Bristol is home to a plethora of bars, serving up co*cktails, bottomless brunches, live entertainment, food, drink and much much more.
There are themed bars that can transport you back in time, or to another place, bars that act as a haven from the hustle and bustle of the city, hidden gems, party spots, luxury establishments - and even places that combine drinks with board games, axe throwing and other activities.
While the industry is facing rising costs when it comes to energy and produce, and the ever-present worries of customers having less and less disposable income are on the minds of many bar owners, 2024 has already seen a number of new names to Bristol's bar scene.
Read more: The themed bottomless brunches in Bristol you can enjoy this summer
Read more: Opening date confirmed for revamped Bristol pub after £405k upgrade
We've compiled a list of the bars that have opened up in Bristol so far this year - so you can add them to your list of must-visit destinations next time you fancy a drink...
Daisy's
Daisy's opened yesterday (June 7) on the Triangle, describing itself as the "ultimate groove spot". The latest venue by the team at Triangle Bars Group, who are behind Bristol venues such as the closed Gravity Nightclub and MBargo, as well as student haunt, The Brass Pig, it hopes to bring a 'disco revival' to the city.
Goldbrick House
Goldbrick House opened on Park Street back at the end of February in the former home of The Florist. Described as a 'destination bar', the venue is situated halfway between Clifton Triangle and the centre, and promises 'something for everyone', with a capacity for 300 across multiple floors.
The venue has ground-floor, first-floor and second-floor bars and rooms. The ground floor bar (Goldie's) is a 'drop-in bar' that serves up continental beers on tap, as well as creamy stout and selected local pours, while the first-floor bar (Alfred's) is a table service bar with a vast array of Champagne and wines. There's also a disco room, named 'Boujee Wonderland' on the second floor, equipped with a huge disco ball. The venue also announced a number of brunches, a steak night and its own carvery.
Some Bristolians may be familiar with the name as Goldbrick House resided at the site for a decade, prior to The Florist, between 2006 and 2016 and featured a ground-floor cafe, a co*cktail and champagne bar, a two-floor restaurant, a roof terrace and meeting rooms.
Coyote Ugly
Bristol's first Coyote Ugly bar opened back in February on Bordeaux Quay, as part of a collection of bars across the world inspired by the original in New York, which opened its doors back in 1993 - and was the inspiration behind the 2000 movie of the same name. Open auditions to become a Bristol Coyote took place at the venue on February 3 and 4, with the founder and inspiration for the movie, Lil Lovell, flying over from the States to hand-pick our city's very own Coyotes.
Inside the bar, you'll enjoy performances, booths, a range of arcade-type games, table packages and food such as bottomless burgers or Oklahoma smash burgers.
Mangosteen
Mangosteen, which opened back in March, is a Thai restaurant offering Thai tapas and co*cktails in the former home of Pasta Loco, on Cotham Hill. Mangosteen is situated along the pedestrianised street and boasts 'alternative cuisine, a completely unique drinks menu', and a 'well-selected' array of records being played during opening hours.
The kitchen team has been 'carefully selected and each have decades of Asiatic cuisine experience'. Dishes on the menu include a range of small plates, curries, noodles, rice, seafood, and even a lunchtime tapas deal for two - the latter is priced at £25 and includes a choice of four dishes, with a soft drink, bottle of beer or glass of house wine.
Alcotraz
The 'immersive co*cktail experience' that boasts venues across the country, opened up on Bristol's All Saints' Street back in January. Dubbed the 'notorious bar behind bars', Alcotraz is inspired by TV and film productions that have brought infamous prison stories to life and promises 'a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience'. The new location - 'Alcotraz: Cell Block Two Two Six' - accommodates some 46 'inmates' for public experiences or private venue hire.
At Alcotraz 'inmates' (who are each given a bright orange jumpsuit to wear) are tasked with smuggling liquor past The Warden and getting it into the hands of Alcotraz's longest-serving crooks, who then transform the contraband liquor into bespoke co*cktails, often served out of 'soup cans'. Before visiting, guests will be able to create their own criminal record from the 'Department of Justice', before being secretly instructed by 'bootleggers' on the inside.
Dao Chao
The Chinese restaurant and co*cktail bar, which opened on the former site of the popular Aluna back in January, boasts bottomless brunches every Saturday and Sunday, which include a main and dessert, and a bottomless beverage. Diners can choose from co*cktails, prosecco, lager, cider or mocktails.
The Dao Chao team describes the venue's look as being 'reflective of modern Chinese culture, with blossom feature walls seamlessly blended with a minimalist aesthetic, creating a peaceful, relaxed ambiance'. The menu, which is inspired by traditional Chinese cuisine 'with a Western twist', includes dishes such as bao bun burgers, mussel stir fry and crispy lotus root.
Aluna closed its doors on New Year's eve, much to the disappointment of fans of its co*cktails, bottomless brunch menu and 'selfie-worthy' decor.
