16 Places In Bristol Only True Bristolians Will Know

Because it wouldn't be fair to keep these places a secret.

1. Maximillions Deli

Maximillions sandwiches are famous among locals for being delicious, reasonably priced, and absolutely gigantic (that picture above is just half of one).

They're available with a ton of different fillings, though get there early if you fancy a meat sandwich for lunch. Grab one from Maximillions at 43 Broad St.

2. The Old Bookshop

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If you're a fan of roasts, tapas, and live music, then make sure to check out The Old Bookshop. It's a cosy café-bar hybrid that hosts free gigs and live music nights, usually featuring local folk and acoustic talent.

Check it out at 65 North St.

3. The Old Duke

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The Old Duke is a New Orleans–inspired jazz bar that's well loved among locals. It's been around for decades, so it's a true institution within the city and hosts live music every weeknight and during Sunday lunchtimes.

4. Hart's Bakery

Courtesy of Hart's Bakery

This local favourite tucked under a Victorian railway arch serves some of Bristol's best cakes, bread, and coffee. If you fancy one of its legendary Portuguese-style custard tarts, make sure to visit between Thursday and Saturday.

5. 20th Century Flicks

Courtesy of 20th Century Flicks

20th Century Flicks has a huge selection of films, with over 19,000 titles – including VHS! Best of all, it has a small cinema within the shop you can hire out with your friends for an incredibly retro film-viewing experience.

6. Red Light

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Red Light is a1950s-style speakeasy specialising in cocktails. Finding it is a bit of a challenge because it doesn't exactly advertise itself. Hint: Look for the graffiti-covered door at 1 Unity Street. If a red light is coming from this door, it's open. Pick up the payphone nearby, press the button, and bam, you're in to one of the best late-night bars in Bristol.

7. Edna's Kitchen

Courtesy of Edna's Kitchen

Park kiosks aren’t generally where you’d expect to find great food, which is what makes Edna’s such a hidden gem.

Previously a café, Edna serves a selection of vegetarian Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes in Castle Park each day. (We recommend the halloumi wraps.)

8. The Horts

Courtesy of The Horts

Pub + cinema. It’s genius – what more could you want?

Pub + FREE cinema is the correct answer. (It even has leather recliners!)

9. Channings

Channings Hotel has a rep for the best beer garden in Bristol. A great place for a catchup, it's located at Pembroke Road in Clifton.

10. The Fleece

Courtesy of The Fleece

One of those legendary "before-they-were-famous" venues, its alumni list looks like some kind of otherworldly festival lineup (headlined by the likes of Radiohead, Oasis, and Queens of the Stone Age).

Proper indie music as it was meant to be experienced.

11. Bristol's Street Art Scene

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While the most famous street artist in the UK may notably hail from Bristol, that only begins to scratch the surface of the street art scene.

Stokes Croft is a good place to start.

Tim Green (CC By 2.0) / Via Flickr: atoach

Known as Bristol's cultural quarter, the whole thing is like a big gallery, with different artwork going up every day.

Southville and Bedminster, too

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If you're looking for lesser-known talent, Southville and Bedminster play host to an annual festival attracting artists from all over the UK.

12. Clifton Arcade

Clifton Arcade, in the nearby Clifton Village, has a ton of unusual, independent shops selling, well, pretty much everything. Housed in a gorgeous Victorian arcade, this collection of shops is well worth venturing out for.

13. The Arts House

The Arts House is a licensed arts space, café, cinema, and music venue. It has a gallery space for local artists and a basement where it regularly hosts open mic nights, discussions, and performances from local musicians. It serves food all day and has free Wi-Fi, so it's got you covered for a good few hours.

14. Wanted Records

Courtesy of Wanted Records

A true old-school record shop you could spend hours in.

In addition to the vinyl (of which there is plenty), it also has an incredible trove of paraphernalia and collector's items the owners have picked up during their travels.

15. Brunch 808

Courtesy of Foozie / Brunch 808

Brunch 808 is a set of themed brunches running every month at the infamous Club Haus. It alternates between hosting a hip-hop brunch club and classic house brunch club, which brings food, cocktails, and nostalgic tunes together for what's essentially a party...in the morning.

16. Centre for Better Grooves

Courtesy of Centre for Better Grooves

This record shop is located off the beaten track on a quiet street off Gloucester Road. A hidden gem, this shop boasts an impressive collection of reissues and original US imports of soul and jazz.

Another thing to add to your list? Thatchers Haze Sessions: a night of expertly crafted live music, hosted by BBC Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephens. Go here for your chance to WIN tickets!