If you feel like drinking somewhere other than your go-to bar or fancy making your drinking experience a bit more adventurous, then this list will be for you. So that you don’t have to do the hard work and look through every nook and cranny to discover the hidden gems, here are 10 secret bars in Bristol to try.

1. Red Light

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Credit: Diffords Guide

Address: 1 Unity St, Bristol BS1 5HH

The Red Light is the best bar to start this list off, as it’s infamous for its entrance being almost impossible to find. With no outside advertisement, a tip for when you go is to keep your eyes peeled for a graffiti covered door and phone box lit up with a neon red light. To enter, you will need to press a button on the payphone and wait for a member of staff to let you in. The feeling of exclusivity will be enough to make you want to go. However, the Red Light is certainly not just all show. Their cocktail selection is vast and continually changing with their seasonal menus.

2. The Lost and Found

The lost and found Bristol
Credit: Tripadvisor

Address: 85 Queens Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1QS

If you are looking to enjoy an elegant evening out, the Lost and Found is a great place to go. Although it is situated in the middle of the city, the interior of this bar is unexpectedly decorated compared to its exterior. Inspired by the Astronomer Elizabeth E. Lightfoot, the Lost and Found gives off a vintage atmosphere with its stunning Victorian interior. Their cocktails also live up to the Victorian theme and include drinks such as the Mortianna’s Garden with gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon, lychee and apple.

3. The Florist

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Credit: Designmynight

Address: 69 Park St, Bristol BS1 5PB

The Florist is one of the most picture perfect bars in Bristol. Situated in-between the various shops on Park Street, it can be easy to miss when strolling around the city. Impressively, most of the Florist’s architecture is that of the original building built back in the 1800s. This means that you can appreciate its beautiful high ceilings with intricate plastering, wooden panelling and orangery roof. What’s more, the Florist’s beauty does not end here. As the name suggests, the bar is covered with blooming flowers, and their cocktails are also botanical themed. One thing is for sure at the Florist – you will get great pictures to look back on.

4. London Cocktail Club

London Cocktail Club Bristol
Credit: Tripadvisor

Address: 37 Triangle W, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1ER

The London Cocktail Club is a Peter Pan themed bar which will whisk you away to the hidden land of Netherland. As soon as you enter the bar, you can easily be mistaken that you are in a club as they loudly play the latest tunes. All the booths at the London Cocktail Club give a den-feel and are decorated with lavish and bold wall paintings and ornaments, including a statue of a crocodile. Their cocktail menu is just as fun with decorations such as rose petals and lollypops. Be sure to go during their happy hours every Tuesday to Saturday for a great deal whilst busting out some dance moves.

5. Kongs of King Street

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Credit: Designmynight

Address: 13-15 King St, Bristol BS1 4EF

Kongs of King Street is one of the most fun and unique ways to spend an evening with your friends. Stocked with loads of retro arcade games such as Street Fighter II, Double Dragon and PacMan, your competitive spirit will be sure to take over. If arcade games aren’t for you, then Kongs of King Street also offers games such as ping pong, table tennis and football. The bar also has a vast selection of alcoholic drinks, from those locally sourced to internationally brewed. There is no doubt that at Kongs of King Street you will have an entertaining boozy night.

6. Be At One

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Address: 55 Queens Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1QQ

Located bang in the middle of the city, Be At One is a small yet quirky bar. When entering the bar, you are always welcomed with friendly staff who most often than not are dancing whilst making the drinks. At Be At One, you can ask the bartender to amend your drinks to suit your taste buds and the staff even let you have an input on the music playing at the bar. This means that you will be sure to enjoy a personalised and lively drinking experience.

7. The Milk Thistle

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Credit: The Milk Thistle Bristol

Address: Quay Head House, Colston Ave, Bristol BS1 1EB

The Milk Thistle is hidden away in one of the oldest buildings in the city centre. The bar consists of four stories of drinking and dining areas, and so there is plenty of space to choose from. What makes the Milk Thistle stand out is its vintage interior and furnishing. The walls are panelled with varnished wood, curtains sewn from red velvet, armchairs made from rich leather, bar stools built from mahogany and hanging lights constructed from glass. The Milk Thistle also hold various events such as live music and circuit nights as great entertainment whilst sipping on their luxurious cocktails.

8. Smoke and Mirrors

Smoke and Mirrors Bristol
Credit: Tripadvisor

Address: 8 Denmark St, Bristol BS1 5DQ

Smoke and Mirrors is an unusual but amusing bar to enjoy a few drinks. The drinking area is a hidden theatre holding various live showcases such as stand up comedy, cabaret, music shows and most excitingly, magic shows. If you enjoy the arts and fancy immersing yourself in a performance whilst enjoying a drink, get down to Smoke and Mirrors.

9. Brozen Bar

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Address: 43 St Nicholas St, Bristol BS1 1TP

A personal favourite is the hidden gem Brozen Bar. Although located in the city centre, the Brozen Bar is a small bar concealed behind the bustling streets and so is easy to miss. This bar is one of a kind as they specialise in serving frozen cocktails. All of their cocktails are mixed with liquid nitrogen at minus 196 degrees, meaning that you can enjoy the drink in desert form. With numerous delicious flavours on offer from mint choc chip to passion fruit, it is simply irresistible. Be sure to check out the Brozen Bar for its cutting edge recipes.

10. Her Majesty’s Secret Service

Her Majesty’s Secret Service
Credit: Difford’s Guide

Address: Whiteladies Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2PH

Located in Clifton Village, Her Majesty’s Secret Service is a great bar to go to if you want to explore outside of the city centre. The name of this bar certainly gives away its theme – British heritage and the secret service. Enter through a mysterious door and you are transported to a secret hideaway. Their drinks menu is just as thrilling as it is disguised as a travel guide. Every drink is even based on a location in the UK, including a Twister drink representing the beach at Blackpool – and who could say no to a Twister.

There is undoubtedly plenty of bars to choose from when enjoying a few drinks in Bristol. However, if you feel like being more creative with your drink choices, then head down to the bars mentioned in this list and make some unique memories.