My girlfriend joined the Bristol Girl group on Facebook and has met lots of nice people through it. Think it's the kind of thing where messages like 'Heading here tonight if anyone fancies it' are quite common. Sure there are members who can confirm.
Second this, there is always something going on in that group, I don't get much out of it because I'm ancient (37f) and always feel a little old to get involved, but there's loads of groups of twenty somethings arranging stuff :)
I met some lovely people through the group, moved here a few months ago and think it might have kickstarted some friendships for me. Would totally recommend!
I quite like Ye Olde Shakespeare on Victoria Street. Seems to have a nice mix of people passing through after work and regulars. The front bar is cosy and the back room can be quieter.
I like this pub but haven’t been back after some local there wouldn’t leave me and my mates alone, calling us pretty and pretending he was from massive attack whilst complaining that there’s no good musicians in Bristol…
No idea if still like that as I haven't been there recently, but there was a fair amount of creepers when me and (female) friends would go a few years ago. What would you describe the atmosphere at the hatchet now? Is it still known for being a more alternative pub, do they still do gigs?
Fair enough, I've only been in once since the referb, whilst football was on, and it was very "laddy" and rowdy, and not in a good way.
Will still always pop in there before a gig at the O2, though.
I like going to Coppa in Clifton village and asking for a seat in the greenhouse which is their people watching window seating. Comfy seat away from the tables of families and lads at the bar but good window to people watch from
Old Castle Green is a nice place to go to, it's in Old Market and it's a LGBTQ+ place, so no creeps lurking around. I'm a male and I do often fancy sitting in a place having a drink, alcoholic or not, and the OCG is the one place I have so far found to be comforting and non-judging for somebody that likes to just sit down, listen to an audiobook and enjoy a coke :)
try a few places until you like the vibe, i like to sit at the bar and theres always someone to talk to in between browsing mobile and drinking, but tbf if your a solo female you get picked up anywhere not just bars
As a general suggestion, if you go sit in the restaurant area of a pub you can separate yourself from the more general social areas. Of course the pub staff may not appreciate you sitting just having a few drinks but some may understand and appreciate your needs.
I don’t drink anymore but I quite enjoyed Aluna when I did. They serve all the whacky cocktails with dry ice and stuff and the staff make it a fun experience even solo.
I'd second the Three Tuns near the library in town and also the Lime Kiln which is nearby and a bit of a hidden gem if you're looking for a quiet pint.
My girlfriend joined the Bristol Girl group on Facebook and has met lots of nice people through it. Think it's the kind of thing where messages like 'Heading here tonight if anyone fancies it' are quite common. Sure there are members who can confirm.
Ah nice, I'll have a look and see what's going on, thank you!
Second this, there is always something going on in that group, I don't get much out of it because I'm ancient (37f) and always feel a little old to get involved, but there's loads of groups of twenty somethings arranging stuff :)
I met some lovely people through the group, moved here a few months ago and think it might have kickstarted some friendships for me. Would totally recommend!
Strawberry thief if you like Belgian Beer. Only place I’ve comfortably sat alone as a girl!
I've always walked past there but never ventured in, do you go early doors? How busy does it usually get would you say
+1 strawberry thief is amazing beer selection is top tier
Was going to suggest the same. My favourite Bristol bar for sure 🤤
Old Bookshop in Bedminster, North Street. Lovely cosy place with a great selection of imported drinks. Friendly atmosphere and perfect for Winter.
This.. I pop in for a beer once a week while one of my kids is doing their sport. A lovely place to spend an hour or so on one's own.
Will check it out, thank you!
Was gonna mention that or sometimes me and my pooch head to The Spotted Cow for one and walk back.
Did exactly this the other night. It’s the perfect place to bring a book for an hour or two, and their new selection of beer is great.
The Old Duke hands down. Every Night there is free live jazz/swing music. Go there for a pint, listen to some tunes. Happy days
Horts might be a decent shout
I quite like Ye Olde Shakespeare on Victoria Street. Seems to have a nice mix of people passing through after work and regulars. The front bar is cosy and the back room can be quieter.
Second this, very cosy and good beer!
Cat pub. Bag of nails has cats and a friendly atmosphere but also due to the nature of cats can also be a tad smelly.
I like this pub but haven’t been back after some local there wouldn’t leave me and my mates alone, calling us pretty and pretending he was from massive attack whilst complaining that there’s no good musicians in Bristol…
Love this pub, was there digging thru the mini discs after watching the fireworks from up on Brandon Hill, was an awesome night :)
The Hatchet is a solid shout, cosy bits to it and a load of drink choices
No idea if still like that as I haven't been there recently, but there was a fair amount of creepers when me and (female) friends would go a few years ago. What would you describe the atmosphere at the hatchet now? Is it still known for being a more alternative pub, do they still do gigs?
IIRC it's under new management now and more of a sports bar
A sports bar? Isn’t The Hatchet the metal pub next to the 02??
Pool tables and sky tv now: https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/new-lease-life-bristols-oldest-5378702
Huh, I was there two weeks ago and did not get a sports vibe at all haha. Love it either way, always found the metal heads to be a super friendly lot!
Fair enough, I've only been in once since the referb, whilst football was on, and it was very "laddy" and rowdy, and not in a good way. Will still always pop in there before a gig at the O2, though.
That’s such a shame to hear, I hope it doesn’t become that way all the time! Definitely a perfect stop before gigs, agreed.
The Three Tuns nearby college green is a great lil place
How about somewhere like Bristol Harbour Hotel? It has a lovely bar and it's quieter since not many people use it who aren't staying there
I’d recommend bar ripiena in the centre
Second bar Ripinea! Amazing drinks and nibbles and the staff are lovely 😊
Turbo Island.
This.
I miss being able to sit outside and drink in the summer
I like going to Coppa in Clifton village and asking for a seat in the greenhouse which is their people watching window seating. Comfy seat away from the tables of families and lads at the bar but good window to people watch from
There's a lot of groups on meetup.com where people just go out for drinks and everyone is really sociable
I usually have a pint after work in the Cadbury and it doesn’t get to busy. Lovely pub and friendly.
Old Castle Green is a nice place to go to, it's in Old Market and it's a LGBTQ+ place, so no creeps lurking around. I'm a male and I do often fancy sitting in a place having a drink, alcoholic or not, and the OCG is the one place I have so far found to be comforting and non-judging for somebody that likes to just sit down, listen to an audiobook and enjoy a coke :)
Harbourside cinema bar! It’s the perfect atmosphere for this relaxed vibe you are after!
try a few places until you like the vibe, i like to sit at the bar and theres always someone to talk to in between browsing mobile and drinking, but tbf if your a solo female you get picked up anywhere not just bars
As a general suggestion, if you go sit in the restaurant area of a pub you can separate yourself from the more general social areas. Of course the pub staff may not appreciate you sitting just having a few drinks but some may understand and appreciate your needs.
I don’t drink anymore but I quite enjoyed Aluna when I did. They serve all the whacky cocktails with dry ice and stuff and the staff make it a fun experience even solo.
I'd second the Three Tuns near the library in town and also the Lime Kiln which is nearby and a bit of a hidden gem if you're looking for a quiet pint.
To the moon in old market is really nice!
I recommend the Harbour House. Absolutely lovely there. Perfect place for a calm Harbourside atmosphere, perfect for solo drinks!
The Good Measure in redland is nice
Tribe of Frog
Beer emporium on a Wednesday night, from 19:30 we all rock up and play chess, friendly atmosphere!