The 5 best pubs in Bristol's Harbourside

Perched on the edge of Bristol’s historic Harbourside, The Ostrich is a brilliant waterside pub where you can enjoy a quiet drink and a bite to eat in the sunshine while watching the harbourside from the large outdoor seating area.

Drinks-wise, The Ostrich offers award-winning Butcombe beer, curated cocktails, and an extensive rum menu which plays homage to the pub’s roots as a Harbourside inn where sailors and dockers once drank.

The recently refurbished Top Deck is a spacious dining space and bar available for private hire, boasting brilliant views over the Bristol Harbourside.

Since the 18th Century, people have been finding sanctuary at Bristol’s Hole in The Wall – particularly the sailors who used to drink there, keeping an eye out for approaching press gangs. Earning the pub its name is the small peep-hole, still visible today, which gave the sailors their early warning.

Today, The Hole in The Wall is a charming pub bursting with history with a large outdoor seating area, making it a brilliant spot for taking in the genuinely exceptional views of the Bristol Harbourside. Drinks-wise, the pub is renowned for its wide selection of wines, lagers, and real ales.

No 1 Harbourside is an independent pub, restaurant, and live music venue. Upon entering this friendly Bristol pub, you are met with bright colours, rustic wood, and warm lighting creating a fresh, welcoming vibe.

They themselves in taking the time to source locally and sustainably – giving visitors a real taste of Bristol. The pub has a fantastic selection of drinks from draught and bottled beers and ciders to carefully constructed cocktails, and everything in between.

Whether your vibe is a sit-down meal and drinks, a cosy date, or a dance to live music, No 1 Harbourside ticks all the boxes.

The Cottage Inn dates back to 1868 and was once used by merchants for storing Baltic timber for the growing number of businesses in the dock during that period.

Today, it is a popular pub serving a wide selection of award-winning Butcombe beer and local ciders, alongside a menu offering delicious takes on pub classics with a focus on seasonal ingredients, fresh fish, and seafood. The pub also boasts stunning views across the Harbourside and overlooking Bristol beyond.

Inside, you’ll find a cosy atmosphere and beautiful interiors, with beautiful, panelled walls, wooden flooring, and comfy furnishings.

The Pump House is a sophisticated gastropub, housed in a former Victorian pumping station. Situated in a prime harbourside location, this pub has an abundance of waterside seating, offering fantastic views of Bristol’s historic Harbourside.

This pub strives to use seasonal and locally sourced food in its flavoursome dishes to support the Bristol community and independent suppliers.

The Pump House provides a perfect venue for any occasion, whether it’s a lazy afternoon on the sunny terrace, or an evening drink and meal in the downstairs bar. They also have a beautiful mezzanine-level dining area available for private hire and larger group bookings.