Seriously cool. Like seriously. It's hidden in the middle of…read morethe Bristol Harbour Hotel, and I would have had no clue it was there if I wasn't staying. All I'm saying is I'm glad I did. What a find! I was literally the only one in there (on a Monday) which was a shame as I imagine when the word gets out about this place, the cocktail crowd will flock here of a weekend. Some great sounding cocktails on the menu, along with plenty of classics. I went for the brass money, which was a deliciously delicate and smooth combo of Monkey Shoulder, PX sherry, aperol and grapefruit bitters, perfectly blended for one of the most moreish cocktails I've had in a while. Prices are dece too - talking £9 a pop for the specialities and £7-8 for the classics. Well worth a visit and a cracking addition to the growing Bristol cocktail scene

The Shakespeare Tavern is a proper boozer just off the centre of Bristol and just at the back of…read morethe waterfront. It couldn't be much more different to the other pubs/bars that it's close to. You can tell from the outside exactly what it'll be like inside; a traditional English, old mans pub. It is actually a really refreshing pub to go and hide away from the horribleness of the waterfront on a Friday or Saturday night. I went on Saturday night for the first time in well over a year. I'd been drinking wine with a meal before hand, so deiced to stick to that; £8 a bottle! Boom! Drinks wise you'll find your bog standard draught lagers, ciders and ales and the usual top shelf suspects. Nothing out of the ordinary here. Apart from a few of the punters - eeeek! Don't make eye contact! If they have eyes, that is! With pub going out of business left right and centre, I can't see this one any time soon. It's serves it's purpose well!

A perfect place for a pre gig drink if you are heading to the Thekla or the Louisiana. The…read moreShakespeare is set up some steps by the floating bridge so grab a window seat and it is a great place to watch the world go by. It's quite a small pub but for some baffling reason, despite it always seeming busy, I have never struggled to get a seat in here. As with most Bristol pubs they serve good local ciders but the best bit is the food. Pieminister, mash, peas and gravy is a must on a cold winter or autumnal day. And if that day is a Wednesday you get a free drink with said meal! Bargain. This is one of those pubs which makes you feel warm and lovely inside when the nights are cold, dark and long, less so in the summer but still well worth a pre-gig visit.

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The Tunnels is an exciting new 360 capacity venue with an enviably unique location. Occupying two…read moregrade one listed railway arches, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunnel, and tucked neatly beneath Bristol Temple Meads central railway station, The Tunnels must be Bristol's most easily accessed nightspot. Not only is it serviced by comprehensive bus and rail transport, almost to the door, there is also, unusually for Bristol, a wealth of free parking immediately in front of the venue, all under the watchful eye of The Tunnels security team. And there can't be too many venues that can boast about having a taxi rank on their roof! Opened in October 2009 this venture has been conceived and realised in the peak of a global recession, showing that creator Gareth Chilcott has the courage to match his ambitions. It's perhaps not surprising considering the achievements of this Bristol-born iconic personality. Sporting his trademark headband, Chilcott, better known as Cooch, made over 400 first team appearances for Bath RFC and was capped for England 22 times between 1984 and 1990. The sweatband that protected Cooch from the telltale condition 'cauliflower ear' throughout his rugby career enjoyed a new incarnation after he hung up his boots and launched Headband Ltd, a hospitality company providing mobile bars to prestigious events around the country. Now considered to be a leading international rugby pundit, Cooch regularly makes celebrity guest appearances, and has graced the stage in a number of regional theatre productions. Resisting the temptation to trade on his name, Cooch branded the venue and launched it without so much as a nod to his former achievements. Caution was inspired by the wholesale media pounding of Mama Stones in Exeter, after Wendy Joseph, (mother of Joss Stone), bought and rebranded The Hub, reopening it as a music venue back in the summer of 2009. This has been a smart move in more ways than one. The Tunnels is the right name for this underground, discretely hidden venue. After visiting it, it is hard to imagine that it could be called anything else. A small doorway, no more than an illuminated dot on a manmade cliff face of blackened rock, is all that betrays the existence of life. The soundproofing is immaculate. Emerging from the dusky car park, lit only by the ambient glow of distant streetlights, the full impact of the scale and industrial grandeur of this rather splendid space hits you with full impact as you step across the threshold. Partially clad in corrugated sheet metal, that gives way to large areas of exposed brickwork, it's clear that the interior has been designed to follow the sweeping lines of the superstructure, a decision that was probably heavily influenced by the ceaselessly stringent stipulations of the Heritage Planning Department, but is one that allows for an optimal use of the space. The layout is intelligent. Although conforming to predetermined dimensions, this is a venue that is custom made for the purpose of delivering quality music to large numbers of people. The first arch, which houses the bar and sprawling lounge, with toilets and smoking area to the rear, has dual access to the performance area running parallel to it. The stage occupies a sizeable portion of the far end of the second arch, allowing the audience to filter, with minimum disturbance, from the side. Disabled access is garnered via a door leading directly from the car park, adjacent to the main entrance. The fact that this leads to a viewing platform that elevates wheelchair bound patrons to a position where they can enjoy great views of the stage is indicative of the thought and consideration that has gone into mapping out the space. This venue is being operated with seeming consummate ease, without a trace of evidence pointing to the problematical process that brought it into being. Cooch had been searching for the right opportunity to put down some roots for several years, but initial attempts to secure a property of the correct proportions were thwarted by costly surveying procedures that resulted in disappointment. "I've always wanted a music venue" he confided, "I looked at the Fleece a couple of years ago, and didn't buy it because of structural problems... And then, after a lot of searching, two derelict arches came up, with a lot of rain, a lot of rats, a lot of dirt and hard work, and, of course, it's a listed building, and so as soon as you touch that you've got to get everything passed by Heritage... But in the end it was worth it. It's a bit quirky. It's a bit different. The acoustics are great, and the bands like playing here. It works." There's no denying that Cooch is right, The Tunnels definitely works, but the timing of the development, with the backdrop of global recession, could hardly be considered ideal. Ever the professional, Cooch takes a philosophical stance... read full review on my blog: http://www.travelpod.com/members/biglove

Described by the NME many years ago as "a floating toilet", the Thekla has thankfully had a few…read moremakeovers since and is now quite possibly the best club and gig venue in Bristol. The downstairs main room is fairly small and generates a great atmosphere, and there are also balconeys overlooking the dancefloor and stage, which are great for gigs. Moving upstairs, there's a decent bar which is open during day times and has a daily happy hour and food offers. On sunny days, though, you're better off taking your pint/burger out on the open air deck, which is heated, has plenty of seating and offers great views across the harbour.

A club on a boat! The Thekla (I don't know if that's the name of the boat as well as the club) is…read moremoored up in Bristol harbour with a few good nights and live music as well. There's no need to worry about sea sickness, the boat doesn't sway or anything. Its over two floors (decks?) and has an outside area at the bow of the ship. The upstairs bar is open all week and the bottom opens for club nights (Socialism, electro-indie on Saturdays is my favourite). Being on a boat, things are a bit crowded, but theres plenty of space on the bottom floor (in the bowls of the ship?) to dance. The staff (bouncers and bar staff) are friendly, and there's always a good atmosphere. There's no premium for floating whilst you drink, with the nights I've been too, priced around a fiver. A novelty that's a good night out too.

Blink and you'll miss! Look out for the red light (clue in the title) with a graffiti'd phone box…read more Place is awesome - excellent cocktails and muchos Pokemon banter (probably not what they want to be known for). In any case, friendly peeps, very cool - a must for lovers of cocktails. I may enhance my review when I'm not very drunk from their drinks (which is telling by itself)

Absolutely amazing food, beer, food and service. I would 100% recommend the Korean buttermilk…read morechicken burger if a bit of spice is not a problem for you. A lovely atmosphere and place to hangout with friends.

So I arrived with high expectations on reviews and word of mouth, I was looking forward to some…read morenice food and a bit of chilaxing time. First impressions were that of a good one, really good atmosphere. I ordered a coke to drink being the designated driver, the coke was flat, never a good thing for someone who loves the drink. The person who served me had a rubbish attitude and didn't like the fact I said my drink was flat, never got sorted out so I had to have another drink, I wanted chicken wings but they had none left so then Decided on a dirt bag burger sounded amazing but once again no burgers, I went for a kraut dog and fries in the end feeling disappointed. Believe me once my food came out opinions changed wow wow wow, delicious great tasting food. The other staff that served me through the night were great. Will Deffo be back for more food and next time I would like to taste some great selections of drinks, love the thought process behind small bar. Only have good words to say, the food is great !

Everything and anything you expect from a speakeasy cocktail bar. Very talented mixologist and very…read morewilling to please with customizable drinks to perfection. Extremely precise, kind and funny. Most fantastic playlist I have heard in a very long time at any bar. I Took some photos and filmed some film and they were very appreciative and excited about the beautiful results. The decor is specific. Not my personal taste as a vegetarian but because of the extra dim pretty lighting I got over it. The only thing I didn't like. Best I've been to in Europe.

Knock and enter. Pre book is advised. Knock at the door and you are greeted and welcomed. There is…read morea small sign outside that shows this place but it is NOT a loud bar. Could be described as a speak easy. Classy place to bring a date or your partner. Just pleasant! Great cocktails and not much of a beer place for sure. Romantic and classy.

amazing drinks, super romantic location Saturday night gem?…read moreFinding a place called Under the Stars which is literally a boat docked at the pier, turned into a cocktail bar. I sat at the table with the porthole overlooking the canal... What else should I ask for? Delicious cocktails, delicate and girly options with fresh and floral tones. And this canal view speaks for itself!

The location is superb and food very tasty - perfect for a romantic night out. Customer service…read morecould be improved though - no table service in a relatively pricey restaurant was disappointing.

One of Bristol's oldest music venues, this intimate pub is a bit of a halfway house where you can…read moresee the wannabes on their way up and the never quite weres coming back down the other side. If you know your stuff you can catch some really big pre-fame names (I saw Radiohead for £3.50 many, many years ago, though once turned down the chance to see some new band called 'Oasis' in favour of watching the footie in a pub down the road). Weekends are dominated by tribute nights, which can be fun if you get the right one, while up-and-coming acts vie for your attention during the week, when there are also cheap drinks offers early in the night. Be warned: when stage diving keep an eye on the pillars as a mate of mine almost knocked himself out at a Moonflowers gig in the early 90s...

Just over the Bristol Bridge from town, The Fleece is a small pub and music venue mostly catering…read moreto the rock scene. The floor is paved with flag stones, convenient if you spill your drink! Probably easier to keep in a decent state with the dancing and moshing that goes on here too. It's on the circuit for small bands trying to get a break. That means the odd act that will be topping the charts in a few years time and not a few bands that definitely won't It's a good space for a band to play, perhaps not quiet enough for singer songwriter type acts. The drinks on offer here aren't too badly priced (and a lot cheaper than the O2 academy, which also has a very dire range on offer, thanks to the corporate sponsorship). Things tend to be a bit calmer here too. Although this might just be because it's not such a big place. A gig here generally gets going towards the end, and their will be the risk of crowddivers falling on you, but I've never been there when things get out of control. If you like live music have a look for a band you know (or a tribute to them) and get a ticket for a good night.

Right next to the Radisson Hotel you can find a very special cocktail bar / restaurant called…read moreAluna. Unfortunately, as I arrived in Bristol quite late in the evening I couldn't get a table for dinner, but I made a mental note that if I will ever go to Birmingham, Aluna will be on my list to-try list. I'm really sorry that they don't have a branch in London as well, but c'est la vie. I can guarantee though that the cocktails are fire! I tried two drinks from the Midnight Madness menu: Glitterbomb and Bubblegumtini. Glitterbomb is definitely my favorite, I love the glass that looks almost like a strange chemist's beaker, the scent of cotton candy shot out from one of the two little holes - I tasted it and it was sweet and sparkly! Sweet with a delicate passion fruit taste... It was love at first sight! I have to admit, I ordered Bubblegumtini just because it seemed to have a lot of stage presence. Intense and with a bright color, full of special effects, but unfortunately for me issa no! So nauseating, maybe I should have guessed it from the name of the drink itself... Glitterbomb hands down! On top of that, I found the place to be very affordable compared to any bar in London where the price of this type of drinks would be probably double.

Totally not worth the "all inclusive Prosecco" brunch price. The website is deceiving and makes it…read morelook like a cool ambience stand alone bar/restaurant it's in an office building and our view was literally the rubbish bins outside the window during entire meal. Food took longer than should and you have a time limit on how long your brunch time is. The food wasn't great, could have made it at home. Overall disappointed and wouldn't come back.