10 Best Jazz Bars In Bristol, England - Updated 2024

jazz bars in bristol
Stephen
Stephen 
Updated
| 6 min read

Strategically located in the southwest part of England, Bristol is a charming city comfortably sitting beside River Avon and boasting a prosperous maritime history. It also boasts a rich vein of history as it played an important role in England’s maritime trade in tobacco, wine, cotton, and many more. The city boasts a variety of historical attractions M Shed museum and the contemporary art gallery, The Arnolfini. The city has a reputation for its entertainment, especially in the jazz sector. You’ll find a host places hosting live jazz performances in the entire city of Bristol. Read on to know more about the best jazz bars in Bristol, UK.

While you’re at it, check out the boutique hotels and affordable Airbnbs you can book in the city too.

Quick rundown for 2024
Planning a trip and looking for what’s up and coming in Bristol? Below are the hottest picks and happenings for all sorts of travelers to get your holiday plans rolling:

  • Attractions: Protection and conservation is an ever-continuing battle and the Bristol Zoo Project remains committed to its efforts this 2024. Red pandas are being added to the zoo's animal denizens, with one already there and one arriving later this year. Kids can look forward to the conservation-themed playgrounds too. A new Central African Forest area, which will become a habitat for the critically endangered western lowland gorillas, is also under construction.
  • Tours: For fans of the remarkable actor Cary Grant and the ITVX series Archie, based on his life, make sure to visit Bristol this spring of 2024. The Show of Strength Theatre Company launched the Raising Cary Grant: The Bristol footsteps of Archie Leach tour earlier this year, taking visitors through theaters, cinemas, restaurants, and even his favorite spots on the harbour. Learn all sorts of facets and anecdotes, as well as how Archibald Alec Leach transformed into Cary Grant, one of Hollywood's genre-defining male leads.
  • Food Scene: If you're looking to fill up before hitting the jazz bars or for a meal after a fun night of music, BOXHALL will provide what you're looking for. The premiere food hall situated on the waterfront will soon be opening its doors this 2024, so keep your eyes and ears open for updates.

1. The Old Duke

The Old Duke pub, King St, Bristol
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Stevekeiretsu used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Are you a resident or just a visitor touring the UK and love jazz music? Located on the cobbled King Street right in the center of Bristol, The Old Duke is the perfect place for you to hang out. The pub has gained a worldwide reputation for its live traditional New Orleans inspired Jazz music. Due to the changing times, the pub has also evolved and now hosts modern jazz bands and Blues. You can drop by every night of the week for a drink and enjoy live music, including Sunday lunchtimes. It doesn’t matter where you’re from if you love Jazz music, you’ll definitely adore The Old Duke.

The Old Duke

Address: 45 King St, Bristol BS1 4ER, UK

Website: The Old Duke

Opening hours: Sun - Thur: 12pm - 12am; Fri & Sat: 12pm - 1am

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2. The Be-Bop Club

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Thanks to everyone who came along last night, what a great start to the year.

Posted by The Be-Bop Club on Friday, January 14, 2022

The Be-Bop Club is strategically located in the function room of The Bear in Hotwell Road, right in the heart of Bristol. This is one of the few places in Bristol, and actually, the longest running modern Jazz club in the entire area.

The club serves the perfect atmosphere for you to enjoy live music as you enjoy your drink. Here, live Jazz music is performed in a mini-concert style and people are urged to keep their voices as low as possible not to disrupt performances. Every Friday night, you can pass by The Be-Bop Club and enjoy live Jazz as you welcome your weekend in style.

The Be-Bop Club

Address: 255 Hotwell Rd, Bristol BS8 4SF, UK

Website: The Be-Bop Club

Opening hours: Fri: 7:30pm - 1am (closed on Sun - Thu & Sat)

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3. The Canteen

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Our NEW lunch menu is out!!! Foodies and taste explorers beware for this delicious drop of flavours is coming to The...

Posted by The Canteen on Tuesday, March 22, 2022

The Canteen is a modern jazz club that is strategically located in Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, in the heart of Bristol. It’s a nice place where you can take your loved one and treat your taste buds to some mouthwatering delicacies before live performances start. You don’t want to be bothered by pangs of hunger as you enjoy the music.

Every night of the week, there is live music playing with bands and DJs doing their thing. The Canteen hosts local artists as well as renowned touring actors. You’ll find a variety of music, from a Samba band with dancers to a skanking Latin-funk hip-hop orchestra; you’ll be spoiled for choice.

The Canteen

Address: Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol BS1 3QY, UK

Website: The Canteen

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 12am; Fri: 10am - 1am; Sat: 11am - 1am; Sun: 11am - 11pm

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4. LeftBank

Editor’s note: establishment is permanently closed

Located in the heart of Bristol on Stokes Croft, LeftBank is a popular Jazz club that has been hosting live music for almost a decade now. There’s a bar serving different kinds of drinks where you can grab your favorite drink before heading for some live music. Also, just in case you’re planning an event like a party, LeftBank provides space and facilities for such. The club is open from Tuesdays to Sundays with both local and visiting artists performing for the energetic audience. You will enjoy genres of music from Jazz, Funk, and Soul to hip-hop, Blues, and many more, here at LeftBank.

LeftBank

Address: 128 Cheltenham Rd, Bristol BS6 5RW, UK

Website: LeftBank

Opening hours: Tue - Thu & Sun: 8pm - 1am; Fri & Sat: 8pm - 2am (closed on Mon)

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5. The Golden Lion

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

WING WEDNESDAY !!! To accompany the best open mic night in the city. Don't believe me? Come check it out for yourself....

Posted by The Golden Lion on Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Located in the heart of Bristol city, The Golden Lion is a popular music venue among local residents especially because of the live music from Wednesday to Sundays. The club plays host to a variety of artists both local and touring artists from across the United Kingdom.

For the lovers of jazz music, you can drop by on the first Thursday of the month and enjoy some lovely Latin Jazz. Every Thursday night there plays different genres of music from hip hop jam to Blues jam. You can treat yourself to flavorful vegan delicacies at Pie Baby before heading for some live music.

The Golden Lion

Address: Golden Lion, 244 Gloucester Rd, Bristol BS7 8NZ, UK

Website: The Golden Lion

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 2pm - 12am; Fri: 2pm - 1am; Sat & Sun: 12pm - 11pm

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6. The Bristol Fringe

Edinburgh Jazz Bar 2015-06-05 MG 8070
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Brian McNeil used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Perfectly situated on 32 Princess Victoria Street in the heart of Bristol city, The Bristol Fringe is a popular Jazz bar among the locals. Are you in a party mood and you’re looking for a joint with live music in Bristol? Then put on your dancing shoes and head down to The Bristol Fringe. Everything at this bar defines entertainment from the refreshing cocktails and open mic sessions to live music. Nothing is left to chance. Even if you need a room for a special event, you can still hire a room and hold your event. The Bristol Fringe should be a must on your to-do list.

The Bristol Fringe

Address: 32 Princess Victoria St, Bristol BS8 4BZ, UK

Website: The Bristol Fringe

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 4pm - 12am; Sat & Sun: 3pm - 12am

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7. The Bear at Hotwells

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The Bear at Hotwells is one of the popular jazz bars in Bristol city. It is well-known for the five darts teams and the South Bristol Cribbage champions. You can take your loved one there and enjoy cocktails as you play some pool. The bar also offers catering services for special events like parties for up to 60 guests, upon request.

If you are around on Fridays, you can drop by at night and enjoy Jazz music. You can treat yourselves to some delicious mouthwatering food before grabbing and enjoying Jazz music all night. The hospitality here will make you feel appreciated.

The Bear at Hotwells

Address: 261 Hotwell Rd, Hotwells, Bristol BS8 4SF, United Kingdom

Opening hours: 12pm - 12am (daily)

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8. The Gallimaufry

Cry Monster Cry at The Gallimaufry, Bristol
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Whitewolves88 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Gallimaufry is a modern independent restaurant and an entertainment boutique that combines bar, live music venues, and arts space perfectly. It is strategically located on the Gloucester road in the heart of Bristol. The restaurant serves affordable seasonal British culinary cuisines. You can either enjoy some coffee, local ales or ciders and spirits at the on-site curio bar. The bar also promotes local artists by supporting and hosting art events with beautiful pieces of art and murals. There are open mic sessions and live DJ music during weekends. Live music is available midweek with jazz, folk, funk, blues, and many more.

The Gallimaufry

Address: 26-28 Gloucester Rd, Bristol BS7 8AL, UK

Website: The Gallimaufry

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 12am; Fri & Sat: 11am - 1am

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9. Future Inn

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Never attended a jazz night? Not sure what to expect? Here's what some Bristol Bloggers had to say about it: http://ow.ly/KLDF50w5rd5

Posted by Future Inn Bristol on Thursday, September 12, 2019

The Future Inn is strategically situated at the heart of Bristol city, just opposite Cabot Circus. The hotel is well air-conditioned and comes with cozy en-suite bedrooms fully furnished and high-speed Wi-Fi. There is also an on-site restaurant with some mouthwatering menus.

The Jazz at Future Inn is the perfect place hosting live jazz music. It has a purpose-built space for live jazz music with a luxury place with a lovely view of the stage. You can grab your favorite drink and relax as you flow with live performances. Local and touring artists are hosted and given the opportunity to entertain as they showcase their stuff.

Future Inn

Address: Bond St, Bristol BS1 3EN, UK

Website: Future Inn

Opening hours: Always open

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10. St George's Bristol

Gromit at St George's Bristol
Source: Photo by Flickr user Ben Sutherland used under CC BY 2.0

Perfectly located on the Great George Street in the heart of Bristol city, St George’s Bristol is a popular concert hall within Bristol and the United Kingdom for its famed live jazz performances. Across the four seasons, St George’s Bristol hosts music events that range from classical and folk genres to world and Jazz music. Head down to the café bar and treat yourself to some savory light lunches, coffee, and cakes. You can also grab refreshing drinks in the bar before you settle down and let yourself drift with the live music. For special events like parties, weddings, and conferences, there’s a venue for hire.

St George's Bristol

Address: Great George St, Bristol BS1 5RR, UK

Website: St George’s Bristol

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 6pm; Sun: 12pm - 4pm

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Enjoy cool jazz music while in Bristol, UK

No Black Tie - Malaysia
Source: Photo by Flickr user Zhang Yu used under CC BY-SA 2.0

If you happen to be visiting or stopping by Bristol in the UK and you love jazz music, there are several joints you can pay a visit and enjoy live performances from jazz artists. The above list of the best jazz bars in Bristol will surely leave you thrilled. The city also boasts festive food markets, so add those to your list of places to visit too!

Don’t wait any longer, book a stay at family-friendly hotels with amenities like free parking or unique accommodations such as yurts, and embrace this fun city.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Stephen is an avid content writer with a passion for adventure. He enjoys traveling and has visited several countries around the world. So far, South Africa stands out as his most exciting...Read more

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