Holiday Inn Bristol City Centre by IHG

You wouldn't normally think to pop into a Holiday Inn for a drink, but this bar has quietly become a decent shout for after-work pints or when you're meeting someone in the city centre. The space feels more like a proper pub than a sterile hotel bar, with comfortable seating areas and a surprisingly competent cocktail menu that goes beyond the usual suspects. The location on Bond Street puts you right in the thick of things - you're a stone's throw from Castle Street and the waterfront, making it handy for pre-dinner drinks or a nightcap after wandering around the centre. The staff actually know what they're doing behind the bar, and while the food won't set the world alight, it's solid enough if you need something to soak up those drinks. Not somewhere you'd plan a big night out, but perfectly serviceable when you need somewhere reliable that won't break the bank.