It even has its own al-fresco bar and outdoor kitchen
The Ostrich pub in Redcliffe
Us Brits love a good pub and, come warmer weather, a pub garden or outdoor space in which we can soak up the sunshine with a nice refreshing tipple – and perhaps even a bite to eat.
So far, Spring weather has treated us to several weeks of sunshine and, while recent days have seen wetter climes, it’s always worth knowing about a top sunny pub spot.
And it doesn’t get more Bristol than a beer garden that overlooks Bristol’s Harbour.
One renowned place in Bristol for such activity is The Ostrich, a pub perched on the edge of the historic Bristol Harbourside on Lower Guinea Street, and boasting 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.
“We have plenty of cosy corners and warming dishes in Winter and sun-kissed spots and refreshing cocktails in Summer, so whatever your reason for visiting, we look forward to welcoming you – don’t forget to pay a visit to our ‘smugglers’ cave’ for a true slice of Bristol heritage.”
The cave, which actually sits inside the pub, is part of a larger system – Redcliffe Caves – behind the building.
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”.
Crowds at The Ostrich on Brsitol’s harbourside (Image: James Beck/Freelance)
The Summer outside kitchen serves up pub inspired street food and ‘boozy treats to the Bristol harbour masses’.
Behind the bar, you’ll find a selection of cocktails, spirits, craft beer, real ale and cider from the award-winning Butcombe Brewery.
There’s a dedicated children’s menu, they cater to vegetarians and vegans – and you can even get a Sunday roast.
Meanwhile, upstairs, the pub’s ‘Top Deck’ dining space and bar (which is available for private hire for everything from weddings to business meetings) boasts incredible views over the Harbour.
Family and well-behaved dog-friendly, and with a calendar of events throughout the year, it’s not hard to see why this venue is a go-to for many, but more so in the spring and summer.
It was even the County Winner at the National Pub and Bar Awards in 2022.
And when summer hits, this suntrap beer garden comes alive with activity.
In the surrounding area of this part of the city, you are close to the restaurants in The General on Guinea Street – the likes of Paco Tapas among them – live music venue The Louisiana, and stunning walks right along the river and towards Bristol landmarks and green spaces, including Queen Square.