From proper country pubs to floating pubs on the harbour
Beeses riverside bar on the River Avon at Brislington(Image: PAUL GILLIS / Reach PLC)
In Bristol we are fortunate enough to have plenty of country pubs, city pubs, hotspot bars, beer gardens, rooftop terraces and more to enjoy in the summer months.
And residing near to a river and Harbourside, we can even venture out to a waterside pub to enjoy picturesque views, the sound of lapping water and perhaps even spot a boat or two.
We’ve compiled a list of riverside pubs in Bristol that are definitely worth a visit this summer.
Beeses
Beeses riverside bar in Brislington
Address: Wyndham Crescent, Brislington, BS4 4SX
Recently named among the hardest pubs in the UK to get to, Beeses reopened for the 2025 season in early April.
The much-loved riverside pub and restaurant is situated on the banks of the River Avon at Conham Park, in a tucked away location among greenery.
Many visitors travel to the riverside bar from the city centre via ferry boats, although it is also accessible by road.
Popular in the warmer months, and also for weddings and Sunday roasts and puts on plenty of live music and events during its open season.
From April to October, you can enjoy riverside food, drinks and live entertainment at this much loved pub, which is also pet friendly.
The Ostrich
The Ostrich pub in Redcliffe
Address: Lower Guinea Street, Redcliffe, BS1 6TJ
The Ostrich is a pub perched on the edge of the historic Bristol Harbourside on Lower Guinea Street, which has a large riverside beer garden that is very popular with locals and visitors alike.
While the inside is filled with quirky decor, the garden during the summer months, dubbed ‘one of the best in Bristol’, features classic pub grub-inspired street food from the pub’s outdoor kitchen.
The pub describes itself as having “a mix of suntrap seating areas and shady spots”, as well as an al-fresco bar, saying: “There is no better place to soak up some rays.
Food and drink options at The Ostrich include everything from “mouth-watering pub classics, made from sustainably sourced, local produce, incorporating some of the best seasonal ingredients the region has to offer”.
Meanwhile, upstairs, the pub’s ‘Top Deck’ dining space and bar (which is available for private hire for everything from weddings to business meetings) offers incredible views over the Harbour.
With a calendar of events throughout the year, it’s also family-friendly and well-behaved dogs are welcome.
Grain Barge
The Grain Barge has one of the best views of the floating harbour
Address: Hotwell Road, BS8 4RU
Not quite your average pub, the Grain Barge is basically a pub on a moored boat that provides panoramic views of Bristol Harbour, as well as a range of fresh seasonal dishes and local drinks.
This venue also offers music and art events below deck, and you can even hire out its ‘Hold Bar’ for unique gatherings on the river.
Whether you want to enjoy an art or photography exhibition, a spot of lunch or live music, or simply soak up some sun on a boat on the river with a drink – the Grain Barge has it all.
Old Lock & Weir
Address: Ferry Road, Hanham Mills, BS15 3NU
Described as being a traditional dog-friendly pub that serves up proper British food, the Old Lock & Weir Inn in Hanham Mills sits perched on the edge of the River Avon with a huge beer garden.
An ale and cider house, it is also known for putting on a range of events throughout the year.
Chequers Inn
Chequers Inn in Hanham is a very picturesque pub(Image: James Beck/BristolLive)
Address: Hanham Mills, Ferry Road, BS15 3NU
A neighbour of The Old Lock & Weir Inn, the Chequers Inn also boasts scenic views of the River Avon, located right on the water’s edge.
The pub has a garden and terrace to enjoy some sunshine and take in the peace and quiet of the river and surrounding countryside, and also serves up everything from leisurely drinks to hearty Sunday roasts.
It’s also placed near some scenic walking routes. And while food ranges from pub classics to roast dinners, you can also feast on burgers from the pub’s very own burger shack every weekend in spring and summer.
Lock Keeper
The Lock Keeper in Keynsham(Image: The Lock Keeper)
Address: Keynsham Road, Keynsham, BS31 2DD
The Lock Keeper sits in a Grade II-listed building on the banks of the River Avon, dating back as far as 1719.
Just last year it had a refurb and serves up a menu of classic British dishes and a vast variety of tipples.
It boasts an extensive beer garden for soaking up some sunshine right next to the river, as well as an open conservatory, and a cosy pub interior. There’s also a whole host of community events, including a weekly pub quiz, festival-like bank holiday events, and charity fundraisers to get stuck into.
Jolly Sailor
Address: Mead Lane, Saltford, BS31 3ER
Described as another ‘classic British country pub’ on this list, The Jolly Sailor is located in Saltford and has been serving locals and visitors since 1726.
Open seven days a week from 11am to 11pm, it boasts a locally sourced menu – from a la carte dishes to roast dinners, pizza and baguettes, and a drinks selection filled with local real ales and ciders.
Some of the many events in the pub’s calendar have seen puppy play days, theme nights, live music, and more.