The nine best pub gardens for Bristol students to sink pints and soak up the sun

Your ultimate guide to al fresco boozing on a budget


The sun is out, essays have been submitted – it’s pub garden season. An iconic British institution, the beer garden offers the perfect space to enjoy a cold beer with friends whilst soaking up some summer sun.

Luckily for Bristol students, our city has plenty of options for outdoor bevvying. However, not all pub gardens are created equal, so we’ve rounded up the very best of Bristol’s pub gardens to make sure you get the post-exam pint experience you deserve.

If your student house’s ‘garden’ leaves you wanting more, get to one of these glorious beer gardens instead.

1. The Hope and Anchor

This quaint little pub tucked away on Jacob Wells Road next to Brandon Hill packs a punch with its spectacular beer garden hidden at the back.

The Hope and Anchor beer garden certainly tops the list for aesthetic appeal as the maze-like multi-tiered terrace is replete with colourful bunting, climbing plants, and wooden pergolas.

This pub is open every day from 12:00-23:00 so there are plenty of opportunities to catch some rays in this picturesque pub garden – make sure you try the pear cider!

2. The Highbury Vaults

A familiar favourite for most students, the Highbury Vaults wins for proximity to campus – you can practically see the ASS from this pub, making it the perfect first stop for a pub crawl as soon as you’ve handed in your final deadline in the library.

Whilst on the expensive side for drinks, the extensive walled pub garden more than makes up for the price of their beer. The outdoor heating means you can stay here long after the sun goes down and still be comfortable.

The historic pub dates back to the 1850s and is featured on many tourist checklists due to the quirky interior and famous toy train track running around the interior of the pub. Definitely worth a visit.

3. White Lion Bar at the Avon Gorge

A list of the best pub gardens in Bristol wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the iconic view from The White Lion.

The outdoor seating section of this Clifton-based bar offers a truly incredible vista of the Clifton Suspension Bridge and Avon River.

Perfect for treating yourself to a refreshing cocktail on a summer day, go early to secure a seat with the best view as they don’t take bookings.

4. The Cadbury

Tucked away in a residential street in Montpelier, The Cadbury has a hidden gem of a pub garden that has recently been refurbished.

The large sun trap garden space has plenty of picnic tables and long benches to seat all your friends and is renowned for its very laid-back and chilled vibe.

The pub also offers local favourites like West Country ales and craft beers and serves a delicious Sunday lunch.

5. The Full Moon

Over in Stokes Croft, the Full Moon and Attic Bar offers a unique pub garden experience in their large, partially covered courtyard.

The large seating area is perfect for larger groups, and the pub is also home to in-house kitchens serving pizza and Tex-Mex fusion each evening – don’t miss out on the 3 pizzas for £25.50 deal.

What’s more, the multicultural venue space also runs a range of cool events, with live music and DJs every Thursday, Friday and Saturday promising to amp up your evening.

6. Den and Terrace

The Den and Terrace have a lovely outdoor space (clue is in the name) with ten picnic tables with umbrellas and covers for all your daytime drinking needs.

The major draw of this pub garden is its brilliant beer prices – pints and doubles are only £3 until 3 pm, and after that, you pay what the time is (4 pm = £4) until 5 pm! There is also a happy hour from 5-8 pm where it’s always two cocktails for £12, and shots are four for £12.

Located near the SU, this is one of the few beer gardens in Clifton that won’t break the bank.

7. The Bristol Flyer

Over in Bishopston The Bristol Flyer is a large, student-friendly pub with a spacious courtyard beer garden in the back.

The pub garden has room for everyone, so you don’t need to worry about getting a seat in one of the cosy booths and sheltered tables.

Best of all, the pub offers a huge range of delicious food often under a weeknight deal – it’s the perfect spot for a pub crawl down Gloucester Road.

8. Channings

The Channings Hotel has a gorgeous pub garden set to the backdrop of beautiful Clifton.

Soak up the sunshine with a £3.99 Aperol spritz for the perfect post-exam season celebration – bring your student ID to claim this amazing offer.

Open from 11-11, this is one of the earlier opening beer gardens in Bristol so you can get on it first thing in the morning.

9. Brewhouse

You might have walked past Brewhouse on your way to uni without noticing its excellent beer garden opposite the Cotham Hill Fruit and Veg store.

Perfectly located for taking paralytic friends back home after a day of drinking, the craft beer microbrewery is on Redland and Cotham residents’ doorstep.

The pub has loads of deals on like Happy Hour and a free beer if you sign up for their mailing list.

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