Bristol has a lot of developments in the works and, among them, are hotels, much loved attractions and experiences yet to be explored. For 2025, Bristol looks set to get a new five-star hotel, and a new destination for food, beer and music lovers.
What’s more, some popular places are working on transformative refurbishments and investment to welcome you back for hotel stays and days out next year.
We’ve compiled a list of some of what we can hopefully expect for the next 12 months…
Hotel Gotham
When can we expect it: Autumn 2025
Hotel Gotham Bristol is described as a plush hotel, with a ‘fabulous’ drinking and dining venue. It aims to be ‘an escape, a multisensory experience, and above all, a place to have fun’. Set to open in Autumn 2025, the historic, listed and incredibly imposing Guildhall on Small Street will be transformed into the new five-star hotel.
It has been closed since 2010 but will be ‘brought back to life to contribute fully to Bristol’s visitor scene and nightlife’. The grand old building will consist of 75 bedrooms, a restaurant, spa and even a rooftop terrace bar. Described by the Guardian as ‘glitzy, ambitious, unapologetically opulent’ and offering ‘pizazz and pampering’, Bespoke Hotels say they cannot wait to bring the Gotham brand to Bristol.
You can browse more Gotham locations here.
BoxHall
When can we expect it: 2025 (date TBC)
From the creators of BoxPark in London, BoxHall is a new and hotly anticipated premium food and beverage-led concept with a modern food hall structure set to open on Bristol’s waterfront in 2025. Originally planned to open in summer 2023, but having faced a number of delays and other issues beyond its control, back in July BristolLive reported that the team behind the long-awaited Bristol BoxHall development say that despite the ongoing delays, progress is being made and work is ongoing at the harbourside site on Welsh Back.
It came as the people behind BoxPark, the original site in London’s Shoreditch, confirmed on July 18 that the venue would close by the end of summer ahead of plans to open new locations in Camden and Liverpool Street later this year. BoxPark Shoreditch opened its doors in October 2011 at Bishopsgate Goodsyard near Shoreditch High Street station.
Once open, this Bristol destination will boast a line-up of seven kitchens in the food hall and will ‘feature only the best local and independent food traders’, with the aim of offering ‘an all-day social dining experience’ that includes food, drink and events all under one roof. In addition to its food offering, the venue will host a complementary events programme ‘showcasing the best of Bristol’s music scene’ throughout the week, as well as a mix of other cultural events.
Its food ambassador is Josh Eggleton, chef patron of the multi-award winning restaurant, The Pony Chew Valley (formerly The Pony & Trap).
Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm
When can we expect it: Spring 2025
Since celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm has announced plans for its ambitious Project Carnivora, which will see the lion pride’s habitat transformed and increased, as well as a brand new habitat for tigers, Arctic foxes and vultures. The project, which focuses on welfare, conservation as well as enhanced visitor experience and accessibility, will start with phase one, the re-developed lion habitat, opening spring 2025.
You can find out more about this via the official website here.
De Vere Tortworth Court
When can we expect it: May 2025
Last month, BristolLive reported that De Vere Tortworth Court is set for a further £1.3m refurb, following the recent transformation of its popular 1853 Restaurant and Library Bar. The further £1.3 million of investment will go towards upgrading 53 of its rooms, a job that is scheduled to be completed in May of next year.
The newly-designed rooms will offer a ‘relaxed and contemporary design’ the hotel says, with walk-in showers, luxury Penhaligon’s toiletries and Smart TVs. Many will feature views out across acres of the hotel’s grounds. The majority of the hotel’s bedrooms are now said to be fully refurbished, with previous phases including the addition of 55 new Mansion House Rooms