Strange Brew

You'll find this place tucked into Fairfax Street, where the focus is squarely on proper beer rather than flashy cocktails or overpriced wine. The bottle selection runs deep – think rare Belgian brews alongside local Bristol breweries, with staff who can talk you through the differences without being patronising about it. The space feels like someone's converted front room, complete with mismatched furniture and walls lined with bottles that make you want to try everything twice. It's the kind of place where you pop in for one pint and somehow end up three hours later, deep in conversation with strangers about hop varieties. The regulars clearly know their stuff, but newcomers aren't made to feel like outsiders.