Smallbar

BristolUnited Kingdom 51° N · 2° W Verified Jun 2025

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Bristol’s historic King Street, Small Bar Bristol stands as a premier destination for craft beer lovers and cultural…

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Introduction: The Heart of Bristol’s Craft Beer Scene

Nestled in the vibrant and historic King Street, Small Bar Bristol stands as a flagship for craft beer enthusiasts and cultural explorers. Since opening in December 2013, Small Bar has championed independent breweries—especially those from South West England—by offering a rotating selection of over 30 craft beers, ciders, natural wines, and spirits. The venue’s blend of rustic character, innovative drinks, and a strong community spirit has made it a pillar of Bristol’s dynamic craft beer scene. Its collaboration with Wing’s Diner, delivering Asian-inspired fried chicken and varied vegetarian options, adds a culinary dimension that enhances the overall visitor experience.

Occupying two Grade II-listed buildings at 31 King Street, Small Bar benefits from close proximity to Bristol’s iconic pubs, cultural landmarks like Bristol Cathedral, the Old Vic, and the vibrant Harbourside. The venue features ground-floor wheelchair access and further accommodations on request, ensuring inclusivity for all guests. With a walk-in-only policy and no ticketing required, Small Bar creates a welcoming and spontaneous atmosphere.

Small Bar is more than just a pub; it is an active participant in Bristol’s broader beer culture through regular tap takeovers, exclusive releases, and citywide beer festivals. Up-to-date details on visiting hours, payment options, events, and nearby attractions can be found on their official website and social channels. For real-time updates and exclusive offers, visitors are encouraged to use the Audiala app.

This guide provides all essential information for your visit—practical tips, historical context, food pairing suggestions, and recommendations for exploring Bristol’s rich cultural heritage. (Small Bar official site; Bristol Post; CAMRA)

Discover Small Bar Bristol: Location, Hours & Accessibility

Address: 31 King Street, Bristol, BS1 4DZ

Opening Hours (June 2025):

  • Monday–Thursday: 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm
  • Friday: 4:00 pm – 12:00 am
  • Saturday: 12:00 pm – 12:00 am
  • Sunday: 12:00 pm – 10:30 pm

Entry: No tickets or reservations are required; the venue is walk-in only, supporting a lively and spontaneous environment.

Accessibility: The ground floor is wheelchair accessible. For specific needs, contact the bar in advance to ensure comfort and support.

Small Bar’s Origins & Beer Selection

Small Bar’s ethos is rooted in celebrating independent and local breweries. Since its founding, it has championed producers like Bristol Beer Factory, Wiper and True, and Arbor, with 31 taps featuring a rotating lineup of both keg and cask beers. Beer is served in various sizes (1/3, 1/2, 2/3, or full pint), encouraging visitors to explore a wide range of styles—including ales, lagers, sours, and ciders. The bottle selection highlights UK and Belgian sours, appealing to adventurous palates.

Food Pairings & Venue Features

Since 2018, Small Bar’s food offering has been curated by Wing’s Diner, renowned for Asian-inspired buttermilk fried chicken and an ever-evolving menu that includes vegetarian and vegan options. The kitchen closes at 9:30 pm, so plan accordingly if you want to dine.

The venue’s interior combines historic architecture with a cozy, stripped-back design—featuring exposed brick, repurposed barrel tables, and communal seating. The second-floor lounge provides additional space during busy periods, while outdoor tables along King Street are perfect for warm evenings and festival days.

Traveling Tips & Nearby Attractions

Small Bar is easily accessible by public transport—Bristol Temple Meads station is a 15-minute walk away and several bus routes serve the area. Parking is limited in the city centre; Queen Charlotte Street Car Park is the closest option for drivers.

Situated in Bristol’s historic Old City, King Street is home to many renowned pubs (like The Llandoger Trow and The Old Duke), the Bristol Old Vic theatre, Queen Square, and the Harbourside. Make time to explore these attractions for a complete Bristol experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Does Small Bar require bookings or tickets?
A: No, entry is walk-in only. Some special events may require tickets; check their website for details.

Q: Is there an age restriction?
A: Yes, patrons must be 18 or over after 7:00 pm. Children are welcome earlier if accompanied by adults.

Q: Are vegan or vegetarian food options available?
A: Yes, Wing’s Diner offers a rotating selection of plant-based dishes—check the menu for details.

Q: Is Small Bar dog-friendly?
A: Well-behaved dogs are generally allowed, but it’s best to confirm current policies before your visit.

Q: What payment methods are accepted?
A: Card payments only—cash is not accepted (CAMRA).

Q: Is Small Bar wheelchair accessible?
A: The ground floor is accessible; contact the venue about specific needs or upper-floor access.

Visual Recommendations

  • Exterior of Small Bar Bristol on King Street (alt: "Small Bar Bristol exterior on King Street")
  • Interior with exposed brick walls and leather seating (alt: "Cozy interior of Small Bar Bristol with exposed brick")
  • Tap list showcasing diverse craft beers (alt: "Small Bar Bristol rotating craft beer taps")
  • Wing’s Diner food pairing with craft beer (alt: "Asian-inspired fried chicken paired with craft beer at Small Bar Bristol")

For more images and a virtual tour, visit the official website.

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