Independent shopping in Bristol: Our favourite places to shop

Bristol is packed with brilliant independent shops. From colourful clothing boutiques to beautifully curated homeware stores and food shops filled with local produce, there’s always something new to discover. Whether you’re looking for a birthday gift, something for your home, a new outfit, or want to pick up new food and drink to try, the city has loads of great places to explore.

Here are some of our favourite independent shops in Bristol.

Independent clothing shops in Bristol

Blues Store, City Centre

If you’re looking for some of the best streetwear brands in Bristol, Blues Store is your spot.

The shop has a super cool aesthetic and stocks brands like Aries, Brain Dead and YMC, alongside lifestyle and grooming products from brands such as Aesop and Malin + Goetz. Pieces are definitely on the pricier side, but perfect if you’re after a special item or a good gift. They usually have a great sale section too.

It’s located just next to Full Court Press, one of Bristol’s best coffee shops, and both spots have benches outside which makes it a great place to grab a coffee and watch the city go by.

Fox and Feather, Gloucester Rd

Fox + Feather is full to the brim with colourful clothing and homeware. You’ll find clothing and homeware from Damson Madder, HK Living and Nobody’s Child, alongside lots of lifestyle accessories and giftable items.

It has a boutique feel but the pieces are still affordable. The mannequins are always perfectly styled giving you lots of inspiration for your fits.

The shop sits on Gloucester Road, widely considered to be one of the longest stretches of independent shops in the UK, so there’s loads to explore nearby.

Cooshti, City Centre

A Bristol institution when it comes to streetwear. Cooshti has been part of the Bristol shopping scene since the early 90s. It stocks streetwear brands like Carhartt WIP, Gramicci and Keen.

It’s located on Park Street alongside plenty of other great independent shops, making it an easy stop if you’re exploring the area.

Independent homeware & lifestyle shops in Bristol

Mon Pote, Bedminster

Mon Pote is one of the most beautifully curated homeware shops in Bristol.

Recently expanded across two floors, the shop is filled with colourful homeware pieces, accessories, cards and thoughtful gift ideas. It’s the kind of place where you pop in for a card and leave with a few extra things you didn’t know you needed.

You’ll find it on North Street in Bedminster, another great area of the city for independent shopping.

The Bristol Artisan, Redland

The Bristol Artisan is a space dedicated to contemporary craft and design, showcasing work from over 70 makers from Bristol and beyond. Inside you’ll find handmade homewares, textiles, prints and candles, alongside lots of lovely gifts, including a great kids section.

It’s a great place to find something a bit more unique, especially around Christmas or for birthdays and Mother’s Day.

UStudio, Gloucester Rd

UStudio is one of our absolute favourite Bristol shops.

The store has a brilliant mix of stationery, self-care products, home accessories, candles, perfumes and dreamy food and dining pieces. Everything is really thoughtfully curated, it’s the perfect place to find gifts for people who like nice things!

It’s also on Gloucester Road, making it a great stop while exploring the area’s many independent shops.

BAM Store + Space, Easton

BAM is a colourful little shop in Easton filled with art, books, gifts and plenty of joyful bits and pieces. Inside you’ll find lots of illustration-led products, prints, cards, art and treats, alongside a lovely selection of kids’ books, toys and creative gifts.

The shop always feels bright and welcoming, and their window displays are often designed by local artists, making it a real standout on the street. A great spot if you’re looking for something fun, creative or a gift with a bit of personality.

Iota, Gloucester Rd

A sweet little gift shop that’s been part of Gloucester Road for over 20 years.

IOTA is packed with affordable gift ideas, cards, wrapping paper and small home accessories. It’s especially handy around Christmas or when you need a birthday gift while doing a Gloucester Road shopping trip.

Prior Shop, Redfield

Founded by Bristol designer Beck Prior, the shop has become something of a pioneer for independent makers in the city.

Alongside Prior’s own designs, the store also champions lots of other local designers and small brands, making it a great place to discover creative Bristol talent.

You’ll find ceramics, prints, clothing and homeware, all with that playful design-led feel. If you’re looking for a gift that feels local, this is a great place to start.

Independent food shops in Bristol

Root & Ember, Clifton

Root & Ember describes itself as a “luxury food emporium”, and once you step inside you’ll see why. The shop is packed with high-quality British produce, including meats they cure and smoke themselves on site.

It’s a great place to build a food hamper, stock up your pantry, or pick up something delicious for the weekend. You’ll also find brilliant Bristol brands like Single Variety Co, Salsa Stories and Bertha’s Pizza products.

The Mall Deli, Clifton

The Mall Deli is a bit of a Clifton Village classic, having been around for more than 40 years.

Alongside their famous sausage sandwiches (definitely recommend picking one up!), salads and scotch eggs, the shop shelves are stacked with cheeses, charcuterie, wines, ciders and local pantry favourites.

It’s the perfect place to pick up picnic bits or a few treats for the weekend.

Independent book shops in Bristol

Bookhaus, Wapping Wharf

Located in the heart of Wapping Wharf, Bookhaus is a modern independent bookshop with a brilliant selection of books across politics, contemporary fiction, cookery, children’s books and independent presses. They also host regular author talks and events in store.

East Bristol Books, Old Market

A small but brilliant bookshop in Old Market. East Bristol Books focuses on independent and small press publishing, with particular strengths in poetry, fiction in translation and politics.

Gloucester Road Books, Gloucester Rd

Gloucester Road Books has a wide range of titles across fiction, non-fiction and children’s books, including plenty from small and independent publishers. They’re always refreshing the shelves, so there’s usually something new to discover if you enjoy a good browse.

Best areas for independent shopping in Bristol

While great shops are dotted all across the city, there are a few Bristol neighbourhoods where independent shopping really thrives.

Gloucester Road: Often said to be one of the longest stretches of independent shops in the UK, Gloucester Road is packed with places to explore.
North Street, Bedminster: North Street in Bedminster has become another great hub for independent businesses in Bristol.
Clifton Village: Clifton Village is known for its beautiful streets and independent boutiques.

More independent shops in Bristol

There are so many great independent shops in Bristol that this list could go on forever. Every spot we’ve included here is somewhere we’ve genuinely visited and would happily go back to. We’re always sharing more of our favourite Bristol shops across our social channels too.