The neon sign on the artificial green living wall inside sums up the spirit of Totos By The River pretty neatly. It simply reads ‘Let’s party’ and there’s no denying this waterside bar is as good a place as any to do that.
Set across two floors and with what they claim to be the largest riverside beer garden in BS1 (although the team at The Ostrich might get the measuring wheel out just to check that one), Totos By The River has built a reputation for throwing parties. On the drizzly afternoon I popped in, there was a wedding reception in full swing and locals often hire it out for significant birthdays, baby showers and corporate events.
Across the water from Welsh Back, the terrace that wraps around this bar is one of the best places in central Bristol for a pint in the sun. In colder months, however, there are still plenty of cosy nooks and crannies inside.
On tap, there’s Amstel, Brixton Reliance Pale Ale, Korev lager, Thatchers Gold, Inch’s, Cruzcampo, Beavertown Neck Oil and Birra Moretti. There’s also an extensive menu including paninis, jacket potatoes, pizzas, burgers, salads and various takes on dirty fries.
At the weekend, it’s popular with families. On Sundays, from 12pm until they run out, there are traditional roasts for £13.95 – and for those with hearty appetites, a large £15.95 version with three different meats.
But one of the reasons why Totos By The River continues to be such a popular post-work venue must be the special drinks offers. This month, from 2pm-7pm, these deals include two glasses of house white wine for £8, two espresso martinis for £10 and two glasses of Prosecco for £8.
With its pink and blue lights, there’s something quite retro about the decor at Totos By The River that recalls the late 1980s and early 1990s, when it was a wine bar. You can just imagine the shoulder padded yuppies of old quaffing their Champagne and Piña Coladas here.
There’s also a full diary of events lined up at Totos By The River over the coming weeks. On October 18, it’s Disco Night with DJ Lee Hasking and on November 2 there’s a Motown, reggae and northern soul night. As that neon sign in the bar says, this is definitely a venue that loves to party.
Totos By The River, The Landing, 125 Redcliff Street, Redcliffe, Bristol, BS1 6HU.