Summer in the city: A guide to Bristol in the sun

Summer is finally here and we cannot think of any better place to be than in Bristol. From fantastic alfresco dining spots and beer gardens to some of the best spots to pick out that summer wardrobe, the city truly is the place to be this summer. Struggling to figure out what to do? Look no further. Here, we’ve assembled the perfect guide to eat, drink, shop, dance, do and stay across the city this summer. Let’s make the most of Bristol in the sun!

Where to eat in Bristol over the summer

St Nick’s Market

Corn Street, BS1

Castle Park is surely one of the best places to chill during the summer and it is absolutely blessed by having St Nick’s Market just next door. Pop in for gorgeous BBQ from Low and Slow, healthy falafel from Eat a Pitta, or one of the other many options the market has! Need a quick lunch in Bristol? St Nick’s Market has you covered.

Salt and Malt

Goal Ferry Steps, BS1

Fish and chips are that iconic seaside cuisine that everybody loves. Sure, Wapping Wharf isn’t quite the seaside, but it’s a good enough alternative and perhaps more importantly, fish and chips in Bristol doesn’t get better than Salt and Malt.

Sonny Stores

Raleigh Road, BS3

Offering a daily changing seasonal menu, Sonny Stores provides perhaps the most exciting Italian food in Southville. A family run team, the restaurant has quickly gained a reputation of great food and chilled vibes - perfect for the summer.

Pizza Bianchi

Queens Road, BS8

Need a quick and easy lunch this summer? Look no further than Bianchis. We think they serve up some of the best pizza in Bristol. Selling pizza by the slice, they offer the perfect solution to all your on the go needs and with the scenic Brandon Hill just a stone's throw away, we can’t think of a better place to enjoy it.

Harbourside Market

Canon’s Road, BS1

The Harbourside Market hosts some of the city’s best street food vendors, with a rotating lineup each week. Fancy BBQ? Head to Big Nath’s. Chicken more your thing? Gurt Wings has you covered. Need an ice lolly to cool off? Paletas is the place to go. If none of these have you excited, not to worry, there are plenty of other incredible options at your fingertips.

Loki Poké

Goal Ferry Steps, BS1

If you need refreshing food by the harbour, Loki Poké is the place to be. Putting their own twists on traditional Hawaiian poké, Loki Poké use only the best ingredients for their bowls. Be sure to enjoy your bowl down by the harbour. Looking for some healthy food in Bristol? Loki Poké is the one!

Our top picks for drinks in Bristol this summer

The Cider Box

Silverthorne Lane, BS2

We can’t think of many better things than a pint of cider in the summer sun, nor can we think of anywhere better to do so than The Cider Box. Whether it’s a bottle from their shop at Wapping Wharf, or a pint from the tap room in St Phillips, The Cider Box is sure to fulfill your cider cravings this summer. If it’s a chilled cider in Bristol you’re craving, look no further.

Left Handed Giant

Hawkins Lane, BS1

Maybe craft beer is more your thing? Left Handed Giant has got you covered. With their brewpub perfectly located in the city centre, just off of Castle Park, they have the perfect place for all of your beer needs. With great outdoor seating and one of the biggest ranges of craft beer in Bristol, we can think of few better places to be this summer.

Arnolfini Bar

Narrow Quay, BS1

With perhaps the best views of the harbour that any beer garden can offer, Arnolfini is a must visit this summer. But the bar offers so much more than just pretty views, serving the city’s own Bristol Beer Factory drinks, this one isn’t to be missed.

Kask Wine

North Street, BS3

If you’re out and about in Bedminster why not stop in at Kask? It’s no secret Kask Wine is one of our favourite wine bars in Bristol. Offering wine and nibbles, Kask is the perfect spot to relax this summer. Fancy something more? They host regular wine tasting nights at a reasonable price level.

Bambalan

Colston Street, BS1

Home to one of the best rooftop terraces in Bristol, Bambalan is one of the city centre’s prime drinking locations. Host to some of the city’s most exciting events this year, in their ‘Summer Sessions’, Bambalan really is the place to be. Make the most of Bristol in the sun this summer with a boogie on the Bambalan terrace.

Jo’s Tea

Park Row, BS1

Looking for bubble tea in Bristol? Head to Park Row to one of the city’s greatest independent boba spots, Jo’s Tea. Jo’s Tea brews, juices and cooks everything on site, ensuring their boba is the freshest it can possibly be.

Independent shopping in Bristol

Park Street

bs1

With tons of vintage shops, Park Street offers some of the best places to update your summer wardrobe. If streetwear is more your thing, head up to Cooshti, one of the city’s coolest independent clothing boutiques.

Tobacco Factory Market

Raleigh Road, BS3

The Tobacco Factory Market is the perfect location to shop local this summer. Whether it’s clothes, crafts, jewellery or food you’re after, the Tobacco Factory Market offers around 40 stalls of the city’s best makers, growers and producers. Tobacco Factory Market is one of our favourite markets in Bristol, definitely not one to miss this summer.

Clifton Village

Clifton, BS8

Want a wide selection shops at your disposal? Head up to Clifton Village. With everything from crafts, clothes, homeware and much more, Clifton Village is a great spot if you’re looking for a calm and relaxing day trip in the city this summer.

Dancing in Bristol this summer

Festivals

With one of the country’s most exciting music scenes, Bristol is home to some incredible festivals that aren’t to be missed. Love Saves the Day may have already passed, but that’s just the beginning. With Valley Fest to come in August and both Forwards and Tokyo World in September, there’s no excuse to not get your dancing shoes on this summer.

Propyard

Feeder Road, BS2

Propyard’s outdoor space is unrivalled. Hosting day parties all throughout the summer, as well as hosting Bristol’s own record label Shall Not Fade’s first ever festival in September, head to Propyard for a boogie in the sun.

Fun things to do in Bristol this summer

Bristol Lido

Oakfield Place, BS8

Tucked away amongst the Georgian houses of Clifton sits the Bristol Lido, one of the city’s best locations to just relax. Offering a huge outdoor pool as well as a range of spa facilities and treatments, why not treat yourself to some chill time this summer. Be sure to check out the poolside restaurant too!

Spike Island

Cumberland Road, BS1

Internationally renowned, Spike Island offers year round events and exhibitions. Bristol’s vibrant home for contemporary art, be sure not to miss their exciting programme of exhibitions throughout this summer.

The Clifton Downs

Stoke Road, BS9

There’s always something going on at the Clifton Downs. So much more than just a beauty spot, the space hosts plenty of events throughout the summer. From outdoor film screenings to the new Forwards festival, the Downs is the place to be. Not your cup of tea? It’s the perfect spot for a walk too.

The Wave

Washingpool Farm, BS35

The Wave is the ultimate surfing experience. The first location of its kind, it offers inland surfing to people of all ages, here in Bristol. A surfing expert? They can provide some of the most challenging waves for you to practice on. A beginner? Not to worry, The Wave offers lessons to bring you up to speed.

Where to stay in Bristol this summer

Artist Residence

Portland Square, BS2

Need somewhere to stay for a visit this summer? Artist Residence is ideally located just a stone’s throw away from Stokes Croft and Broadmead. With gorgeously designed rooms, a bar & kitchen, as well as an all-day cafe, we can’t think of anywhere better to stay than Artist Residence. Looking for a hotel in Bristol for your summer visit? Artist Residence is always our go-to.

There you have it, the perfect places to make the most of Bristol in the sun this summer. For similar recommendations and a whole lot more, head over to our Instagram @inbristol.guide.

Josh TemplemanJuly 21, 2022