Where to find Bristol’s best hidden gems

Her Majesty’s Secret Service is one of our favourite hidden gems in Bristol. It has a convenient location (just off the train station) and a quirky interior. Inside you’ll find a British-themed decor with comfortable sofas, a piano and cosy lighting (and did we mention that you enter it through a phone box?). The venue is quite small so it’s not ideal for big groups, but if you want to catch up with a close pal, this is the best spot for it. On the menu, you’ll find plenty of cocktails with interesting names: Maid in Japan, Shark Attack, Scout’s Honour and Palm Beach Cooler. There are also all the classics such as Strawberry Daiquiri or Pina Colada. Come for a drink and stay for a relaxed atmosphere.

The Library Bar combines the best two things: cocktails and afternoon tea. By day, the venue is a vintage tea parlour where you can have a traditional English breakfast and sweeten it up with scones or a cup of tea. Lunch is served between 12 and 3pm and features toasted sandwiches, and vegetarian and meat dishes along with sweet treats (mini cakes, bites and slices). By night, the venue transforms into a private cocktail lounge. If you’re looking for your next date spot, you should add this hidden gem to your list. There are plenty of cocktails to suit any occasion on the menu. For those who are after an intimate evening, try one of the champagne cocktails, such as Old Cuban with El Dorado, lime juice, sugar syrup, mint leaves, and Delamotte champagne.

Under the Stars is Bristol’s most unique hidden gem due to its concept. The venue is a floating tapas restaurant with a beautiful interior. The dishes were influenced by the best recipes from the places visited by ships leaving Bristol Harbour. During the day you can relax in the cosy wood interior with Hague blue and mustard yellow accents. When the sun goes down, the atmosphere turns more intimate and classier, although the views are great no matter what time you visit. The menu features a range of exciting plates such as Chicken Chermoula in North African spices with preserved lemon, tabbouleh and dill feta yoghurt. For those who want comfort food, there are plenty of pizzas to choose from. Visit Under the Stars to impress your date or catch up with a friend in a great setting.

How about a delicious and personalised dining experience? Contrary to what the name suggests, at this hidden gem you can try hot pot, the ancient Chinese cooking process. It consists of three parts: soup base, ingredients and a dipping sauce. The idea is that you can get creative and mix your favourite ingredients in a delicious broth. Hot pot is a unique approach to dining and we’re sure you’ll love it if you’ve not already tried it. There are several soup options you can go for (the spicy butter broth or tomato pot are our favourites). The ingredients are seafood, vegetables, meats, pastries, handmade balls, noodles, rice and mushrooms. As you can see, you’ll be spoilt for choice. If it all seems overwhelming, one of the friendly staff will be happy to advise you. The inside is modern with long tables, which makes it great for a bigger gathering.

The Hyde & Co Prohibition Bar is a speakeasy-style bar with leather sofas and dim lighting. The venue is truly a hidden gem as it’s tucked away down a side street off Clifton Triangle. It might not be easy to find but it’s worth it (just remember to look out for the bowler hat sign). Inside, you can expect an intimate atmosphere with plenty of creative drinks on the menu. For example, one of the cocktails you can get is The Dimension Fold made of Lot 40, Pedro Ximenez, Discarded Banana and red bean ice cream. The Classics Menu cocktails are just £8 until 8pm Tuesday to Friday, so if you’re booking in for a quick one after work, it’s the perfect place for that. Visit for a New York bar-inspired decor and some of the most unique cocktails in Bristol.

Pastan is a hidden gem situated between the Harbourside and Queen Square. The restaurant has a relaxing, plant-filled interior with plenty of natural light which makes it one of the cosiest spots in Bristol. Whether it’s sunny or rainy you can sit by the window with a drink and take in the outside view. The venue is also known for its plant-based pasta dishes that will satisfy both vegans and those who want to try something new. One of the delicious specials currently is the paella with orzo pasta served with Heura chorizo and chicken chunks, peppers, breaded lemon plant-based shrimp, peas and persillade. There’s also a Vegan Meaty Feast with a smoky vegan bacon, Heura chicken, sweetcorn, barbeque sauce and grated vegan mozzarella on a crispy crust. Additionally, the venue is dog-friendly so you can enjoy the dining experience with your pet.

Are you a board game enthusiast? At Replay, you can explore a collection of over 400 board games with different themes to suit any occasion, whether it’s a family day out or a date. Those who aren’t much into board games will still enjoy the cosy atmosphere and other types of entertainment (such as beer pong or a pub quiz event). The drinks menu is designed to please anyone; there’s luxurious hot chocolate perfect for a cold evening, as well as beer, cocktails and spirits if it’s that kind of party. There are also nibbles you can munch on at the same time: pretzels, Thai chilli-coated peanuts, salted peanuts, Pringles, muffins and Walkers crisps. Visit this hidden gem to challenge your friends and make unforgettable memories together.

Steak of the Art combines the owners’ love for steak and art; it’s a venue like no other. As you enter the restaurant you’re welcomed by art-inspired design with some of the country’s most talented artists’ pieces on the walls. Recently, the venue has partnered with local artists so you can see their work exhibited here too. Apart from the art display, the venue hosts various events such as film evenings and live art tutorials. The same can be said about the food made from the finest ingredients and served with love. There are plenty of steaks to choose from; flat iron, rump, sirloin, ribeye and many more, all served with lamb lettuce, slow-roasted tomato and smoked garlic butter. Steak of Art is truly a hidden gem – you don’t want to miss out on this unique dining concept.

Do you love pasta as much as we do? Little Hollows serves this amazing food but with a little twist. Apart from more traditional pasta shapes like linguine, fusilli and macaroni, the restaurant is known for specialty handmade filled pasta that tastes as good as it looks. The restaurant’s ethos is that the best pasta is made from fine ingredients sourced from local producers and with great care, and the staff follow this rule to a T. You can even witness the process of the pasta being shaped in the shop window and see for yourself. The menu features impressive small plates; for example, a roasted cauliflower with salsa verde, limoncello sultanas, fried almonds and lemon – you definitely won’t leave hungry. The place is compact and comfortable, and you can enjoy food in the garden when the weather is nice.

If you want to experience authentic Chinese cuisine, you should book a table at Dragon’s Delicacy. One of the venue’s specialities is the ‘homemade’ dim sum, which is a traditional snack created by the royal chefs during the Song dynasty. The restaurant is ideal for a date or a catch-up with friends as there are set menus you can share. For example, if you go for option one you can have a few starters including vegetarian spring rolls, crispy aromatic duck with pancakes for the second course, and a main course of sizzling beef in black bean sauce. You should also try the dim sum with plenty of different fillings to choose from: prawns, pork, egg yolk custard, meat and nuts, and many more. A nice little addition is that the restaurant has a KTV system (karaoke) for private hire. You could eat dinner first and then have fun with your friends, a real hidden gem.