The Bootlegger in Bristol, City of

Beautiful, vibey cocktail bar located in central Cardiff. Great student deals in the midweek and plenty of options, too.

Used to be a great place to go on Fridays with mates - went yesterday and zero atmosphere. Regular DJ Awesome full of energy wasn't playing and music was meh. Didn't stay long.

Great atmosphere with great cocktails!

Charlie at the bar was absolutely amazing! Lovely vibe

Lovely venue, the bartender asked us what kinda music we'd like to listen to

Sent 2 pints back as they were completely dead, then got told if I sent another back I would be kicked out. The bar manager told me it was the barrel. Amateurs. If I'm paying £6 a pint I expect it to be half decent.

I ordered an old fashioned cocktail (one of my favourites) and it was awful, clearly do not understand how to make one.

I always order the Eton Mess when I come here and am so sad its due to be taken off the menu, save the Eton mess lol

Great service however please keep the eton mess cocktails don’t take them off them menu !!!!!!!!

Delicious, professionally made cocktails. Love the vintage vibe and the service is great.

Edit: thanks for your patronising response. I cannot explain how horrific the espresso martini were. I would also like to add that the bar tender told me that you use instant coffee so please don’t lie. I’m not food critic but any human can tell the difference between instant coffee and machine coffee. Thanks so for your reply but I can guarantee you don’t sell 100’s of them a week, they were terrible hahaha For a cocktail bar to use instant coffee for a espresso martini was pretty awful. The staff did apologise and swap it but it tasted like my old English teachers coffee breath. The no coffee machine was a telling sign I should have noted.

Really nice atmosphere. Really big selection of drinks. Can't comment on food as we only had cocktails

Definitely, we will get back in there

Stumbled upon this place on an overnight visit to Bristol, loved it. Had the Salted Caramel Espresso Martini and the Hazelnut Espresso Martini and all freshly made. The bar was atmospheric, staff were friendly and it wasn't mobbed and wasn't trying to be off the wall, trendy and quirky like a lot of the pubs on that stretch of road... Usually have a drink and move on but stopped for three in all... A little haven...

I had my 30th birthday party at The Bootlegger last night and we all had a fabulous time! Booking was super easy, and free; Jess reserved a big area for us at the back near the DJ booth (DJ Awesome Wells provided a varied and high-energy soundtrack to the party!) The bar staff gave us a discount on our drinks throughout the night (all of which were delicious) and even fetched some dairy-free milk so we could enjoy even more of them! They went above-and-beyond - thank you Bootlegger team :)

I feel like this place has gone downhill. The cocktails we had were very poor for the price - amaretto sour somehow flavourless and really watery old fashioned. A few years ago it felt like quite a lot of effort was put into the drinks but clearly not any more.

If you love pure juice cocktails that taste like censored North Korean capri sun then this is the joint for you. If like me you have taste buds, make like a viper and dodge.

We did not eat there, we just had drinks (cocktails) which were great, great choice, although some of the cocktails were served in the incorrect glasses and packed with ice which was a shame

Jess was amazing, she is the jesus of bartending and the god of customer service!! Thank you for the great night!!!

Great vibes, good DJs. A really good night out! The amazing Jess makes the best cocktails especially after a long shift at work!

Peaceful or busy, you'll always have excellent service and friendly staff who'll go the extra mile for all sorts. Open late,and the house DJ compliments the vibe excellently. Cocktails aren't my thing but I see they're well made here. Worth a late night visit for sure

Jess and George were unreal. The best service I've had, I won't stop coming back here!

Service was good, and the ambience was pretty OK.

Amazing place, there's actually nowhere like it. Amazing on all levels 😍

Bootlegger is one of the best places for drinks in Bristol - they do brilliant, well made cocktails, and have a great happy hour (BOGOF mix and match) until 10pm every day. Personal favourites are the Screwball and Spicy Margarita. The music and the atmosphere are always so fun - would recommend a visit if you've not been before!

Drinks were OK, waiting lady was fantastic. Sadly let down that management were not very professional abrupt and my eyes really hurt from the brick dust. Won't be returning.

Cocktails are good and fresh ... decent djs too

I had an amazing time at Bootlegger Bars in Bristol! The cocktails made by bar manager Lu were delicious and the vintage atmosphere was perfect for a romantic date night. Plus, it's an incredible late-night venue for partying and dancing with friends. I highly recommend it!

Massive shoutout to Harry Jones and Jess Sharp! Class bar service, perfect drinks recommendations and had a fab night here as always! 😊

If you're going to have cocktails as a main selling point you need to know how to make them. The mojito was undrinkable, far too many limes, no brown sugar, no mulling and big chunks of ice. When I did complain the staff were very dismissive.

I returned here with my boyfriend and some friends after being invited back. I’m pleased to say our experience was much better than the last! Attentive staff, quick service and the cocktails were lovely. There was a blues band playing which was a really nice surprise. Was a lively atmosphere for Friday night! We hope to be back again soon.

I was having so much fun here, until the owner kindly gave me a free shot and then walked off, I asked the bartender what i just drank and he said “rohypnol” and laughed. I awkwardly chuckled and asked seriously what it was. He said “just wait ten minutes and it’ll kick in”. Disgusting.

Can't wait to see the refurbishment

Great venue/decor, entertainment (band & dj) playing kool tunes. Only negative was the cocktails quite expensive though my mate said quality was spot on.

Great venue with delicious cocktails and fantastic dj!

Lovely wine, excellent staff but I won't be returning because the toilets are unisex and the urinal is outside the cubicles. Distressing moment for myself and the poor man using the urinal. Disgusting and upsetting.

Great venue top of stokes croft. Really good aesthetics and keeps to the theme of the fall of prohibition. The DJ Awesome Wells is really good at keeping it going

Really nice cocktails and fun cheesy vibes on Friday nights.

Atmosphere is dark and cosy and the staff are all kind and respectful whilst giving great recommendations. The cocktails themselves are good value and taste fantastic, would recommend anyone who wants to try something a little different to come here.

Great venue and staff are always friendly. Highly recommend going. & Try the French Martini if you like sweet drinks 😉

Callum and Laurence. Best cocktails we’ve had this year.

Good cocktails at not extortionate prices, good music, relaxed ambience. I like it. I'd prefer male/female toilets, cleaning male piss isn't what I go out for

Great place with amazing DJ! As always! We had amazing time and really enjoyed the vibe, music and people of this bar! Just one recommendation to the owner, please do not leave candles in the tables as we didn't notice them and some jackets were burnt!

Went for a friend's birthday, there were quite a few of us and the staff were absolutely incredible! We had tables booked for a large group of us and they were happy to help rearrange tables so that we could all sit in a line. Staff were incredible all night and the cocktails were divine! (Some were a little too easy to drink!) Would certainly recommend The Bootlegger!

Do love this place great vibe great music 🎶 if you like oldies. Nice cocktails 🍸. Staff are lovely.

Amazing bar, great cocktail menu and proper bar tenders who know there trade! Really friendly and fun too, will definitely be back!

Best place so far a nice drink and night out. Nice music mix of old school, jazz, rock…

I had a lovely time, good atmosphere, but unfortunately there was a rude member of staff (Lou), she was unhelpful, and impatient towards other members of staff, who were so nice, and doing their best despite being so busy!

Used to love this place. Unfortunately, it's turned into a mix of awful remixes of songs that I love. Won't be back. Dj with the beard.. Next!

Now what a place , dark and a great vibe , a little different and packed , 👌 Friday night is a lust be get there early as you won't get in

Bar à cocktail avec une excellente ambiance, cocktails de bonne qualité mais souvent trop sucrés. Le DJ résident est vraiment à écouter ET voir, un sacré personnage. Musique swing/funk/jazz/ classique rock. Si vous voulez du commercial, passez votre chemin :) Serveurs toujours super sympas et souriants. Cocktails assez chers (environ 10£).

Cocktail bar with live blues rock music great band- 'Bluesfire'. Very nice atmosphere and friendly staff.

Love this place. Fun jazz take on modern songs

The cocktails and atmosphere was incredible... We only came for one drink but stayed for the entire evening.

Nice door man lovely drinks . But when bus a bit of a wait. Music very good. Mixed crowd .

Amazing drinks and unique atmosphere. I've never heard postmodern jukebox, the pulp fiction soundtrack and songs off fallout's diamond radio outside my spotify playlists, but we heard it all that night! Probably one of my new favourite cocktail bars next to LCC in Bristol. The staff were also super accommodating when myself and my partner wanted to be moved next to quieter patrons, and we had some great banter ordering drinks with them. Will definitely be coming back :)

Pure unadulterated fun. Can never remember much (funny that) but always have a great time on a Friday night. Always full of people loving life, never witnessed any trouble and the security and bar teams are top notch.

If you've gone for a pint on Gloucester road and need to extend the night I highly suggest bootlegger. Great drinks (if a bit more pricey at ~£8 a double) and awesome atomosphere. I've honestly not been to dance and belt out the best songs of the 80's, 90's and 00's for a while so it was definitely up me street. I was even called the mum of the group for the lyrics I know 🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️

AMAZING CBD COCKTAILS!!! brilliant atmosphere, good music too, very warm and cosy. Only downside is it was a bit crowded for the space and how many tables were available.

Staff are very well trained and respectful! Excellent drinks and vibes

Had the best time here last Saturday, lots of great music particularly blues, jazz and great classic tunes that meant you couldn't sit still or not sing along! Loads of cocktails to choose from too. I will definitely be back!

Good variety of cocktails and fun music

Good to be back at Bootlegger.. Certainly hadn't lost a beat and one of the best nights in Bristol..Amazing staff and one heck of a DJ who dances even when you music stops!

Not sure if we just caught them at a bad time, but the experience here was not great. The cocktails were okay but pretty expensive for an average result (consider you can get better cocktails in one of the many independent bars in Bristol for the same price). The staff seemed to be overwhelmed and stressed, and it just didn't look like it was running smoothly. The toilets were public toilet level disgusting, but that may have just been Saturday night, who knows.

My favourite bar in Bristol, hands down. I’ve taken so many dates and friends here for the great drinks, cool music and friendly staff. Highly recommended.

Great selection of cocktails and all of them tasted amazing. Love the atmosphere!

Beautiful cocktails and lovely service all night accompanied by a lively atmosphere and friendly staff

I contemplated on this review for while, but now that I am sipping an Old Fashioned in London Bootlegger, I felt I must write this review, let others know how wonderful our first visit to Bristol Bootlegger was! I have this tendency to rate (read gossip about) Old Fashioned every bar I visit, not being pretentious, it’s the only drink I enjoy, and it makes my life easy because I know what I am drinking. James is an absolute gem out there, who made me one of the best Old Fashioned I tried in while; 10/10, he listened to my request to substitute their recipe whiskey for an alternative whiskey, and his drink had beautiful proportion of ice and sugar balance which is very rare in busy cocktail bars, the drink wasn’t too sweet or too watery nor too strong. I didn’t even mind waiting for him to make my drink, really sorry for interrupting his break. Equally, my partner enjoyed the variety of Espresso Martinis and the interesting Tequila Mockingbird. The front of house were very friendly and welcoming, and other bartenders were also superb! It was our first impromptu pub crawl in Bristol and this late bar made it even better. We will not miss this place next time we are around.

First time attending, a fun night if you want something different, with a huge range of cocktails. Service was excellent, with especially great floor staff who went the extra mile to make the night special, with immediate and friendly service! Would definitely recommend to anyone who wants a good cocktail!

The only aspect of The Bootlegger that we enjoyed was the cocktails. There is a large selection and they were beautifully presented and refreshing. A waiter took our order when we sat down, writing down our order and taking it to the bar. We started noticing that tables who had placed their order after us were getting their drinks. Several members of staff asked if we’d ordered and it got to a point where we had to tell them “yes, we ordered a while ago”. The staff apologised and said this was down to miscommunication. We waited a total of over 45 minutes for two drinks. We had a few more drinks and then asked for the bill. We were surprised to see that we’d been charged for the first drinks which we waited so long for. And, what’s more, we’d been charged for two drinks we didn’t even order and the staff had the cheek to add a gratuity to the bill! This was rectified but nothing but unprofessional service from the staff.

Cloud and Awel were amazing! Brilliant drinks amazing time and good prices! 10/10 you HAVE to come here if you're in Bristol!!!!!!!

Music was good, quirkey, but what I find wrong/digusting, its table service only, cant order at the bar, so they stick on £3.50 service charge which all they do is bring your drinks over. Not something that sits well with me.

Amazing cocktails, good music, the staff was friendly but the security staff is very aggressive and rude, everything was perfect except the little incident with the security employee He needs a new training for his position or to learn better and new skills because it is shameful how he develops his work.

Pokey place. Good place for social with mates.

Great cocktails. Brill DJ who looked like a pirate and danced like a champ. Top bar.

On Saturday I cant thank enough the dj,staff and youngsters who made me have the best 60th birthday ever danced like we were 21 the vibe is so welcoming & music eclectic but great everything from jazz ,samba,& plenty of cheese thats why it works ,thank you so much x❤prepare for hangovers and swollen joints !!!!

Lovely staff, great atmosphere and very tasty drinks. Very well priced too!

Good late cocktail bar. Would visit again for sure

Fantastic vibes, excellent service and the best tasting cocktails, ever!

Cracking barman full of entertainment and energy. Great music, vibe. Highly recommended.

Staff are way too keen, I must have been asked if I wanted another drink or whether everything was ok at least ten times in 4 hours. It's rude when you're trying to chat with someone (and you're obviously still drinking), and then some staff member comes up and interrupts you. Drinks were mediocre, couldn't taste any alcohol in the White Russian. Music too loud to chat. Shared loos are horrendous, with vomit in the urinal by the end of the evening, despite it being a weekday.

Went here on a date and had an amazing time. We sat outside in the little courtyard and then moved in when it was a little chillier. Cocktails were extremely tasty and the staff couldn’t be friendlier/ more helpful. Highly recommend for a cozy date atmosphere or seems like a great place to have drinks with friends. 10/10 I can see myself visiting more often.

I just love this place, staff are always friendly and the drinks are always fabulous. A must if you are ever visiting Bristol.

We went to bootlegger for a cocktail making class and had such a great time. The manager, James, is such a great bloke and made the masterclass a great experience for everyone. Fantastic value for the money. From the class you can see James’ passion for cocktail making which was reflected in the great menu that they have. Brilliant variety of drinks, and all expertly made. Would really recommend that you visit them to experience it.

My friends and I booked for a cocktail making class and I cannot sing the praises of this place enough. The class itself was so much fun and fantastic value for money. The cocktail selection is great and varied and so delicious. We had such a lovely time and the manager, James, was so wonderful and so much fun. It's a must visit cocktail bar in Bristol and will definitely be back again!

Had a really good night with great cocktails and exceptional music. It being just down the road may make it a frequent stop. Highly recommend if you like a bit of swing, get on your dancing shoes.

What a great night. Lovely atmosphere, fabulous, friendly service and excellent music. Great cocktail recommendations the bar staff

Professional run business, the owner is a good man. Music is often rock & roll themed, with nice selections. Having visited recently, we can vouch for this bar.

Wow what a great experience. Great menu choice and a lovely host. Shame we don't live closer otherwise this might be a regular for us!

Beware that cocktails contained very minimal alcohol. Wine tastes awful. Much better places to go.

Great place with a wide array of high quality cocktail options and Asahi on tap!

Attempted to book a table. Got a reply, only to have them stop replying when giving times and dates. Emailed two more times. To have my reservation confirmed on the afternoon the day before I requested it. I had been emailing for about 1 - 2 weeks requesting this, only to be informed of its confirmation less than 48 hours before. I attempted to book this place as I enjoyed their cocktails previously but unfortunately we were unable to get a response in a timely manner, oh well!

Awesome pub, awesome cocktails 🍸... enough said

Really friendly staff and AMAZING cocktails! Fun and quirky place, 2 for 1 an added bonus. Really loved it, would recommend!

Stunning cocktails with great service, if you like a speakeasy with a more energetic vibe then this is for you.

One of , if not the best place to go for a night out in Bristol. Great music, great drinks, great staff, great atmosphere :)

me and my children had a confusing experience

Peng espresso martinis, every single time.

Insanely good DJ, a bit long and narrow

Cocktails here are sure good! White Russian is my favourite my ideal place for a nice out for decent drinks!