We take a look at some of the best pubs near Ashton Gate Stadium, that can also be enjoyed by visiting away fans.
For a city that has two universities and a natural affinity with cider, it is no surprise that Bristol offers some of the best boozing options in the UK. Located in the southwest of the city, Bristol City Football Club plays at Ashton Gate Stadium which they share with the Bristol Bears rugby team.
While the city centre offers a good selection of pubs and bars that welcome travelling supporters, there are also plenty of options for a pre-match pint a little closer to the action. Many of the away fans pubs close to the ground offer decent food, a variety of beers including real ale, and of course cider.
Some local pubs in the area are restricted to home fans only, most notably the ones on North Street and in the Ashton & Bedminster area. However, there are still several pubs for away fans offering a friendly pre-match atmosphere to enjoy a pint or three.
Nova Scotia
1 Nova Scotia Place, Bristol BS1 6XJ
One of the more popular options for away fans is the historic nineteenth century Nova Scotia located on the water in Bristol Harbour. It offers a good array of beers and cider as well as nice food. With some good outdoor seating and great views of the River Avon, it is no surprise that away fans often flock here before the short walk up to the stadium.
Tobacco Factory
Raleigh Road, Southville, Bristol, BS3 1TF
A more cultured option is the Tobacco Factory which has a Cafe/Bar offering good options for food and drink and is just a 10 minute walk from the ground. The historical factory-turned multi-use hub offers freshly-ground coffee, beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks, including organic and fair-trade options. It is one of the better locations to try a range of craft beers from some of the southwest’s best breweries.
The Cottage Inn
Baltic Wharf, Cumberland Road, Bristol, BS1 6XG
The Cottage Inn is another good option for away fans offering food, beer, outdoor seating, and great views along the river.
The Pump House
Merchants Roadd, Hotwells, Bristol, BS8 4PZ
A personal favourite of the Pintopedia editorial team, The Pump House is spacious both indoors and out. Located slightly further out from the stadium, just across the River Avon, the extra few minutes of walking is well worth it for this old Victorian gastropub.
Quality beverages, beautiful surroundings, and a gin collection that would make your mother blush. What’s not to like?
Rose of Denmark
6 Dowry Place, Hotwells, Bristol, BS8 4QL
Rose of Denmark is slightly further out than the other pubs but is another good option for away fans. Solid pub grub and a good option of beer and cider means that you can’t go wrong by popping in for your pre-game beers.
One local punter had this to say: “We have used this pub for many years now before rugby and football matches. Don’t let the sporting references put you off. This is no rowdy, cheap and cheerful boozer. Staff are always friendly and happy to offer a taste of the beers. The pub is quirky and comfortable and beer and food excellent. The beer is not cheap but excellently kept. We had a couple of pints of neck oil and steak and chips before heading off to watch Bristol and Worcester.”
The Orchard Inn
12 Hanover Place, Bristol, BS1 6XT
If beer isn’t your fancy and you want a taste of a local delicacy, then The Orchard Inn is the go-to cider pub for away supporters. It boasts a range of over 20 ciders (as well as craft beers) for you to work your way through.
Bedminster Cricket Club
Clanage Road, Bristol, BS3 2JX
Only a 15-minute walk from Ashton Gate is Bedminster Cricket Club which has a bar and even has carp parking available for £5 on matchdays.
Ashton Gate Stadium
Ashton Road, Bristol, BS3 2EJ
Everyone loves the pub, but after its redevelopment in 2016, Ashton Gate Stadium itself offers some top-notch, modern facilities. A dedicated fan zone behind the away stand has live music and a range of food and drink options. A Sports Bar, Pizzeria, and coffee shop are all located here, so if you can’t find a good pub before the game or you’re running late, then heading to the ground is a solid option.
Not forgetting the home fans
While the pubs above are all decent options for away fans, there are several located along North Street that are restricted to home fans only. BS3 Bar, The Ship & Castle, The Robins, and Hen & Chicken should all be avoided if you are a travelling supporter. However, these are good options should you be visiting Bristol and fancy taking in a Bristol City game and immersing yourself in the pre-match atmosphere.
Been to one of these pubs and reckon we’ve got it wrong? Your favourite boozer not on the list? We rely on our community of enthusiastic pint lovers to keep things up-to-date, so if you spot an error please head over to a pub’s listing page and update its information. Cheers!
