Five of Bristol's finest historic pubs, anchored on legendary King Street, finishing on the harbourside. Roughly 4–5 hours of drinking, all within half a mile of each other.
The route is flexible on the day — go with the flow!
1
6:00 pm · ~45 mins
The Hatchet Inn
27 Frogmore St, Bristol BS1 5NA
Bristol's oldest pub, built in 1606. Low beams, old wood, real ales at great prices. The perfect opener — gets you in the historic mood before the main event on King Street.
Est. 1606
2
7:00 pm · ~45 mins
King William Ale House
20 King St, Bristol BS1 4EF
A proper no-frills King Street boozer dating to 1754. Budget-friendly, good cask ales, and relaxed enough for a big group to spread out comfortably.
Est. 1754
3
8:00 pm · ~50 mins
The Llandoger Trow
King St, Bristol BS1 4ER
One of Bristol's most famous pubs — allegedly the inspiration for the Spyglass Inn in Treasure Island and the place Defoe met Alexander Selkirk, the real Robinson Crusoe. Brilliant historic building, large enough for the whole group.
Literary Legend
4
9:00 pm · ~75 mins
The Old Duke
45 King St, Bristol BS1 4ER
The jewel of King Street. Bristol's jazz institution with live music every single night. This is the birthday centrepiece — linger here, get a round in, and soak it all in.
Live Music Nightly
5
10:30 pm · Onwards
The Ostrich or Watershed
Harbourside, Bristol — decide on the night
Two great harbourside options, both a short walk from The Old Duke. The Ostrich for cobbled canalside paths and Butcombe ales on the terrace. Or head to Watershed — the iconic arts cinema bar right on the water — and pick whichever bar takes your fancy when you get there.
Harbourside Finale
Get Directions
All stops are within a 10-minute walk of each other.
Park near The Hatchet Inn and walk the whole route.
Night Notes
- Stops 2, 3 & 4 are on the same street — easy to keep the group together
- The Old Duke can get busy on weekends — arrive as a group
- The Ostrich has a great outdoor terrace — good for warm evenings
- Total walking distance start to finish: under a mile
- Nearest taxi rank: The Centre, 5 min walk from King Street
- Last entry at most pubs: 11pm — don't dawdle too long anywhere