Going out on a student budget has become harder and harder each year, to the point where pres are necessary for a good night out. While Wetherspoons offer a cheap drink with a buzzing atmosphere, they can feel a bit monotonous if they are your only option. So, if you’re looking to avoid the sticky tables and carpets, check out these cheap pubs in Bristol!
1. The White Bear Social Club
Address: 133 St Michael’s Hill, Bristol BS2 8BS
The White Bear can be found on top of St Michael’s Hill, making it the perfect student hot-spot after a long, library study session. After a day of hard work, you can relax in their cosy beer garden, or partake in some friendly competition on their dart board and pool table. There is even an 80-person capacity upstairs, where you can chill and enjoy a £5 cocktail or a cheap pint alongside some delicious food from their frequently changing menu!
This 18th-century pub is an extremely popular venue for university societies, used for informal meetings, post-event drinks, and pub quizzes. The White Bear even hosts their own events, including comedy nights and live music!
2. Longbar
Address: 70 Old Market St, Bristol BS2 0EJ
Located in the Old Market, the Longbar is your quintessential British pub. With its inviting environment and charming interior, Longbar is great when you need to unwind after a long day. Known for their cider, their pints are as low as £2.70!
As the name suggests, the pub is a long room with high tables and booths spaced out on one side, and the bar on the other. After a refurbishment in 2022, the Longbar has a new fresh feeling while maintaining its 17th-century appeal. They also have a jukebox to match its friendly vibe.
3. The Anchor
Address: 323 Gloucester Road, Horfield, Bristol, BS7 8PE
With its reputation as one of Bristol’s best sport’s bars, The Anchor is extremely popular with local students. They offer a great beer and cider collection, including local and popular brews, which are even better with their exclusive student deals! For food you can grab a £4 slide, or if you’re with friends, grab a social platter for £22 and enjoy chicken wings, calamari, onion rings, garlic bread, halloumi, and nachos!
Whether you want to sit near their beautiful mural at the front, watch sport on one of their 9 TVs, play on their pool tables, or relax in their beer garden, The Anchor is the perfect spot for you.
4. The Mardyke
Address: 126 Hotwell Rd, Hotwells, Bristol BS8 4UB
Another historic pub (dating back to 1865) on the list! And with pints as cheap as £2.70 it’s clear why The Mardyke has remained popular with locals.
Situated close to the harbour, this pub is great during warm summer days. Despite its dark décor, Mardyke has a warm and friendly atmosphere with music from a jukebox drifting through the air. Despite the food options being quite limited (only rolls and crisps), the extremely social environment ensures that you’ll be too emersed in conversation to notice!
5. Steam
Address: Clifton Down Station, Whiteladies Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2PN (also 106 Stokes Croft, St Paul’s, Bristol BS1 3RU)
Another location extremely popular with students. Steam is a beer hall with a unique steampunk décor. They have a massive terrace with a tent and two party buses which you can rent out for events!
They have a large selection of beers and ciders, including some from local breweries and their own Home of the Brew range. Plus their student deals means that Happy Hour lasts all night! For food you can enjoy one of their handmade, sourdough pizzas or book a table for one of their bottomless brunch sessions.
6. O’Niell’s
Address: 7-9 Baldwin St, Bristol, City of Bristol, BS1 1RU
An Irish pub located in the city centre, O’ Niell’s has amazing live music to accompany your scrumptious food and drinks. You can enjoy the live music every Friday and Saturday, or pop in on Wednesday’s for some Drag Karaoke.
Inside, the pub is stunning with its backlit bar, and plenty of comfortable seating for you to unwind on and watch the sports on one of their eight TVs. For students you can bring in your Student ID for 20% off drinks and food Sunday-Friday, or wait for a student nigh to enjoy a pint for £2.50!
7. The Den and Terrace
Address: 31 St Paul’s Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LX
The Den and Terrace is cosily tucked away, but despite its secret location, it is a favourite sport amongst students. They have deals such as Beat the Clock, where draught pints and house doubles are dependent on the time (i.e. 3:58pm = £3.58) and happy hour where they serve 2 for £12 cocktails. For £9 you can even grab a pizza and pint!
They have multiple sections including a terrace, games rooms, a chit-chat room, and a bar space for you to enjoy. If their pool table doesn’t interest you, they also have loads of board and card games for you to play with your friends, free of charge!
8. The Hope and Anchor
Address: 38 Jacob’s Wells Rd, Bristol BS8 1DR
One of the most aesthetic pubs on the list, The Hope and Anchor has a gorgeous, floral exterior and amazing pints! You can even get your drink for half price with any of their main meals! They also have delicious Sunday Roasts every week!
With The Hope and Anchor being hailed as the most dog-friendly pubs in Bristol, you might find yourself making new canine friends in their tropical beer garden!
9. Seamus O’Donnell’s
Address: 13 St Nicholas St, Bristol BS1 1UE
Seamus O’Donnell’s is an Irish pub known for its party atmosphere! They are an inclusive venue hosting drag shows, karaoke nights, stand-up comedy, and quiz nights.
Serving cask ales, local ciders, a selection of wines, and some of the best pints of Guinness in Bristol, Seamus O’Donnell’s has a drink for everyone! With their extremely friendly staff and lively vibe, you are sure to feel right at home!
Hopefully, this list inspires you to try out some new pubs is the Bristol area! Check out this list if you’re looking for something else to do during your night out!!!
Hi, I’m Kirstie! I’m a BA English student at the University of Bristol, with a passion for creative writing. In my free time, I enjoy baking, sewing, and playing the flute.
