The Bootlegger
Bristol
Join a Cocktail Masterclass to learn and enjoy new mixes with friends.
Nestled on Cheltenham Road in the vibrant Redland area, The Bootlegger is an evocative cocktail bar exuding a vintage charm by day and a lively atmosphere by night. Known for its meticulously crafted cocktails, it invites patrons to explore a menu filled with both classic and innovative concoctions. This venue nods to a prohibition-era spirit with a modern twist, promising a space that blends rebellion and sophistication seamlessly.
The Bootlegger caters to diverse tastes with its range of beverages, offering everything from prohibition classics to unique house-made creations. By day, the ambiance is all about vintage elegance, making it an enticing spot for those looking to enjoy a well-crafted drink in a laid-back setting. As evening falls, the atmosphere transforms, setting the stage for a night of enjoyment with live music providing a rhythmic backdrop.
The bar is particularly popular for its enticing Bottomless by Bootlegger offering and Cocktail Masterclasses, allowing guests to indulge and engage. Whether it's a casual catch-up or a celebratory gathering, The Bootlegger provides the ideal setting with its welcoming booths and lively spirit.
Perfect for friends looking to escape the ordinary, this venue offers a space where every visit turns into a memorable experience. Situated in Bristol, it stands out for its stylish take on a classic era, making it a go-to spot for both locals and visitors seeking a taste of nostalgia combined with modern flair.
Reviews
Gorgeous interior and lighting, lovely & tasteful tunage and goated service — Callum, Davie and the sexy doorman all have my heart ❤️ but most importantly the cocktails are unreal — the Lychee Martini contains ACTUAL lychee and it's easily the most refreshing cocktail I've ever laid upon my lips; not something you get anywhere else in Briz! Will be chugging this many a time this summer for sure 🌞 The fact that they do not resort to flavoured liqueurs really sets them apart and flavour wise they crush anything on Gloucester road and maybe Bristol altogether x
Great cocktails. Friendly staff (Callum and Adam manning the bar tonight). We attended on a jazz night so it was absolutely our vibe — and a great switch up from the usual vibe on Gloucester Road venues.
Had a cocktail masterclass delivered by Archie. Only four of us so it was a very personal experience. Perfect blend of education and fun. Archie took great care of us and was a smooth and friendly host. A great place to come for a social and friendly drink.
Bootlegger in Bristol is, quite simply, magic. It was a Wednesday night, four old mates seeing each other for the first time in years and years, and somehow the whole evening felt like it had been quietly curated just for us. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was spot on. Warm, lively, effortlessly cool without ever feeling try-hard. But what made it extraordinary was the service. One member of the team, an absolute star, just looked after us from start to finish. No hovering, no fuss, just perfect instinct. He read the table, made brilliant recommendations, kept the drinks flowing at exactly the right pace, and somehow elevated what would already have been a special reunion into something genuinely memorable. It felt personal, generous, and completely effortless. The cocktails were exceptional, balanced, beautifully presented, and clearly made by people who care about what they’re doing. The music, the lighting, the buzz in the room, everything worked together. It’s rare to walk out of a bar and feel like you’ve had an experience rather than just drinks. This was one of those nights. Five stars all round. If you’re in Bristol and you want somewhere that delivers atmosphere, quality, and genuinely outstanding service, Bootlegger is it.
Bootlegger has been delivering exceptional cocktails for 13 years, and what’s remarkable is that the standards haven’t just been maintained, they’ve evolved. The cocktails remain outstanding, beautifully balanced, confidently crafted, and clearly made by people who understand the art rather than follow trends. What makes this even more impressive is that the new bar team has been personally trained by Lee, the founder. That level of hands on involvement is rare, especially when Lee owns multiple Bootleggers and is constantly expanding into new cities. It speaks volumes about how seriously quality and consistency are taken here. The recent renovation in Bristol has elevated the space without losing its soul. The atmosphere is warm, intimate, and effortlessly inviting. The cosy lighting, the textures, and the layout all work together to create a place you want to settle into rather than rush through. And then there’s the music. That unmistakable Bootlegger sound, carefully chosen, distinctive, and perfectly matched to the room. It’s part of the identity, not background noise, and it completes the experience in a way that few venues manage. This isn’t just a bar that serves great cocktails. It’s a place with a clear vision, strong values, and a founder who still shows up, invests his time, and personally passes on his standards. That care is felt in every detail. Bootlegger Bristol feels genuinely special, and it stands as a real testament to Lee’s commitment, passion, and craft.
