Dorset, Somerset &amp; Bristol


<p>Just because autumn has brought golden-hued leaves and crisp air, it doesn&#8217;t mean it&#8217;s time to retreat indoors. Pub gardens in Bristol are upping the stakes when it comes to toasty heaters and cushioned seating, so here are some of our fave spots to sip a tipple without catching frostbite.  </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-christmas-steps-city-centre"><a href="https://thechristmassteps.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Christmas Steps</a>, city centre </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/10/The-Christmas-Steps.jpg" alt="The Christmas Steps garden" class="wp-image-112951" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/10/The-Christmas-Steps.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/10/The-Christmas-Steps-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/10/The-Christmas-Steps-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/10/The-Christmas-Steps-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/10/The-Christmas-Steps-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Hidden in Bristol&#8217;s historic quarter – but smack bang in the city centre – The Christmas Steps is your autumnal dream, with local ales, comforting pub grub, and a Dickensian feel like no other. Picture this: low, candle-lit interior, twinkly lights in the garden, cobbled streets, sturdy heaters, and a tucked away feel – perfect for a date night or a gossip-fuelled evening with your gal pals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-albion-clifton"><a href="https://www.cliftonalbion.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Albion</a>, Clifton</h2>



<p>Like your pubs with a side of Georgian charm? The Albion, sitting pretty in Clifton Village, is your lucky number. Think roaring fires and cosy nooks inside, and a courtyard filed with blaring heaters, keeping the vibe al fresco but without the chill. Quaff a large glass of red and indulge in your classic gastropub grub with<em> plenty </em>of warmth on the side. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-spotted-cow-southville"><a href="https://thespottedcowbristol.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Spotted Cow</a>, Southville</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/10/The-Spotted-Cow-1.jpg" alt="The Spotted Cow garden" class="wp-image-112952" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/10/The-Spotted-Cow-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/10/The-Spotted-Cow-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/10/The-Spotted-Cow-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/10/The-Spotted-Cow-1-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/10/The-Spotted-Cow-1-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Just over the river in Bedminster, The Spotted Cow boasts both buzzy <em>and</em> laid-back vibes. The inside is lit by candles, filled with rustic wooden tables, and has a large bar in the middle (for easy access <em>obvs</em>) and a warming fire in the corner for winter nights. Outside, a spacious garden, complete with heaters and blankets, will keep things toasty. They even put a marquee up in the winter to provide shelter. Local ales, hearty plates, and a banging Sunday roast – see you there? </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-royal-oak-horfield"><a href="https://www.thepeoplespub.co.uk/royal-oak-horfield?utm_source=gmb&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_campaign=homepage" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Royal Oak</a>, Horfield</h2>



<p>Venture all the way to the top of Gloucester Road until you make it to Horfield and find The Royal Oak, a cosy yet buzzing family pub on the corner of Ashley Down Road. A little on the sports pub side but filled with wooden furniture to match the name. Expect a spacious garden filled with seating, heaters, TVs, and a marquee in the colder months. So, if you&#8217;re a footy fanatic, enjoy the crisp air of autumn, and munching on classic pub grub, this could be your go-to spot. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-bristol-flyer-bishopston"><a href="https://www.theflyerbristol.co.uk/#/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Bristol Flyer</a>, Bishopston</h2>



<p>Looking for a chilled catch up with friends or a bit of a bustling evening vibe? The Bristol Flyer, a short walk from Montpelier train station in the middle of the never-ending Gloucester Road, has a unique charm and laid-back atmosphere. Combining traditional wood-panelling with modern touches, cosy booths, and plenty of space inside; the sheltered lit up garden gives off a homely feel. Make the most of its recent refurb and enjoy the space at one of its pub quiz nights and live music events, indulging in a Sunday roast or picking away at light bar snacks. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-volunteer-tavern-city-centre"><a href="https://sites.google.com/view/volunteertavern/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Volunteer Tavern</a>, city centre</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/10/The-Volley.jpg" alt="The Volley garden" class="wp-image-112963" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/10/The-Volley.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/10/The-Volley-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/10/The-Volley-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/10/The-Volley-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/10/The-Volley-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Around the corner from Cabot Circus, the slightly hippy dippy Volunteer Tavern is a little tucked away jewel buzzing with vibrancy and colour. The inside is tiny but perfect for quiet pint, but it&#8217;s the garden that steals the show – a colourful jumble of fairy lights, heaters, chatter, and music. Wrap up warm and enjoy the al fresco pub quizzes, live music, and maybe a cuddle from the pub&#8217;s kittens or dog. A hidden gem hangout with bags of Bristol soul. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-grace-bishopston"><a href="https://www.thegracebristol.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Grace</a>, Bishopston </h2>



<p>Sitting on a corner away from Gloucester Road&#8217;s hustle and bustle is The Grace, an independent pub serving small plates and Dutch courage. After a tiring day mooching along the strip of shops, this is the perfect pit stop pint location, with a large sheltered garden. On the menu: beers, wines and spirits from all over the world and South West, world-inspired small plates, award-winning Sunday roasts and Bloody Marys for all. Inside, a classy oak furniture look surrounded by stained glass windows and an annex at the back. Out back rain or shine, there are seats a-plenty, to enjoy your tipple without fear of getting sodden. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-farm-st-werburghs"><a href="https://www.thefarm-bristol.foodndrink.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Farm</a>, St Werburghs </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/10/The-Farm.jpg" alt="The Farm garden" class="wp-image-112954" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/10/The-Farm.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/10/The-Farm-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/10/The-Farm-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/10/The-Farm-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/10/The-Farm-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>In leafy St Werbs, rustic down-to-earth pub The Farm feels a world away from the bustle of the city. Inside, wooden beams, mismatched furniture, and a cosy, community-led atmosphere; outside, the garden is the real showstopper. Strung with fairy lights and kitted out with heaters so you can linger after the autumn sun dips, it&#8217;s the perfect place for a post-work pint or weekend wind-down. Live music plays every so often, and there&#8217;s more outdoor seating than you can shake a stick at. </p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE? </h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/christmas-day-lunch-somerset-dorset/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10 chic local venues for Christmas Day lunch</a></li>



<li><a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/this-month/whats-on-october-somerset-dorset-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">What’s on this October in Dorset, Somerset &amp; Bristol</a></li>



<li><a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/whats-on/somerset-dorset-bath-literary-festivals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Somerset &amp; Dorset’s autumn book fests</a></li>
</ul>



<p></p>



<p>Words: Jazzy Tyagi</p>


Toasty tipples: 8 brilliant Bristol pubs with heated outdoor spaces

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