Our top venue picks in Bristol
Bristol is a city rich in cultural heritage, boasting some of the UK’s best loved sights. From Brunel’s SS Great Britain, to the Clifton Suspension Bridge with views spanning the picturesque Avon Gorge, to the modern graffiti of one of the world’s most famous artists – Banksy. This cultural diversity is reflected in Bristol’s eclectic range of venues.
Clifton plays host to numerous upmarket event spaces, situated between the Victorian town houses, while the vibrant Harbourside has seen trendy bars and restaurants pop up at incredible speed. Bristol is known for its lively independent music scene, demonstrated throughout areas like Stokes Croft, with venues to match lining the streets.
Whatever your taste, Bristol will have something for you! Here are our top venues in Bristol for 2022.
Beeses
Known as ‘Bristol’s Best Kept Secret’ and it’s easy to see why. Accessible by a short boat ride from Bristol’s city centre, Beeses truly is a hidden gem.
What makes Beeses unique
The location! This is truly a hidden gem and guests love to discover it. The uniqueness of the setting is made for a special night.
Favourite events to host
The venue is perfect for a wedding reception, a birthday party or even a corporate event. Events with live music, cream tea parties, festivals and celebrations are also among Beeses top picks of events to host.
Favourite thing about Beeses
There is no place quite like Beeses, and Beeses love all the appreciation they receive from everyone who visis.
No.1 Harbourside
A lively, independent bar and restaurant with an emphasis on local sourcing, No.1 Harbourside is a great place to celebrate with some live music.
What makes No.1 Harbourside unique
No.1 Harbourside embodies the spirit of Bristol. All the food is created with a local focus using locally sourced suppliers and delicious seasonal ingredients and the well stocked bar is full of Bristol beers, spirits and organic wines.
Favourite events to host
At this venue live music is what makes them tick and every Friday night there’s live music at No.1 Harbourside.
Favourite thing about No.1 Harbourside:
No. 1 Harbourside are proud to call themselves an independent venue right in the centre of Bristol!
JK’s Tapas Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
Boasting a range of delicious tapas dishes, combined with hand-crafted cocktails; JK’s is a great place to relax and enjoy a margarita or two.
What makes JK’s unique
This independent boasts an exclusive cocktail menu you wont find anywhere else, and use fresh produce locally sourced within 5 miles.
Favourite events to host
At this venue they love to host private dining events.
Favourite thing about JK’s
Just check out the reviews and they will tell you all you need to know about this gem.
Clifton Observatory
Playing host to some of the best views in Bristol, overlooking the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Avon Gorge, it’s easy to see why the Observatory is one of our top picks for Bristol venues.
What makes Clifton Observatory unique
The one thing that makes Clifton Observatory unique is the incredible view. From the rooftop terrace, you have a breath-taking vista of the Avon Gorge and the Clifton Suspension Bridge. This unique atmosphere is what elevates Clifton Observatory to something truly special.
Favourite events to host
At this venue they love the joyous ambience that comes with a wedding. They take pride in hosting the event of a lifetime and do their utmost to provide the perfect fairytale experience for every single couple.
Favourite thing about Clifton Observatory
A given favourite about Clifton Observatory is the wonderful team of dedicated staff who work hard to ensure that every event they host goes perfectly.
Steam
A regular haunt for students across Bristol, and it’s easy to see why, with a vast garden, wide selection of drinks and even a couple of ping-pong tables, Steam has everything you need in a local bar.
What makes Steam unique
Steam is unique as it provides a great space for everyone; just drinks, first dates, sports events, large parties and gatherings. There’s an area for everyone.
Favourite events to host
This is your go to venue if you’re looking for a place for a brunch event i Bristol.
Favourite thing about Steam:
Brum, the 1929 Charabanc that adds that perfect vibe and atmosphere.
Propyard
Photography by Khris Cowley – www.wearehereandnow.net
Newly launched, Propyard is a huge former MOD torpedo warehouse, subsequently transformed into one of Bristol’s most unique and multi-purpose event spaces.
What makes Propyard unique
The huge cranes!
Favourite events to host
Anything that involves great food, drinks and dancing.
Favourite thing about Propyard
The versatility of the space and the fact it’s so central makes this a really unique space for Bristol. There’s also an outside Courtyard where you get great sun till late in the day, the Crane Room with its impressive bar under the crane, then the Heart of the warehouse is perfect for large exhibitions, shows and anything you can imagine, it’s really quite a special spot.
Cathay Rendezvous
Located in a Grade 2 listed building built in the 18th century in the buzzing King Street, Cathay Rendezvous is Bristol’s longest standing Chinese restaurant.
What makes Cathay Rendezvous unique
The restaurant is located in a historic building on the northside of King Street. It was built in 1738–40 and has been designated by English Heritage as a grade II* listed building. 300 years ago it hosted the famous Bristol Library.
Favourite events to host
At this venue they love to host all sorts of family celebrations.
Favourite thing about Cathay Rendezvous
Established in 1986, Cathay Rendezvous is the longest established Chinese Restaurant in Bristol. This is a real Bristol institution and it has been copied and imitated by others but there is only one Cathay Rendezvous.
Looking for the perfect event space in Bristol? Browse our selection of venues in Bristol or use our venue finder to find the venue that fits your needs perfectly.
