Whether it’s cosying up by the fire in a pub, browsing books in an independent bookshop or taking in the views of a wintry Bristol scene, everyone has their own idea of cosiness during the colder months. And Bristol is full of spots to enjoy many a cold day in the city.
While we can’t promise snow, we can promise a festive season full of Christmas lights twinkling, bustling city streets, and local businesses waiting to welcome you into the warm. If you’re after hearty meals to fight off the cold air – we’ve got them, if you’re after windows to people watch – there’s plenty.
We’ve compiled a list of some cosy spots we know in the city. We’re sure there’s many more we simply can’t fit onto this list – so if you know of somewhere we need to try out, let us know by emailing [email protected].
Cosy pubs and bars
Bristol has an abundance of cosy independent pubs and bars to seek refuge in during the cold winter months. Pubs with fires are a popular choice, however even if your local doesn’t boast a fireplace, it’s bound to be cosy. Be it twinkle lights, or magical hidden beer gardens – Bristol’s full of the weird, wonderful, and whimsical, in addition to the proper traditional country pub.
And if it’s more the cocktail vibe you’re going for, again the city boasts a plentiful amount of speakeasy style hidden gems, dark and cosy country-esque retreats – all serving up quality-made warming cocktails and other treats. The Woods on Park Street, for example, is an almost hidden away Bristol institution that has become legendary within the Bristol bar scene.
Though its speciality might be whiskies from around the world, The Woods also offers sophisticated cocktails, late opening hours and knowledgeable bartenders who, when asked to make a cocktail not on the menu, will more than likely immediately know how to make it to perfection.
Then you have The Library – an exclusive private cocktail lounge by night and a vintage afternoon tea parlour by day – located on St Nicholas Street, just a stone’s throw from Mugshot Restaurant. With a dark and cosy interior, a cellar and archive room, this is the epitome of a hidden gem.
And another must-try this winter especially is His Majesty’s Secret Service, described as a “cute little independent cocktail bar” in Clifton. The team describe it as being “all about the origins of our faves, but with unpretentious and occasionally outrageous twists, with the classics available too, of course”.
You can stop by this cocktail bar on Whiteladies Road, which was recently awarded the coveted title of ‘Cocktail of the Year’ at this year’s Bristol Cocktail Weekend. You can view the full menu and opening times here.
Cosy cafes
Another cosy pastime that many of us enjoy is settling in with a hot drink, a good book, headphones full of our favourite tunes, and windows to watch the world go by – and where better to do that than at one of the city’s independent cafes. Some favourites and especially cosy places include hot chocolate havens Mrs Potts Chocolate House and Ruby Hue Chocolate Makers, situated on Park Street and Finzels Reach, respectively.
Then, if you’re after some wholesome healthy food – be it brunch, lunch or otherwise – you have the likes of The Primrose Cafe in Clifton (near to The Arcade, this is a top spot for some fuel in between browsing some of the area’s charity shops, and independents), and The Garden of Easton – a warm and welcoming cafe full of plants, Moroccan-esque rugs, and plenty of delicious food.
Bristol’s Lounges are renown for their eclectic, warm and welcoming interiors – and there’s an abundance to choose from across the city, too, so you’ll be able to find one on many a high street. Bristol recently opened brand new Lounges on the Harbourside and in Nailsea.
And, finally, if you’re looking for a cafe in some of the most stunning architecture in the city, Clifton Observatory serves up hot drinks, sweet treats and a gorgeous view of the Clifton Suspension Bridge, while the historic Bristol Cathedral has recently reopened its cafe in partnership with local bakery Pinkmans. So you can browse around the sacred space, light a candle or two, and then relax with a refreshment in the warm.
Cosy restaurants
There are so many cosy restaurants we could list in this space. From romantic spaces with twinkly settings perfect for a candlelit dinner for two, so intimate spaces where you can relax and unwind with some warming grub.
The Square Club is a spot that boasts its very own ‘Secret Garden’ terrace, which was revamped this summer. Described as being a ‘fresh urban retreat right in the heart of Bristol‘, it boasts a selection of dishes, as well as cocktails – and can even be hired as a wedding venue. The Square Club, which was established in the 1990s, is Bristol’s longest serving Private Members Club, exclusively for professionals in the film, media and creative industries. It’s also home to the famed Square Kitchen, which is open to both members and the general public.
Nestled on the Clifton Triangle, on Queens Road, you’ll find another ‘botanical hideaway’ on this list – The Lost & Found – which is a cocktail bar and restaurant serving seasonal dishes and cocktails. If this doesn’t sell it for you, the restaurant describes itself as follows: “Embracing the curiosities of astronomy, The Lost & Found Bristol takes you on an exceptional journey to discover the ethereal wonders of the cosmos. Enjoy the bar’s celestial spirit in a timeless setting, with a magnificent selection of enchanting cocktails and sublime seasonal dishes to ensure a heavenly visit.”
Cosy bookshops
There’s something unbelievably cosy about a bookshop – and Bristol has a mixture of the big chains and the small independents. The Haunted Bookshop in Stokes Croft opened around Halloween, but will soon be providing shoppers with the opportunity to grab their favourite autumnal drinks all year round, while perusing the selection of eerie, spooky and wintry books on offer.
Then, on Rope Walk in Wapping Wharf, you will find Bookhaus – an independent bookshop in the centre of the city, which hosts regular events including book launches, panel discussions and reading groups, and aims to reflect “Bristol’s tradition as a centre of radicalism”. The shop itself stocks an abundance of books and can usually be found decked out in twinkle lights for an extra magical setting.
One of the last remaining second-hand bookshops in Bristol, Dreadnought Books is situated at the foot of Brandon Hill, just a stone’s throw from the Harbourside, and has an inventory stocked full of books. Inside, you’ll find a cosy sofa for browsing, and you may even spot a cat curled up for a cuddle instore.
Other cosy places – both indoors and out
Bristol is itself a city full of cosy refuges, both among and away from the hustle and bustle of city life. If you fancy peace and quiet, to work on a project, or to simply enjoy a library, then Bristol Central Library on College Green is the place for you. With a cafe and a huge array of resources at your fingertips, those in the midst of studying – or even simply expanding their knowledge – can spend hours hunkered down here.
Shoppers can explore the quirkiness of The Arcade in Clifton, the Christmas Market (during the festive period), and St Nicks Market, to pick up a bargain or simply give themselves a boost of serotonin. Meanwhile, if you fancy food, drink and a board game, there are places like Chance and Counters to visit – good food, friends and fun, what’s not to love?
And then if a visit to some of Bristol’s beauty spots for a wintry walk or stroll is more up your street, you can wrap up warm, get a hot drink to go and explore the sights of spots like Bristol Botanic Garden, Brandon Hill, Ashton Court Estate, Arnos Vale Cemetery, and the Christmas Steps – several of which boast their own cafe, pub or other indoor space.