From quirky independent bars in the Old City to secret gardens in Clifton Village, there’s a host of unusual event spaces hidden across Bristol. Booking one of these is a certain way to add some extra intrigue and excitement to your next event.
Here’s a look at some of the best-kept secret event spaces in and around the city.
The Strawberry Thief
Behind the doors of this Broad Street bar lies an inviting event space with bohemian interiors. The décor gives a nod to the street’s past as a hub for printmaking, with William Morris wallpaper covering the walls (the print is called Strawberry Thief, hence the name).
They’re known for their award-winning selection of Belgian and UK craft beers here and can also cater your event with a menu of seasonal, sustainable food. Seating up to 70 people, it’s perfect for intimate events with a relaxed atmosphere.
Image - The Strawberry Thief
Thornbury Castle
How about hosting an event at a Tudor castle? Thornbury Castle has an amazing history – it was once the honeymoon retreat of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. Among the many rooms are event spaces with real regal grandeur, including the Tudor Hall and Baron’s Sitting Room.
The castle is due to reopen this year with added luxury and sophistication following an extensive refurbishment. Residential packages are available so delegates can experience an overnight stay in sumptuous bedchambers and the stunning grounds are also available to hire for team building or corporate fun days.
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Image - Thornbury Castle
The Gold Bar at Bristol Harbour Hotel
Based in the historic Old City and once part of the former Lloyds bank building, old meets new in this stylish bar with its high ceilings and exquisite masonry work alongside colourful Art Deco-inspired furnishings. Formed of a labyrinth of rooms, your delegates can move between cosy nooks as well as out to a suntrap terrace in summer, with a cocktail in hand. It’s a favourite for laid-back networking events as well as parties.
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Image - The Gold Bar at Bristol Harbour Hotel
De Vere Tortworth Court
Among the beautiful rooms at this Grade II* listed hotel is The Orangery. This ornate conservatory stands alone from the house and dates back to 1874, retaining many period features. Plan corporate events and private dinners alike under the ornamental glass ceiling, with outdoor dining and seating also available just outside too.
De Vere Tortworth Court is a popular choice for those after a rural residential retreat that’s still in easy reach of the city (it’s just a 20-minute drive to the city centre), as guests can bed down in the contemporary country-inspired rooms. The 30-acre grounds, where there's also a Victorian arboretum, make an inspiring setting for team building activities too.
Image - The Orangery at De Vere Tortworth Court
Bristol Old Vic
Treat your delegates to a behind-the-scenes look at the oldest working theatre in the English speaking world. Bristol Old Vic’s expert guides will let you in on backstage secrets, taking you to usually hidden areas and sharing fascinating stories from its 255-year history.
A less well-kept secret is the beautiful Coopers’ Hall. This Grade I listed room actually dates back even further than the theatre itself, first built as a Georgian banqueting hall in 1744. An elegant renovation has turned it into one of the most coveted event spaces in the city centre. Both the Foyle Room and Auditorium are also available to hire.
Image - Bristol Old Vic, credit Jon Craig
No.4 Clifton Village at The Rodney Hotel
Two event rooms are hidden inside this Georgian townhouse hotel in the affluent suburb of Clifton Village. The Admiral is the grander of the two, seating up to 50 people, while The Galley is suited to intimate meetings and dinners. In either setting, you can order food from the award-winning kitchen, with menus made up of ingredients by local suppliers.
Outside, the charming secret walled garden is ideal for summer parties. It’s available to hire on Thursdays and Saturdays with BBQ food and drink packages to choose from.
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Image - No.4 Clifton Village
The Milk Thistle
Transport your delegates back to the prohibition era at this clandestine cocktail joint. The Milk Thistle is unassuming from the outside, making your entrance into an eclectic speakeasy style bar all the more impressive.
Book one of the three event spaces here – The Attic, The Lounge or The Parlour – for a truly unique twist on corporate events. Known for their decadent cocktails, the team here can also offer drink making masterclasses and tastings, with food available from sister restaurant The Ox too.
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Image - The Milk Thistle
Wills Memorial Building at University of Bristol
If you’ve ever visited Bristol, chances are you’ll have seen the dramatic Wills Memorial Building standing tall at the top of Park Street. What you might not know is that this iconic university building is also a conference and event venue. The grand neo-gothic Great Hall and Reception Room feature panelled walls, vaulted ceilings and lead windows, making for a memorable conference, exhibition or banquet space.
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Image - Wills Memorial Building
Clifton Observatory
Host a meeting with one of the best views in the city at Clifton Observatory, looking out from one Bristol landmark to another – Clifton Suspension Bridge. Book the rooftop terrace, which has space for up to 100 people, and your delegates can network with a panoramic backdrop of the bridge and the rest of Bristol.
Clifton Observatory is ideal for a spectacular summer party but also training days, conferences, meetings and more, with top facilities inside the William West event space.
Image - Clifton Observatory
The Lord Mayor’s Mansion House
Based between leafy Clifton Village and Durdham Downs, this exclusive venue is the official residence of Bristol’s Lord Mayor. It’s not just the grand rooms in the Victorian mansion house that you can hire. The peaceful grounds are home to a stunning secret garden where you can plan your outdoor events too.
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Image - The Lord Mayor's Mansion House, credit Life in Focus Photography
To discuss hosting your event in Bristol or the surrounding areas contact the Meet Bristol and Bath team on conference@meetbristol.co.uk or make an enquiry.
Read more about Bristol event venues:
Related
The Strawberry Thief love the festive period as they trim up the bar with fragrant pine and mistletoe; and the bar comes alive with merry friends old and new enjoying their indulgent delights.
Thornbury Castle has all the majesty of a royal residence. A wonderful retreat from everyday routine.
This beautiful bar can now be hired exclusively to you for a range of different events. Be it informal after work drinks for 80 guests or a boardroom meeting for 10 in the stunning blue room the space is super flexible and sure to wow your guests.
From their Victorian orangery to the modern and stylish Westminster Suite, De Vere Tortworth Court have 14 meeting and event spaces for up to 400 guests.
Opened in 1766, Bristol Old Vic is the country’s oldest continuously working theatre offering an historic venue, central location and flexible event spaces, ranging in capacity from 12 to 550.
The Georgian townhouse hotel offers spacious and light accommodation and two fully equipped function rooms.
Housed over four floors in one of the finest historic buildings in the city, The Milk Thistle incorporates a cocktail bar, lounge & private function rooms.
With its impressive property portfolio, the University offers a diverse array of excellent venues for conferences, meetings and social events.
Clifton Observatory is available for conferences & meetings. With DDR’s available for training days, conferences, meetings and more.
The Lord Mayor’s Mansion is one of Bristol’s most exclusive and unique corporate venues & integrates the grandeur of the Victorian era with the luxury, style & service you would expect from the city’s most prestigious address.
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