Skip to main content
BusinessesMap
The Library Bristol — Cocktail bars in Bristol

The Library Bristol

Cocktail barsBristol

4.5 out of 5 stars4.5(296 reviews)

“A cosy cocktail bar, with an impressive whisky selection, expertly crafted drinks, and even cigars available. We also host whisky experiences, dinners and have a stunning event space downstairs — perfect for private hire, parties, and celebrations, just a stone’s throw from the registry office.”

Quick info

+44 117 203 2650
6 St Nicholas St, Bristol BS1 1UQ, United Kingdom

About The Library Bristol

The Library Bristol is a cocktail bar on St Nicholas St in Bristol, entered through a hidden door disguised as a wall of books that opens when a guest presses a buzzer. A small library sits at the front, and the secret door leads into a speakeasy-style bar made up of a dark, winding warren of rooms. The team greets guests inside and takes them to their table. The drinks list pairs a menu of speciality cocktails, including the Rosa Lux, with a separate list of classics. The bar also stocks a whisky selection and cigars. The food menu runs to 15 dishes and includes a Sunday roast and afternoon tea. The bar hosts whisky experiences and dinners, and an event space downstairs is available for private hire, parties and celebrations for groups.

Menu & Prices

15 dishes
  • Tea
  • Lux Cocktail
  • Espresso Martini
  • Negroni
  • Scone
  • Manhattan
See full menu & prices →

Reviews

4.5/5
296 reviews

What reviewers say

Reviewers most often mention speakeasy cocktails, secret bookshelf entrance, sunday roast and afternoon tea.

5★
239
4★
22
3★
7
2★
4
1★
24

Customer Review Summary

The caveats are real. One reviewer found the drinks horrendously flavoured, with every cocktail on the menu built on bitters, and a requested glass of water never arrived. Another says lots of drinks were missing from the menu. The afternoon tea disappointed one reviewer, who describes dense mini loaves, a cold steak sandwich, slimy mushroom tarts and a runny strawberry and hibiscus jam, and who wished for the ham, egg and chips from the next table instead. Service is described as fantastic by some, and slow on a short-staffed lunch by another.

Featured reviews

  • Google user
    “Didnt try the food, but I cant wait to try the charcouterie board on my next trip, as the cocktails were a fabulous blend of classical with a weight of flavour thag brought it into the modern day. Every drink was what i expected plus more of what I needed. Eve was a fantasic energy who brought a smile to our whole tables faces. And helped fecilitate a beautiful evening. I will definitely be returning. 💯”
  • Google user
    “Very unique, winding dark warren of rooms serving speciality drinks. When we went lots of drinks were missing from the menu but still managed to get something we liked.”
  • Google user
    “Hidden away, this speakeasy was a cool find. Entered a small library and then the secret door opened. Once inside greeted and taken to our table. The cocktails were good. The bar was quiet, as we went there early before dinner. I can imagine the atmosphere would be amazing late when it gets busier.”
  • Google user
    “Went here in February and I’ve been meaning to write a review for some time now. This place is unforgettable for all the wrong reasons. This is probably the most overrated and underwhelming bar I’ve ever experienced. Yes, you get to press a buzzer and walk through a door that looks like a wall of books. Unfortunately once inside the drinks served are horrendously flavoured and hugely overpriced. For nearly £20 I was slowly served a drink which tasted as I imagine kerosene that’s been sat in a compost bin would delight the senses. I asked for a glass of water to wash the taste from my mouth which never arrived. My partner’s drink was sadly no better. Pretty much every drink on the menu contained bitters of some sort, uniformly boring. We made a swift exit, full of disappointment. This place is sadly just a gimmick, with poor service and awful drinks. If you are susceptible to such gimmicks you may be fooled to think it’s great but if you actually care for deliciously crafted drinks in a well curated space with warm atmosphere, don’t go to The Library.”
  • Google user
    “What a place!!! Booking is essential. The secret entrance is a delight. Once inside it's a beautifully designed bar with a fantastic menu of speciality cocktails. I highly recommend.”

Location

More to explore in Bristol

Boar's Head, Aust, Bristol

21 places

Bars in Bristol

Photo: Boar's Head, Aust · 4.5 · 1,412 Google reviews

See all 21 bars in Bristol
  • Cappadocia Restaurant Bristol, Bristol4.7 · Cappadocia Restaurant Bristol

    Restaurants

    84 places

  • Mrs. Potts Chocolate House, Bristol4.5 · Mrs. Potts Chocolate House

    Cafes

    48 places

  • Luxury Nails Bristol, Bristol4.7 · Luxury Nails Bristol

    Beauty

    20 places

  • Gian’s Barber Shop, Bristol4.8 · Gian’s Barber Shop

    Hair

    13 places

DirectionsCallMenu