Small Bar is a craft beer bar situated in the heart of Bristol's Beermuda Triangle on King Street. Established in 2013, it features 31 taps offering a diverse selection of local and international beers, with a focus on showcasing the best breweries from the South West. The bar's rustic-style decor includes exposed brick walls and comfortable leather sofas, creating a relaxed atmosphere across two floors. In February 2018, Wing's Diner took over the kitchen, serving Asian-inspired buttermilk fried chicken and other bar food favorites. The bar hosts various events, including quiz nights and live music, contributing to its vibrant and welcoming environment.
What each source says
- Google Places 4.6 2,280
- Tripadvisor 4.5 289
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-25.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Delicious Fried Chicken and Food The fried chicken, often from Wings Diner, is highly praised, especially the Korean wings and dirty fries. Vegetarian options like dirty fries are also well-received.
- Excellent Craft Beer Selection Small Bar offers a wide and varied selection of craft beers, including local brews, with knowledgeable staff ready to help you choose and offer samples.
- Friendly and Welcoming Atmosphere The staff are consistently described as friendly, welcoming, and helpful, creating a warm environment for patrons, even for those with dogs.
- Great Location on King Street Situated on historic King Street, the bar is easily accessible and a great stop on a pub crawl or night out in Bristol, with plenty of outdoor seating.
- Unique and Quirkky Ambiance The decor is described as a mix of historic and individual, with repurposed pallets and Edison lights, contributing to a cool and relaxed atmosphere.
Criticised
- Can Be Pricey Some reviewers find the drinks, especially the craft beers, to be a little on the expensive side compared to other bars in the area.
- Can Get Very Busy The bar can get extremely busy, particularly on weekends, making it difficult to find seating and potentially leading to longer wait times for food.
- Inconsistent Music Genre Some reviewers have noted that the music can wildly change genres, which may not appeal to everyone.
- Limited Veg/Vegan Options While there are vegetarian options, some reviewers feel the veg/vegan menu is less extensive and exciting than the meat-based options.
- Noise Levels Can Be High The bar can get quite noisy, especially when busy, making it difficult to hold conversations.
The longer read
Small Bar is a popular craft beer destination located on King Street in Bristol, known for its extensive and rotating selection of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and sours, with some beers boasting high ABV. The staff is frequently described as knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful in guiding customers through the beer options, even offering samples. The bar also offers a variety of spirits, including their own gin. Many reviewers appreciate the option to order smaller pours (1/3 or 2/3 pints) to sample a wider range of beers. The atmosphere is generally lively and welcoming, often described as having a cool, quirky, or industrial vibe, attracting a younger, casual crowd. The venue can get quite busy, especially on weekends.
In addition to the beer selection, Small Bar features Wings Diner, which is highly praised for its fried chicken, particularly the Korean fried wings and dirty fries. Reviewers consistently rate the chicken as some of the best they have ever had, noting its succulence, flavor, and crispy texture. The portions are considered generous and good value. Vegetarian options, such as vegetarian dirty fries, are also available and well-received, though some reviewers suggest the vegetarian menu could be more extensive.
The bar offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with a nice outdoor space. While the downstairs area can be cramped, there is often additional seating upstairs. The location on King Street is convenient for a pub crawl or as a starting point for a night out in Bristol. Some reviewers mention that the prices are a little on the higher side compared to other craft beer bars in the area, but the quality and selection justify the cost for many. The service is generally quick and well-organized, even during busy periods. Small Bar is dog-friendly, making it a convenient option for visitors with pets. Overall, Small Bar is highly recommended for craft beer enthusiasts and fried chicken lovers looking for a vibrant and welcoming spot in Bristol.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 7709 449708
- Website
- smallbar.co.uk
| Mon | 16:00 - 0:30 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 16:00 - 0:30 |
| Wed | 16:00 - 0:30 |
| Thu | 12:00 - 0:30 |
| Fri | 12:00 - 1:00 |
| Sat | 12:00 - 1:00 |
| Sun | 12:00 - 0:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.6 against a median of 4.3 across the 17 places to eat we hold for Southville, where the most-reviewed is Turtle Bay Bristol Broad Quay.
Still deciding?
- Which local and international beers are currently on tap at Small Bar?
- What Asian‑inspired dishes does Wing's Diner serve alongside the craft beer selection at Small Bar?
- How would you describe the rustic decor, seating options, and overall vibe across the two floors of Small Bar?
- When is the ideal time of day or week to experience Small Bar’s busiest tap rotations and relaxed atmosphere?
- Does Small Bar accept reservations, and how accessible is it for wheelchair users or groups seeking a private space?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.