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From locally distilled spirits to traditional G&Ts, Bristol's gin scene is every bit as varied as the city itself.
We've rounded up 8 of the best gin bars in Bristol, taking you from hidden cocktail bars in the Old City to distilleries, waterside drinking spots and neighbourhood favourites.
Right in the heart of Bristol's nightlife district, Gin & Juice is an obvious place to start for anyone who takes their gin seriously.
Located on Park Street, the bar has become known for its enormous gin selection, with hundreds of different varieties available alongside signature cocktails and other spirits.
Inside, Gin & Juice has a stylish, atmospheric feel that makes it equally suited to starting a night out or settling in for a few drinks. With so many bottles behind the bar, it's also a great opportunity to move beyond your usual G&T and discover something completely different.
For one of the most distinctly Bristol gin experiences, head aboard 6 O'clock Gin at The Glassboat.
Moored on Welsh Back in Bristol's Floating Harbour, The Glassboat is dedicated to locally made 6 O'Clock Gin, which is produced just outside the city in Thornbury. Visitors can sample different expressions from the distillery's range through classic G&Ts and gin-based cocktails while enjoying views across the water.
It's the combination of Bristol-made gin and its unusual waterside setting that makes The Glassboat particularly worth visiting, especially during an afternoon or evening exploring the Harbourside.
Hidden away behind an unassuming entrance in central Bristol, The Milk Thistle is one of the city's best-known cocktail bars.
Step inside and you'll find an atmospheric venue filled with dark wood, comfortable seating and elaborate interiors spread across several floors. The drinks menu focuses on expertly made cocktails, making it a particularly good choice if you'd rather experience gin in something more adventurous than a traditional G&T.
There's another reason gin lovers should visit: the building is also home to The Spirit of Bristol Distillery, where locally produced gin is made and gin tastings and workshops are held.
If you want to discover how Bristol gin is actually made, Psychopomp Microdistillery @ 145 St Michaels Hill deserves a place near the top of your list.
This independent micro-distillery on St Michael's Hill produces craft gin in small batches, experimenting with different botanicals and flavours to create distinctive spirits.
As well as sampling its gin, visitors can get more involved through tasting events and gin-making experiences. Gin masterclasses include guided tastings and the opportunity to learn about recipe development and distillation before creating your own gin.
It's a particularly good option for anyone looking for something more immersive than simply ordering another round at the bar.
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Hidden down All Saints Lane in Bristol's historic Old City, The Rummer combines the atmosphere of an old coaching inn with a serious appreciation for spirits.
The venue is closely associated with Bristol Dry Gin, which is produced at the micro-distillery in the cellars beneath the building. The range can be sampled at the bar, making this one of the best places in Bristol to try gin with a genuinely local connection.
Its tucked-away location also adds to the experience. Just a short walk from St Nicholas Market and Corn Street, The Rummer feels removed from the busier bars surrounding it and is a great stop while exploring Bristol's Old City.
For gin with a scientific twist, visit Brozen Bar - Bristol.
Located close to St Nicholas Market, Brozen is known for using liquid nitrogen to produce frozen cocktails. That includes frozen G&Ts, offering a completely different way to enjoy one of Britain's favourite drinks.
The bar's experimental approach makes it a fun alternative to Bristol's more traditional cocktail venues. It's intimate, creative and particularly suited to anyone who likes discovering unusual drinks rather than sticking exclusively to the classics.
Its central location also makes Brozen an easy addition to a wider tour of Bristol's best cocktail and gin bars.
Cross the harbour towards Southville and you'll find Spirited on North Street.
Part bottle shop and part bar, Spirited is a relaxed alternative to the larger cocktail venues in Bristol city centre. Visitors can browse its collection of spirits before sitting down for a highball, G&T or another carefully prepared drink.
The venue also hosts tastings and events, while its selection includes locally produced spirits such as The Spirit of Bristol gin. If you're feeling hungry, you can even pair your G&T with a cheeseboard.
It's an excellent choice for anyone exploring Bedminster and Southville or looking for a quieter neighbourhood spot to discover new gins.
Finishing our list is Bristol Dry Gin, an independent Bristol distillery tucked away on All Saints Lane.
Produced in the heart of the city, Bristol Dry Gin offers an opportunity to sample spirits made locally rather than simply choosing from internationally recognised brands. The distillery is connected with The Rummer and produces its gin in the cellars beneath the historic venue.
For visitors interested in Bristol's independent food and drink scene, it's well worth adding to your itinerary. You're also perfectly positioned to continue exploring nearby St Nicholas Market, Corn Street and the wider Old City once you've finished your gin.
Bristol City Centre and the Old City are two of the best areas for gin bars, with plenty of cocktail bars, independent pubs and late-night venues within walking distance of each other. Park Street, St Nicholas Street and the Harbourside are also popular choices, while neighbourhoods such as Clifton, Southville and Bedminster offer more relaxed places to enjoy a gin and tonic away from the busiest parts of the city.
Yes. Bristol has a thriving independent distilling scene, with several local producers creating small-batch gin using a variety of botanicals and flavours. Bristol-made gin can be found in bars, restaurants and bottle shops across the city, making it easy for visitors to try a locally produced spirit during their stay.
Yes, there are several gin tasting experiences and distillery events available in and around Bristol. Depending on the venue, experiences can include guided gin tastings, introductions to botanicals and distillation, cocktail making and even opportunities to develop your own gin recipe. Booking ahead is recommended, particularly for weekend sessions.
Independent cocktail bars, distilleries and specialist spirit bars are some of the best places to try locally made gin in Bristol. Look out for Bristol-based producers on drinks menus or visit one of the city's micro-distilleries for a more immersive experience. Many venues also serve local gin with different tonics and garnishes designed to complement its botanicals.
Yes. Bristol Harbourside and the surrounding city centre have plenty of places to enjoy gin, cocktails and other spirits. Welsh Back, King Street and the Old City are all within easy walking distance of the waterfront, so it's possible to include several bars as part of an evening exploring central Bristol.
Friday and Saturday nights are generally the busiest times for Bristol's bars, particularly around the City Centre, Park Street, King Street and the Harbourside. For a more relaxed gin or cocktail experience, Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons can be good alternatives. Opening times and events vary between venues, so it's worth checking before visiting.
Many gin and cocktail bars in Bristol welcome groups, making them a popular choice for birthdays, celebrations, weekends away and other special occasions. Some venues also offer private areas, cocktail masterclasses and gin tasting experiences. Larger groups should consider booking in advance, particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings.
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