The Canteen

You'll climb the stairs in Hamilton House wondering if you've taken a wrong turn, but push through those doors and you'll find one of Stokes Croft's most beloved watering holes. The stripped-back industrial space feels authentically rough around the edges – think exposed brick, mismatched furniture, and the kind of lighting that makes everyone look good after 9pm. The bartenders know their stuff, mixing proper drinks without any of the theatre you'd get in Park Street, while the crowd is a brilliant mix of creative types, local regulars, and those in the know. It's the sort of place where conversations flow as freely as the drinks, and you'll find yourself staying much later than planned.