Yahoo News The best spots on Harbourside to enjoy the sunshine with a cocktail
Relaxing at one of the chic Harbourside bars with friends grows ever more appealing with the long days and light evenings. But as Bristol has so much to offer on the food and drink scene, with various awards and accolades, it can be difficult to settle on the perfect spot.
We've put together a list of the best places to kick back with a drink and enjoy the view of Bristol's iconic harbour backdrop. Each cater to different tastes, with trendy and cosy bars alike, so there is something for everyone.
The Architect Cafe and Bar
Over Pero's Bridge away from the main string of bars and restaurants on Harbourside sits The Architect. The cafe and bar opened back in 2021, and has become popular with the Bristol crowd.
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One TripAdvisor user said: "Such a lovely place on the harbour. Plenty of outside and inside seating."
At lunchtime, The Architect serves speciality coffee, teas and sourdough sandwiches. By night, it transforms into a sophisticated but cosy bar with cocktails, wines and craft beers on offer, as well as a selection of cheese and charcuterie boards.
Rick's
An extension to hotel The Bristol, Rick's blends style with comfort. The bar has a vast drinks menu, including a range of vegan and alcohol-free wines.
Having only opened last year, the trendy bar has wowed visitors. One TripAdvisor said: "Lovely cocktails and small plates overlooking the harbour."
Rick's promises guests "easy elegance, with a dash of intrigue and romance from a forgotten world". The muted tones and leafy surroundings are perfect for soothing the mind after a long day.
Watershed Cafe and Bar
Watershed boasts an impressive menu with a variety of vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options. Ingredients are sourced locally where possible.
Exposed beams and retro metal furniture give the place an industrial feel. A range of cocktails are on offer, from the classic Old Fashioned to a 'Dark 'N' Stormy' rum and ginger.
The River Grille
If your evening demands some elegance, then look no further than The River Grille. The stunning restaurant is home to a quirky white piano, with a pianist playing on Friday evenings and Sunday lunchtimes and a jazz band on Saturday evenings.
The restaurant has a modern, lofty look, complete with floor to ceiling windows to ensure guests can take in the impressive surroundings. Fresh fish and seafood is on the menu, including a 'catch of the day' from the nearby port of Brixham in Devon.
Under the Stars Bar
Perhaps the most impressive on the list for cocktail-lovers is Under the Stars, a Mediterranean tapas restaurant sat on the busy stretch overlooking the harbour.
There really is something for everyone, with a selection of spritzes and margaritas to choose from. There are also a range of low-alcohol and mocktail alternatives, including a 'Non-Aperol Spritz' and 'Lavender Breeze' mocktail.
They also have a thoughtful menu to get excited about. The chefs have curated a selection of dishes which "draws on the idea of travel and taking the best recipes from the places visited by ships leaving Bristol harbour."
For vegetarians and vegans, the menu goes above and beyond, with a range just as impressive as the meat options. If you are planning on just drinks and nibbles rather than a meal, there is plenty of choice of appetisers and tapas-style plates.
