are incorporated into the pub, which has changed little over the years. The nicotine-stained ceiling and worn barstools are a pleasing reminder that this pub is in the business of good times, not curated aesthetics. And boy, do the good times roll: there’s music every night and admission is always free. The pub’s in storied company, too. The Llandoger Trow opposite is said to have inspired Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe and Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson. The Pipe & Slippers One of my locals, The Pipe & Slippers embodies the DIY, indie spirit that the Gloucester Road is renowned for (the opening of the Tesco next door infamously sparked a riot in 2011). “The Gloucester Road has changed so much over the years, so it’s reassuring having a place like this,” says Bristol-born owner Pato Rudland. “We’re an old school boozer, but with bar-quality service and banging roast dinners.” Shorts Of the 15 beers on tap, 13 are brewed within the city limits. The back bar, meanwhile, rivals that of most cocktail joints. The pub’s signature drink, Pipe Dream, is a take on the infamous Zombie with legendary status locally; it comes with a disclaimer: no more than two per person. Rooted in the community, the Pipe, which hosts local DJs at the weekend, funnels some of its profits towards efforts to alleviate food insecurity. Special mention goes to Hillgrove Porter Stores, another reassuringly traditional pub just up the hill. The Albion One of Bristol’s oldest inns, the Grade II-listed Albion is tucked down a cobbled street in well-to-do Clifton Village, about 10 minutes’ walk from the suspension bridge. The Albion is a favourite in well-heeled Clifton Village With the feel of a cosy country pub (roaring open fire, wooden floorboards), this former coaching inn was built for distinguished visitors to the city, and still attracts a discerning crowd. Many come for the food, which runs the gamut from posh bar snacks like black pudding Scotch eggs to à la carte specialities, such as whole roast pigeon and braised ox cheek. Despite this being a gastro pub, drinkers are welcome and the beer is good. Its Traitors dinners are also popular among Clifton’s faithfuls.