Everybody comes to Rick's: the new go-to waterside spot for classic and curated cocktails

Bristol is about to get a little slice of golden age glamour right on its harbourside with the announcement of Rick’s, the new bar serving classic and curated cocktails alongside delectable bar bites - such as locally-sourced oysters - right by the water’s edge.

Opening on Thursday 23 February, Rick’s at The Bristol is the latest addition to the riverside hotel and will provide the optimum setting for afterwork drinks or evening cocktails. The new space will boast a relaxed yet refined ambience - filled with natural textures, an abundance of greenery and a healthy touch of opulence. 

From statement wicker lighting features, cosy alcove seating, a comforting fireplace and romantic alfresco terrace, the bar will combine timeless design with a cocktail menu comprising an elevated take on the classics. With passion-filled pours and signature cocktails, it’s full of character - and a fresh addition to the dynamic city of Bristol. 

Taking advantage of its waterside location, Bristol’s newest spot will play host to a suntrap terrace, ideal for enjoying a cool glass of wine in the summer months, alongside a cosy fireplace indoors, perfect for warming the soul when the night draws in. 

Rick’s, as a moniker, gives a soft nod to the style, intrigue and romance evoked in classic films, such as Casablanca and the bar at the centre of the film’s action, ‘Rick’s Café Americain’, which has come to represent the lustre and allure of an age.

The design, led by Ananth Ramaswamy, project architect for The Doyle Collection Hotel Group, features woven fabrics, wicker, rattan and warm textures – bringing together stylistic elements of a number of cultures - from Paris and Britain to Monaco. It provides a hint towards the interiors of outpost clubs mixed with a distinctive local flavour and the creative, vibrant and modern sensibility of Bristol. 
 
Highlights of Rick’s signature cocktails include Some Enchanted Evening, featuring Chivas Regal 12-Year-Old Whisky, apricot liqueur, lemon, star anise and Sichuan pepper - a spicy and fresh twist on a classic Whiskey Sour. As Time Goes By also tops the menu - made with Volcán de mi Tierra Tequila Blanco, Talisker 10-Year-Old whisky, dry vermouth and banana - the perfect pairing to golden hour cocktails by the harbour.

Complementing the carefully curated cocktails will be a selection of refined bar bites such as locally-sourced oysters, marinated olives, padrón peppers and more - making Rick’s the ideal spot for pre-dinner drinks as well as evening cocktails.

Adam Flint, General Manager of The Bristol, says: “Bringing a brand new cocktail bar to the Bristol harbourside has been a real dream for the team here at The Bristol, and we’re all thrilled to see Rick’s come to life. We want to transport our guests to a relaxed and exotic spot for a date or a catch-up with friends where they can indulge in a little luxury with an afterwork cocktail or a perfect night out. Our expert mixologists have created a selection of cocktails which will be sure to delight - and we can’t wait to welcome the Bristol community and visitors alike to Rick’s to raise a glass to celebrate the good times ahead!”

Classic cocktails will also be available to order, along with local beers and organic, vegan-friendly wines. 

Rick’s will be open from Thursday 23 February. Click here for more news and offers online and @ricksbarbristol on Instagram.