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Pints, Pubs & Personality: Discover the Best Bars in Totterdown, Bristol
Totterdown is one of those Bristol neighbourhoods that quietly wins your heart. Just south of the River Avon and a short walk from Temple Meads Station, it's a hilly, colourful, and delightfully characterful part of the city. Known for its steep streets lined with painted Victorian terraces, Totterdown has fast become a favourite with creatives, young families, and weekend wanderers in search of somewhere a little different — and when it comes to a good pub or bar, it punches well above its weight.
If you’re staying in one of our serviced apartments in Bristol — whether that’s in Clifton, Wapping Wharf, the City Centre or Bedminster — Totterdown is definitely worth adding to your list. It's laid-back and unpretentious, but full of energy. And most importantly, it knows how to pour a decent pint!
Here’s our pick of the best pubs and bars in Totterdown for your next night out, low-key drink, or spontaneous pub crawl.
The Oxford
The Oxford is a Totterdown institution in the most eccentric and brilliant sense. Known for its vibrant and eclectic interior, it’s as much a conversation starter as it is a great place to grab a drink.
This pub thrives on community spirit, playing host to regular music nights, open mic events, and the Totterdown Music Festival.
It’s also home to a fiercely competitive weekly pub quiz, so bring your A-game if you fancy walking away with bragging rights and a shiny trophy.
The Thunderbolt
A converted Victorian toll house might not be where you expect to find a live music venue, but that’s exactly what The Thunderbolt is — and it’s brilliant.
This place has become a bit of a cult classic in Bristol’s gig scene, hosting everything from indie bands and DJs to spoken word nights and album launches. There’s a well-stocked bar, a proper sound system, and a beer garden for when the weather plays nice.
Even if you’re not going for the music, it’s worth checking out just to soak up the atmosphere of one of Bristol’s most unique venues.
The Star and Dove
This beautifully restored pub strikes the perfect balance between traditional and upmarket.
The Star and Dove has all the charm of an old-school boozer — wooden floors, framed vintage Bristol prints, and cosy nooks — paired with a food and drink menu that’s firmly in the gastropub category.
It’s child- and dog-friendly, which makes it a popular choice for Sunday roasts and chilled-out family afternoons, but it’s just as inviting for date night or a quiet evening with friends over a glass of wine. The attention to detail is spot on, and the staff are always welcoming.
New Found Out
Tucked away off the main drag, New Found Out is a true local’s pub — and we mean that in the best possible way.
Recently refurbished, it offers a simple, relaxed atmosphere with a strong sense of community. The beer is well kept, the locals are friendly, and there's often sport on the TV if that's your thing.
Out the back, you’ll find a leafy little beer garden that’s ideal for lazy summer afternoons with a pint in hand. It’s not flashy or trendy — just a solid, dependable pub that does exactly what it says on the tin.
The George
A true Totterdown staple, The George sits proudly on Wells Road and ticks all the boxes for a classic local pub with a modern twist.
It’s spacious, relaxed, and always buzzing with friendly faces — whether it's locals popping in for a quiet pint or groups gathering for Sunday lunch. They serve up hearty pub grub (think big plates and no-nonsense flavour), alongside a solid range of ales, lagers, and ciders.
There’s also a lovely beer garden out back — a bit of a suntrap in warmer months — and regular quiz nights that bring the whole community together. It’s the kind of place you’ll plan to stop into for one and end up staying all afternoon.