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Bristol Shopping: A Complete Guide

Cabot Circus Shopping Centre

Looking for a city that caters to all your shopping needs? Look no further than Bristol! With a variety of high street favourites, indie boutiques, restaurants, and independent cinemas, it’s no wonder that shoppers from all over flock to Bristol for its shopping scene.

Bristol’s shopping scene is known for its unique character and strong promotion of local venues, with retailers embracing a progressive and environmentally-conscious theme. Whether you’re looking for independent shops of familiar brands and retailers, Bristol has it all.

For those planning a shopping day in Bristol, here’s what you can expect:

  • High street favourites: Bristol boasts a wide range of high street stores, including popular brands such as Zara, H&M, Urban Outfitters, River Island and more.
  • Indie boutiques: In addition to high street shops, Bristol is home to many independent boutiques that offer a unique shopping experience. From vintage clothing stores such as Loot to artisanal gift shops, you’ll find something for everyone.
  • Restaurants: After a long day of shopping, take a break and grab a bite to eat at one of Bristol’s many fantastic restaurants. From trendy vegan eateries to cosy gastro pubs, there is something to suit every taste.
  • Independent cinemas: If you’re a film buff, you won’t want to miss out on Bristol’s independent cinemas. Catch the latest arthouse releases or cult classics at cinemas such as the Watershed or Cube Microplex.

If you’re thinking about heading to Bristol for a day of shopping, here’s a rundown of what you can expect.

Cabot Circus Shopping Centre

Are you ready to get your shop on? Start your Bristol shopping adventure at Cabot Circus, located in the heart of the Broadmead shopping area. Here you’ll find a mix of high-end and high-street brands, as well as numerous excellent retailers.

Bristol Shopping: A Complete Guide 1
Cabot Circus Shopping Centre

Cabot Circus is home to some of the biggest names in high street fashion such as Zara, H&M, Fat Face, Harvey Nichols and House of Fraser, including classic shopping centres staples like Claire’s, Burton Menswear, and Foot Locker.

The architectural design of Cabot Circus is not to be missed. With its spacious and airy layout and high, mostly transparent roof, it feels almost like being outdoors. Don’t worry about where to put your car – there is ample paid parking within Cabot Circus. Alternatively, it’s only a 20-minute walk or a 10-minute bus ride from Bristol Temple Meads Train Station.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to the food court for a wide variety of options to suit any craving. Choose from the likes of Five Guys, Nando’s, Zizzi’s, Yo! Sushi and many more. Don’t forget to give into your sweet tooth and grab something tasty from Krispy Kreme or Ben’s Cookies.

And if you manage to tire from shopping and eating, there is also an impressive 13-screen Showcase Cinema showing all of the latest movie releases.

Cribbs Causeway Shopping Centre

Known locally as ‘The Mall’, Cribbs Causeway is located in north Bristol, just off junction 17 of the M5 motorway and is another great shopping experience that brings together some of the best names in high street fashion, all under one roof. Check out John Lewis, Joules, Kurt Geiger, New Look and much more.

Bristol Shopping: A Complete Guide 2
Cribbs Causeway Shopping Centre

However, Cribbs Causeway is more than just a mall – it’s a sprawling retail park that includes Oak Furniture Land, B&M, a 12-screen Vue Cinema, and even a bowling alley. It is also home to one of the biggest ASDAs in the UK. With 7,000 parking spaces available, you won’t have to worry about finding a spot, and numerous bus services can take you straight from where you are staying in the city.

Gloucester Road

Discover the vibrant scene of Bristol with a visit to the bustling Gloucester Road, the ultimate destination for independent niche shopping. As one of the most independent streets in Bristol and the entire country, Gloucester Road is a must-visit for those seeking unique shopping experiences.

Bristol Shopping: A Complete Guide 3
Gloucester Road, Bristol

Gloucester Road offers an excellent array of independent and chain stores, making it a great place to explore for all your shopping needs. One of the area’s unique features is its blend of different shops, including a large number of independent retailers, which gives the whole area a bohemian vibe, making it one of the most interesting and fun shopping areas in Bristol.

It is also home to some of the best bars and restaurants Bristol has to offer. Such as Lona Grill House and Juice Bar, Dev’s Kerala, Hobgoblin, and Pizzarova.

Bristol Markets

Experience Bristol’s vibrant market scene with a visit to St. Nicholas Market (also known as St. Nicks), the city’s oldest and most famous market. Located within the Grade I listed Exchange, as well as parts of Corn Street, Wine Street, and Broad Street. St. Nicks is a hub of independent sellers offering crafts and local produce. The covered arcade creates a unique shopping atmosphere, perfect for a special shopping experience. St. Nicks also offers a range of food vendors selling everything from falafel and curry to barbeque meats and morish dumplings.

Bristol Shopping: A Complete Guide 4
St. Nicholas Market

In addition to the main market which is open every day, St. Nicholas Market is home to many temporary markets, including a Farmers’  and Producers’ Market, which is held every two weeks, Bristol Indies Market (formerly the Nails Market), on Friday’s and Saturday’s and an extra dose of foodie goodness at the Street Food Market, every Tuesday and Friday. 

Bristol also boasts the Harbourside Market, where you can find a variety of vendors running along the waterfront at the weekends. Favourites include names such as Big Naths BBQ, Gurt Wings, Alp Mac and Momo Bar.

Other Notable Independent Shops

Bristol is the go-to place for a vibrant and unique shopping experience. With so many shopping districts to explore, there is something for everyone. One area not to be missed is Clifton Village, just a short 10-15 minute drive from the city centre. This upscale neighbourhood is home to a variety of independent shops, trendy boutiques, and buzzing bars and restaurants.

Bristol Shopping: A Complete Guide 5
Clifton Arcade, Clifton Village, Bristol

While you’re in Clifton Village, be sure to check out the Hidden Art Gallery for some fabulous artwork by 20th and 21st-century artists. For antique jewellery, antiques, and silverware, Grey Harris and Co is a must. It’s one of the finest antique dealers in the West Country and has an impressive collection.

Another shopping district to add to your list is North Street in Southville. This is a haven for book lovers, with the Old Bookshop being a must-visit destination. Wine connoisseurs should head to Corks of North Street, the sister store to the original Corks of Cotham, for an impressive selection of fine wines.

Bristol Shopping: A Complete Guide 6
North Street, Bristol

In addition to shopping, there are plenty of quality restaurants and bars to enjoy on North Street. One popular spot is Souk Kitchen, with its colourful Middle Eastern tapas-style menu. Or check out COR, the latest edition to North Street, bringing a touch of Mediterranean fine dining to the suburb.

Bristol does have everything you need when it comes to shopping. From large malls filled with popular high street names to independent markets full of trinkets and handmade goods, there is something for everyone. So, make sure to add Bristol to your list of must-visit shopping destinations. 

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Top 10 Places to Eat in Bristol

Top 10 Places to Eat in Bristol 7

Bristol is one of the fastest growing economies in the UK and the sixth most populous city in the country. The city is perhaps better known though for its incredible culture and this includes a reputation as one of the greatest culinary British cities outside London.

In this guide, we’re going to take a look at what we at Air Bristol consider the top ten places to eat in Bristol in 2019.

The Ox

If you’re looking for steak in Bristol, then The Ox is the place to go. Situated on Corn Street, right in the heart of the medieval old city, don’t be fooled by the Wetherspoons pub above it, walking down the stairs into the decadent dimly lit environment of the Ox is like walking into another world. The menu aims for simple but delicious, using the highest quality, locally supplied meat. You can also expect a delicious range of cocktails from the same team that run both Hyde and Co and the Milk Thistle bars. Probably not the most vegetarian-friendly restaurant on our list though; even the decor is animal themed with taxidermied animals lining the walls.

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Top 10 Places to Eat in Bristol 8

Top 10 Places to Eat in Bristol 8

Pony & Trap

Step outside of the city proper, into the beautiful scenery of Chew Valley. Here, the Pony & Trap brings a Michelin Star to a traditional country pub. This is a 200 year-old local pub that’s still in use by farmers and other residents from the area and the food does focus on simplicity and local produce. In quality and flavour, it does, however, earn that star. Try the tasting menu for £60.

Top 10 Places to Eat in Bristol 10

Top 10 Places to Eat in Bristol 10

Pasta Loco

You may have to book far in advance to guarantee a table, but there’s a reason Pasta Loco is so popular; the pasta on offer from their simple short menu is simply out of this world. Popular recipes include the linguine carbonara and, on the drinks menu, the Negroni. Cotham Hill is gaining a reputation for hosting some of Bristol’s finest new eateries and Pasta Loco is quite possibly the jewel in the crown.

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Top 10 Places to Eat in Bristol 12

Casamia Restaurant

More Michelin winning success comes from Casamia. The prices may mean you have to save visits for a special occasion (you’re looking at close to £100 per person for the full menu or Chef’s Table, and it’s non-refundable once you book), but Casamia has a reputation for ambition that has put it at the top of Bristol’s fine dining establishments. This doesn’t make it overly formal – there’s no dress code. A focus on seasonal produce means menus change regularly, though there is an Italian influence.

Top 10 Places to Eat in Bristol 14

Top 10 Places to Eat in Bristol 14

Bosco Pizzeria

At the top of Bristol pizzeria’s is Bosco. After many holidays in Italy, the owners wanted to recreate authentic Neapolitan pizzas in Bristol. After their early success, they continued to develop a range of Italian dishes to elevate their menu further. Find them on Regent Street, right in the heart of Clifton.

Top 10 Places to Eat in Bristol 16

Top 10 Places to Eat in Bristol 16

Thali

Just down the road from Bosco is one branch of Thali, if you’d rather Indian than Italian. Other branches are in Montpelier, Totterdown, Southville and Easton. Thali refers to the Indian style of serving several dishes on one plate, and the restaurant menu spans the breadth of the Indian subcontinent. Thali started at Glastonbury as a street food truck and it still serves plenty of “roadside” dishes. There’s a kid’s menu and plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. Thali operates under the principle of “jugaad”, which means doing more with less. This method has obviously paid off, as in 2013 it became the first group of Indian restaurants to be awarded three stars by the Sustainable Restaurant Association.

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Top 10 Places to Eat in Bristol 18

Bulrush

Back to Cotham for Bulrush, recently awarded its own Michelin Star. Chef George Livesey trained with the Roux brothers and worked at a range of fine dining restaurants. His skill and experience show in this modern, clever kitchen full of bold flavours and local produce. Add an excellent wine list and top quality service for a truly delightful experience. The building that formerly housed a greengrocer isn’t an obvious restaurant location and Bulrush’s front isn’t the most stand-out, but the food is certainly worth it.

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Top 10 Places to Eat in Bristol 20

Bellita

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Yet another Cotham Hill delight is Bellita or Little Beauty. As you might expect from the name, this is a bar for tapas and drinks, where you can just as easily grab a quick bite as sit for a proper meal. Whilst produce is locally sourced, recipes are inspired by the Middle East and North Africa as well as Spain. Sit down with a friend and share one of the tasty plates. Of particular note is the wine list, on which every wine producer is female.

Top 10 Places to Eat in Bristol 22

Top 10 Places to Eat in Bristol 22

Bravas

Another source of tapas on Cotham Hill is the Spanish-themed Bravas. Here it’s not just the food and drink, but the décor that adds to the authenticity. The staff even go on regular research trips to Spain to meet producers and try out new recipes. The menu changes every day depending on what local and seasonal produce is available, with both common and unusual tapas dishes available. The warm, sociable atmosphere makes for a welcoming ambience and the open kitchen helps connect customers with their food through both sight and smell.

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Top 10 Places to Eat in Bristol 24

St Nicholas Market

If you are looking for independent retailers, St Nicholas Market has the largest collection in Bristol. This includes a range of eateries, with cuisines from Greece, China, Portugal, India, the Caribbean, Japan and South Africa. There are also specialist restaurants for everything from sausages or pies to a vegetarian and vegan café or a juice shop.

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Top 10 Places to Eat in Bristol 26

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Top 10 Night Clubs in Bristol

Bristol Nightclubs

Often doubling as live music venues, the city has night clubs on boats and in basements, themed around different music styles or cultures, karaoke or the 80s. Whatever you’re looking for, chances are there’s a Bristol night club that delivers the vibe you’re looking for.

1. Motion

Regarded as one of the best clubs in the world, Motion has made the transition from skatepark to one of the UK’s top venues for world-renowned DJs. This massive club close to Temple Meads station may look unprepossessing but the names behind the decks are world class. There’s something for everyone across the entire complex from Hospitality events, Run, Dazed, legendary day parties in the summer and Bingo Lingo. If you’re in Bristol looking for a big club night, then you’d be hard pressed to beat Motion. The club regularly hosts big nights which often sell out so pre-buying tickets is recommended.

2. Crofters Rights

Crofters Rights, located in Stokes Croft, is a staple for partiers and students alike. Serving up a selection of excellent beers and ciders on tap and music that will keep you dancing through until the early hours. At the back of the bar is a dancefloor area which homes a huge disco ball right in the centre of the ceiling – and nothing sets the party atmosphere quite like a giant disco ball!

3. The Bootlegger

Craft beers, cocktails and music combine to make the Bootlegger Bristol’s number one rated nightclub on Tripadvisor. Although technically a cocktail bar, the Bootlegger has a dancefloor so we’ve decided to include it in this list (as we love it!). The cocktail list is extensive (they even serve vegan cocktails) and it’s a perfect Gloucester Road venue if you’re not up to heading down to Stokes Croft for a 5am’er. The venue also plays host to some great live bands.

4. Pryzm

When most people think of a big nightclub, they think of a venue like Pryzm, with its 7 themed rooms and 5 different bars. With a shisha room, different club nights, and a luxurious VIP suite this is a state of the art club that bills itself as a ‘modern-day Colosseum’. It certainly won’t suit your average Motion clubber, being far too mainstream for those more into their underground beats. It certainly goes down well with stags and hens though and those looking for stylish surroundings and wall to wall music across every genre, from EDM to pure 80s cheese.

Top 10 Night Clubs in Bristol 28

5. Love Inn

In the heart of fashionable and party central Stokes Croft, the Love Inn is one of the best clubs in central Bristol for a late night boogie. In the daytime, the venue serves food with some fantastic pop-ups but by night it becomes one big dancefloor; all that the venue is not particularly big that’s certainly part of its intimate charm with clubbers literally arm’s length from the DJ booth. Brought to you by the people behind Love Saves the Day, you would expect high-quality DJs and the venue doesn’t disappoint. The music varies but the club is known for hosting some of the best minimal house and techno nights in Bristol. It’s one of the city’s latest opening venues as well, with some nights going on until 6am.

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6. Attic Bar

Full Moon Attic Bar, which is located right at the start of the nightlife hub that is Stokes Croft, is one of the most popular pubs in Bristol. Offering a great selection of lagers, Real Ales, ciders and much more, alongside great music every night with DJs playing every weekend. Expect Dub, Reggae, Deep House, Techno and so much more!

7. Queenshilling

Bristol has one of the best LGBTQ+ scenes in the country and at its heart is the venerable Queenshilling, the oldest gay club in the city. Housed in a fabulous Art Deco building, this award-winning club hosts a number of themed nights plus one of the best karaoke nights anywhere. Located at the centre of Frogmore Street, Queenshilling is the beating heart of the LGBTQ+ scene alongside the Bristol Bear Bar. OMG, and a host of other great bars and clubs.

Top 10 Night Clubs in Bristol 30

8. Thekla

An old cargo ship from the 1950s, Thekla is one of the biggest live music venues in the country and an award winning one at that. After years of being run as an underground nightclub, 2006 saw the DHP Family take over and now host a range of music from artists such as Lowkey, Rhys Lewis, Rebecca Black, Dub War and many more. Located in Bristol City Centre’s Floating Harbour, this 600-capacity boat is open all hours of the day, with several events each week.

Thekla, award winning nightcub. Moored at Bristol Harbour

9. Basement 45

Three dance floors, three bars and a location in one of the most dynamic areas of the city make Basement 45 one of the best DJ led clubs around. A fixture since 2009, this 300 capacity club is an intimate venue with a reputation for promoting local labels, artists, and promoters. Located very centrally on Frogmore Street, there’s always a good crowd and this subterranean club is at the heart of city centre dance culture. Over the years Basement 45 has mutated from just another drum ‘n’ bass venue to something much more interesting with a broader spectrum of music and offering DJ lessons and equipment hire as well as banging club nights.

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10. Mr Wolfs

Mr Wolfs is a family run venue which has been around for 20-years now, that celebrates and promotes the diverse, creative and talent that Bristols music scene has to offer. You’ll find a variety of entertainment such as open mic nights, DJs, brass bands, and award-winning artists throughout the week. There are two areas to dance within the venue as well as a photobooth to snap a photo with your friends that you probably won’t want to remember in the morning!

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What to do in Bristol this Christmas

What to do in Bristol this Christmas

Home to around 400,000 people Bristol is the largest city in the South West of England and just a short drive away from neighbouring Bath, with its historical spa baths dating back to Roman times.

So whether you fancy lights and colour, quiet contemplation or a retail bonanza, here are some of our favourite things to do in Bristol over the Christmas holidays.

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What to do in Bristol this Christmas
What to do in Bristol this Christmas

What to do in Bristol this Christmas

What to do in Bristol this Christmas

1. Celebrate the Solstice

2. Winter Wonderland at Cribbs Causeway

3. Bath Skyline Walk

4. Gourmet Picture Company at Royal Victoria Park

5. Grayson Perry exhibition at Bristol’s Arnolfini

6. Absorb some History from Over the Pond

7. Treat the Kids at Bristol Zoo

8. Bristol Christmas Market

9. Attend a Masquerade Ball

10. Christmas Carols at Bristol Cathedral

Whatever your perfect way of celebrating the best season of the year, you’ll certainly find plenty of options for doing so in style in Bristol this year. Wrap up warm, gather friends and family, switch off the digital screens and go and experience some of what our fine and historic city has to offer.