The Dark Horse

Bristol



At a glance

Ideal for
Type
Local tip
Bring your own takeaway to enjoy at the pub, enhancing the laid-back experience.

The Dark Horse, situated on Church Road in the vibrant Redfield area of Bristol, offers a distinctive blend of rustic charm with modern twists. This venue is known for its inviting atmosphere, welcoming patrons with cozy log fires in the winter and a rooftop terrace that provides a perfect spot for enjoying warm summer evenings. The pub features a lively event space that patrons can hire for various occasions, including gigs, private events, and even comedy nights. The decor is warm and inviting, with big leather sofas, a roaring fire, and baskets full of board games for comfort and entertainment.

The bar at The Dark Horse is well-stocked with an impressive array of traditional local farmhouse cider and local craft beers, ensuring a great selection for all tastes. Patrons can engage in the pub's famous pub quiz, which is held every other Tuesday evening, offering up a mix of challenging rounds and a fun atmosphere. Pets are also welcome, making it an ideal stopping point for dog owners looking to relax after a walk around nearby St George’s Park.

Inside, The Dark Horse caters to different social needs with two distinct event spaces: the 'Long Room' with its small platform stage and flexible seating arrangements perfect for larger gatherings, and the 'Disco Lounge,' inviting smaller groups with its unique, open-arch design. While the pub no longer has an in-house kitchen following a popular seasonal pop-up, visitors are welcome to bring in takeaways, enhancing its laid-back and community-friendly vibe.

Whether it’s joining in the local pub quiz, enjoying one of their curated drinks on the rooftop, or organizing a special gathering, The Dark Horse provides a versatile and engaging venue that suits a diverse clientele looking for a relaxed urban hideaway in Bristol.

Reviews

Claire G Claire G Jul 2026

Lovely, pub on Church Rd. Good choice of rooms with different atmospheres. Friendly, relaxed and welcoming bar staff. Good range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Free parking nearby. I feel right at home here.

Charlie Miles Charlie Miles Jul 2026

Rented the back room out for a music event. staff were super friendly and helpful (drinks were good too!) Haven't tried the food but it smelled great

Jez Butler Jez Butler Mar 2026

Fabulous, friendly pub and staff, and the perfect function room to host a small party or gig for up to 60 people. For smaller events, there's another beautifully decorated side-alcove. Thanks to Maisie and team... highly recommended!

Ellie Martin Ellie Martin Mar 2026

We hosted Felix’s 30th birthday karaoke party here and honestly couldn’t have asked for a better venue. The team were incredibly flexible with set up and pack down, which made the whole experience feel completely stress-free. They really trusted us to do our thing and gave us the freedom to run the night how we wanted, which made it feel so personal and special. The staff were all lovely - friendly, relaxed, and just nice to be around. It created such a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. If you’re thinking of hosting a party or event, I’d 100% recommend – they made it such an easy and memorable night. Thank you so much for having us! note for planning - the wifi does not work and there is no phone signal in the private hire room.

Joseph Price Joseph Price Mar 2026

I attend this pub most weekends. I find it comfortable and reasonably priced. Good to see pubs like this still going in todays climate!!

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Frequently Asked Questions

The Dark Horse offers a rustic yet modern atmosphere with cozy log fires, big leather sofas, and a welcoming environment for groups and individuals alike.
Yes, The Dark Horse is dog-friendly, making it a great spot for pet owners, especially with its proximity to St George's Park.
The bar is well-stocked with traditional local farmhouse ciders and a rotating selection of local craft beers.
The Dark Horse does not currently have an in-house kitchen but allows guests to bring their own takeaway food, except on the rooftop terrace.
Yes, the venue offers two hireable event spaces suitable for gigs, private gatherings, and more.
The rooftop terrace is popular among patrons for its relaxed outdoor seating, making it a great place to enjoy sunny evenings.
The pub quiz takes place every other Tuesday evening.
The Dark Horse is located at 172-174 Church Road in Redfield, Bristol.
Yes, The Dark Horse features a rooftop terrace that offers outdoor seating.
For event hires, contacting The Dark Horse to check availability and make arrangements is recommended.

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