The Clockwork Rose
Bristol's steampunk speakeasy where airship captain's cocktails blend Victorian flair, fantastical lore, and masterful mixology into unforgettable evenings.
Step into Bristol's steampunk wonderland at The Clockwork Rose, a cocktail bar where Victorian machinery meets fantastical airship lore. Intricate brass fittings, vintage suitcases, and flying goggles adorn the intimate space, immersing you in the mythical world of Captain Sebastian Commodore. Signature drinks like the Pan-Galactic Gargle Blaster and Kraken’s Folly arrive with bespoke backstories, blending alchemy and adventure in every sip. Open evenings from 5pm, this hidden gem on St Stephen's Street crafts moderate-priced elixirs in a lively yet quirky atmosphere perfect for date nights or group escapades.
A brief summary to The Clockwork Rose
- 16 St Stephen's St, Bristol, BS1 1JR, GB
- +441179276869
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 5 pm-11:30 pm
- Wednesday 5 pm-11:30 pm
- Thursday 5 pm-11:30 pm
- Friday 5 pm-11:30 pm
- Saturday 5 pm-11:30 pm
Local tips
- Ask for the cocktail's backstory when ordering—bartenders share captivating tales that enhance the drink.
- Opt for non-alcoholic versions if driving; they match the alcoholic elixirs in creativity and flavor.
- Visit midweek for a quieter vibe, perfect for savoring the intricate decor without crowds.
- Explore the rum or whisky selections for flights that highlight rare and impressive ranges.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Drink Options
- Seating Areas
The Clockwork Rose location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about The Clockwork Rose
Steampunk Realm Unveiled
Nestled on St Stephen's Street in Bristol's vibrant heart, The Clockwork Rose transports patrons to a bygone era of brass gears and steam-powered dreams. The interior bursts with steampunk ingenuity: polished copper pipes snake along walls, antique clocks tick mysteriously, and leather-bound tomes line shelves cluttered with curiosities. This is no ordinary bar—it's the fabled haunt of fictional airship captain Sebastian Commodore, whose global exploits infuse every corner with narrative magic. Dim Edison bulb lighting casts a warm, amber glow, inviting you to linger amid the whir of imagined engines.Cocktails with Legendary Tales
The bar's menu elevates mixology to theatrical art. Each cocktail carries a unique backstory penned by the bartenders, transforming a simple drink into an immersive story. The Pharmacutical Stimulant evokes Victorian apothecaries with herbal infusions and effervescent sparks, while Kraken’s Folly rumbles with dark rum and spiced depths hinting at oceanic perils. Sci-fi fans revel in the Pan-Galactic Gargle Blaster, a nod to Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, promising 'the best drink in existence' through layered flavors of citrus, gin, and cosmic fizz. Non-alcoholic versions ensure everyone joins the adventure.Captain Commodore's Legacy
At the core of the experience lies the lore of Sebastian Commodore, the airship pioneer whose trinkets—lockets from distant ports, weathered suitcases, aviator goggles—dot the bar like relics from alternate histories. These props fuel the imagination, suggesting tales of skyward voyages and mechanical marvels. Bristol's first dedicated steampunk venue, it honors the genre's fusion of 19th-century aesthetics and futuristic whimsy, drawing from literary influences like Jules Verne and H.G. Wells. The result is a cohesive fantasy world where every element whispers of high-altitude escapades.Evening Atmosphere and Rhythm
From 5pm onwards, the bar hums with subdued background music—perhaps a phonograph crackling with ragtime jazz or orchestral swells evoking airship anthems. Conversations flow easily in the cozy confines, ideal for intimate dates or lively gatherings. Bartenders, clad in period attire, perform their craft with precision, shaking and stirring amid gleaming shakers and absinthe fountains. The space accommodates small groups comfortably, fostering a sense of discovery rather than rowdy revelry.Bristol's Cocktail Pioneer
As an Imbibe Awards finalist, The Clockwork Rose stands as a testament to Bristol's innovative bar scene. Its commitment to creative, story-driven drinks sets it apart in a city rich with harborside pubs and modern lounges. The moderate pricing makes this fantastical escape accessible, with cocktails typically ranging affordably for repeated visits. Whether savoring a rare rum flight or a Macallan whisky selection, the bar celebrates craftsmanship in spirits and storytelling alike.Sensory Immersion in Detail
Engage your senses fully: the faint scent of aged wood and herbal bitters mingles with citrus zest from fresh garnishes. Textures abound—from the cool metal of gear-shaped stirrers to the soft leather of booth seating. Sounds layer subtly: ice clinking in shakers, liquid swirling in glass coupes, and muffled laughter blending with thematic tunes. This multisensory symphony cements The Clockwork Rose as Bristol's premier destination for those craving cocktails laced with wonder.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Old Post Office
0.1 km
Discover Bristol’s 18th-century Old Post Office, a preserved Georgian landmark blending rich history with vibrant city life at Corn Street.
The Nails
0.1 km
Historic iron nails in Bristol’s Corn Street where medieval merchants sealed their deals, embodying the city’s rich trading heritage.
Statue of Edmund Burke
0.2 km
A bronze tribute to Edmund Burke on Bristol’s waterfront, where 18th-century ideals meet modern city life.
Medieval Vaults
0.2 km
Explore Bristol’s hidden medieval cellars beneath High Street, where Gothic vaults tell tales of centuries past beneath the city’s modern bustle.
Cascade Steps
0.2 km
Historic Cascade Steps in Bristol offer scenic waterfront views and a tranquil urban retreat steeped in maritime heritage.
King George V Memorial Fountain
0.2 km
Lutyens-designed waterfront memorial honouring King George V with monumental sculptural figures.
St Mary Le Port Church
0.3 km
Historic Saxon-era church ruins in Bristol’s Castle Park, a poignant landmark of medieval heritage and wartime resilience.
Bristol Bridge
0.3 km
A historic stone bridge spanning Bristol’s Floating Harbour, linking the Old City with Redcliffe and centuries of the city’s story.
Old City Walls
0.3 km
Trace the vanished medieval walls that shaped Bristol’s historic Old City, revealing centuries of rich heritage and urban evolution.
Royal Talbot Buildings
0.4 km
Discover the Royal Talbot Buildings in Redcliffe, Bristol: A luxurious executive suite experience perfect for your city escape.
Fermentation Buildings
0.4 km
Grade II-listed former brewery warehouses reborn as a creative office and waterfront dining hub on Bristol’s Floating Harbour.
Historic England - Bristol Office
0.4 km
Discover Bristol's rich history and heritage at the Historic England office, a key player in preserving the city's architectural treasures.
Statue of Ram Mohan Roy
0.5 km
A dignified bronze tribute in Bristol honoring Ram Mohan Roy’s legacy as a pioneering Indian reformer and visionary.
Bristol Castle
0.5 km
Discover the historic heart of Bristol at Castle Park, where medieval ruins meet serene urban green space along the scenic Welsh Back waterfront.
Prince Street Bridge
0.6 km
A working Victorian swing bridge over Bristol’s Floating Harbour, connecting the city centre with the Cumberland Road area and offering quiet views of boats and quays.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Centre
0.2 km
The Centre, Bristol: where history, transport, and culture converge in a vibrant urban open space.
St Nicholas Market
0.2 km
Discover Bristol’s historic St Nicholas Market, a lively hub of independent shops, artisan crafts, and global street food in a charming Georgian arcade.
Bristol Old Vic
0.2 km
Experience the oldest continuously working theatre in the English-speaking world, where history and innovation meet on Bristol’s King Street.
Palestine Museum & Cultural Centre
0.2 km
Explore Palestinian heritage and culture at Bristol’s vibrant Palestine Museum & Cultural Centre, a hub for history, art, and community events.
Bristol city centre
0.2 km
The vibrant heart of Bristol, blending rich history, culture, shopping, and scenic waterfront charm in a lively urban setting.
Bristol Beacon
0.2 km
Bristol Beacon: Where historic charm meets vibrant live music and cultural celebration in the heart of Bristol.
TimeTrail
0.2 km
Step into history with TimeTrail, an immersive live-action adventure on Bristol’s historic King Street that challenges your wits and teamwork.
St John's Church
0.3 km
A medieval church built into Bristol’s city walls, St John on the Wall is the last of five gate churches, offering a unique glimpse into the city’s fortified past and spiritual life.
Floating Harbour
0.3 km
Explore Bristol’s historic Floating Harbour—a vibrant waterfront blending maritime heritage, cultural attractions, and lively harbourside charm.
Smoke & Mirrors
0.3 km
Bristol’s intimate boutique magic theatre pub blending comedy, live music, and classic ales in a cozy, theatrical setting.
The Christmas Steps
0.3 km
Step back in time on Bristol’s historic Christmas Steps, a charming medieval street rich in culture, history, and cozy local character.
Welsh Back
0.3 km
Historic waterfront street in Bristol, blending maritime heritage, abolitionist history, and vibrant cultural life along the Floating Harbour.
Alcotraz Bristol: Cell Block Two-Two-Six
0.3 km
Discover the immersive cocktail experience at Alcotraz Bristol, where every drink tells a story in a unique prison-themed setting.
Christmas Steps
0.3 km
Discover Bristol’s enchanting Christmas Steps, a historic cobbled lane blending medieval charm with vibrant arts and rich local stories.
The Lanes
0.3 km
Bristol’s ultimate destination for boutique bowling, live music, karaoke, and great pizza in a lively, vibrant setting.
Essential places to dine
Pasta Ripiena
0.0 km
A tiny Bristol gem where every bite of handmade stuffed pasta bursts with seasonal Italian flavour.
Four Wise Monkeys
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Lively pan-Asian fusion dining with retro Tokyo vibes and bold flavours in Bristol’s city centre.
Marmo Restaurant & Wine Bar
0.1 km
Michelin-recognized Italian cooking with organic wines in Bristol's vibrant restaurant quarter.
The Ox
0.1 km
Charcoal-grilled steaks in an atmospheric basement vault with cocktails and old-money elegance.
San Carlo - Bristol
0.1 km
Elegant Italian dining in Bristol with sumptuous seafood, grand interiors, and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for special occasions.
Mugshot Restaurants Bristol
0.1 km
Experience 1920s vintage glamour and interactive hot stone steak dining in the heart of Bristol’s historic old town.
Pieminister
0.1 km
Award-winning British pies, piled high with mash, peas and gravy, in a lively harbourside restaurant with views of Bristol’s fountains and waterfront.
Harbour Kitchen & Bar
0.2 km
Stylish seafood dining with British seaside soul in the heart of Bristol’s vibrant Corn Street.
Turtle Bay Bristol Broad Quay
0.2 km
Experience authentic Caribbean cuisine, tropical cocktails, and lively reggae vibes in Bristol’s vibrant Broad Quay district.
Bambalan
0.2 km
Vibrant Mediterranean dining with rooftop views, lively DJs, and a spirited social scene in the heart of Bristol.
Aqua Welshback
0.2 km
Stylish Italian-inspired dining with seasonal British flair on Bristol’s scenic Welsh Back harbourside.
Three Brothers Burgers
0.2 km
Waterfront burgers of genuine quality in Bristol's vibrant harbourside district.
Hat Bistro
0.3 km
Experience authentic Greek cuisine and warm hospitality at Hat Bistro, Bristol’s cozy Mediterranean gem with locally sourced flavors.
No.1 Harbourside
0.3 km
Bristol's independent waterside gem serving bold burgers, local drinks, and genuine hospitality.
Under the Stars
0.3 km
Discover exquisite tapas and crafted cocktails at Under the Stars in Bristol's scenic waterfront area – where culinary delight meets vibrant ambiance.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Riff Raff Gifts The Bong Shop
0.1 km
Specialist smoking accessories retailer in historic St Nicholas Market's Covered Market.
Memories
0.1 km
Explore 'Memories' in Bristol for unique gifts and local treasures that capture the spirit of your visit.
Quadrant Trading
0.1 km
Discover handcrafted Bristol treasures at Quadrant Trading in the historic Corn Exchange—a shopper's delight of local artistry and unique souvenirs.
Japonicat
0.1 km
Discover unique Japanese gifts and charming collectibles at Japonicat, nestled in Bristol’s historic St Nicholas Market.
uchi clothing co
0.1 km
Discover stylish, sustainable fashion in Bristol’s historic Corn Exchange at Uchi Clothing Co, where quality meets contemporary design.
This Feeling
0.1 km
Trendy threads in Bristol's historic market heart—independent fashion amid Georgian charm and bustling stalls.
Over Here
0.2 km
Discover quirky gifts and stylish clothing at Over Here, a hidden gem in Bristol's historic St Nicholas Markets arcade.
Urban Fox
0.2 km
Unearth retro gems at Urban Fox, Bristol's vintage clothing nook in vibrant St Nicholas Market—quality finds with 25 years of expertise.
Will's doss pit
0.3 km
Dive into Bristol's quirky underbelly at Will's Doss Pit, where vintage treasures and bohemian finds await in historic Queen Square.
my a2space
0.3 km
A compact Harbourside shop showcasing locally made prints, gifts and artisan wares from Bristol’s creative community.
Blaze
0.4 km
Unique gifts and artisanal treasures in Bristol's creative heart—perfect for discovering one-of-a-kind souvenirs on Colston Street.
Alices Secret Empourium
0.5 km
Uncover Bristol's quirk-filled gift haven on Park Street, where eclectic treasures and whimsical wonders await every curious explorer.
Uncle Sam's Vintage
0.5 km
Bristol's legendary American vintage superstore, curating authentic mid-century treasures since 1984.
Ganesha
0.6 km
Discover unique gifts, clothing, and handicrafts at Ganesha, Bristol's treasure trove of artistic creations and local craftsmanship.
Garmden of Eden
0.6 km
A Bristol vintage clothing gem where retro style meets sustainable fashion in a welcoming, independent shop on Union Street.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Clockwork Rose
0.0 km
Bristol's steampunk speakeasy where airship captain's cocktails blend Victorian flair, fantastical lore, and masterful mixology into unforgettable evenings.
Brozen Bar - Bristol
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Discover Bristol’s Brozen Bar, where inventive frozen cocktails and a cosy atmosphere create a unique, must-visit cocktail experience.
Secret Cocktail Club - Bristol
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Discover Bristol’s hidden basement bar blending historic charm with expertly crafted cocktails in an intimate, secretive setting.
The Cocktail Club - Corn Street Bristol
0.1 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant nightlife with expertly crafted cocktails, galactic-themed interiors, and an unforgettable party atmosphere at The Cocktail Club Corn Street.
Slug & Lettuce - City Centre Bristol
0.1 km
Bristol's go-to cocktail haven on St Nicholas Street, blending lush drinks, tasty bites, and vibrant nights in the Old City heart.
Flight Club Bristol
0.1 km
Experience the thrill of Social Darts® and vibrant cocktails in Bristol’s lively, carnival-inspired cocktail bar on historic Corn Street.
Revolution Bristol
0.1 km
Two-storey cocktail bar in Bristol’s Old Fish Market — colourful interiors, mezzanine balcony and cocktails for day and night.
The Boardroom
0.1 km
Grazing boards, rum mastery and historic charm in Bristol's Old City—perfect for intimate drinks or private hires till late.
Dirty Martini - Bristol
0.1 km
Bristol's dazzling cocktail bar on Corn Street, blending royal elegance, masterful martinis, bottomless brunches, and electric nights in the heart of Old City.
The Gold Bar
0.1 km
Experience Bristol’s ultimate speakeasy-style cocktail bar with opulent décor, masterful mixology, and vibrant weekend entertainment.
Blame Gloria - Bristol
0.1 km
Dive into Bristol’s wildest retro cocktail bar with themed brunches, dazzling performances, and a party atmosphere like no other.
The Mothers' Ruin
0.1 km
Bristol's dive bar legend: cheap pints, basement beats, live tunes, and pizza in a historic street nook – pure debauchery awaits.
The Milk Thistle
0.2 km
Bristol's multi-level speakeasy masterpiece: inventive cocktails, taxidermy charm, and intimate lounges in a historic townhouse—pure nightlife alchemy.
The Rummer
0.2 km
A cozy, spirit-focused pub in the medieval heart of Bristol—fireside rooms, hundreds of gins and a distilled approach to cocktails.
The Library Bristol
0.2 km
Bristol's enchanting chameleon: vintage tea parlour by day, exclusive cocktail lounge by night—where elegance meets mixology in a hidden urban gem.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Popworld - Bristol
0.1 km
Dance to 90s and 00s pop anthems under neon lights at Bristol's ultimate nostalgic nightclub, where cheesy hits and POPTAIL cocktails fuel epic nights out.
Forró Bristol
0.1 km
Ignite your night with Brazilian forró rhythms: partner dances, live bands, and sweaty joy in Bristol's beating heart.
Basement 45
0.4 km
Experience Bristol’s underground nightlife at Basement 45, where eclectic music, intimate vibes, and vibrant events come alive until the early hours.
Queenshilling - Bristol Bar and Nightclub
0.4 km
Bristol's iconic LGBTQ+ haven: dance, drag, and drinks in an intimate Frogmore Street gem fueling the city's electric nightlife.
OMG
0.5 km
Southwest's biggest gay club: massive dance floor, killer sound, themed nights, and inclusive vibes until dawn in Bristol's heart.
PRYZM
0.5 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant nightlife at PRYZM, a multi-room club with themed music floors, student deals, and a lively party atmosphere.
Antix
0.5 km
Bristol's enduring late-night haven on Park Street: cocktails till 1am, DJ beats till 6am, dancing into dawn with house, R&B, and reggaeton vibes.
Silk Nightclub
0.5 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant nightlife at Silk Nightclub, where energetic beats and a lively crowd create unforgettable nights in the city center.
Thekla
0.5 km
A converted cargo ship transformed into Bristol’s compact, industrial live-music venue and late-night club, famed for close-up shows and throbbing club nights.
Marquee Cocktail Bar & Nightclub
0.6 km
From refined cocktails to dawn-dancing beats, Marquee delivers Bristol's ultimate nightlife evolution in one stylish venue.
The Pearl NightClub
0.9 km
Bristol's intimate Clifton nightclub where fire DJs ignite weekend dance floors from 10pm till dawn—pure energy in a compact, electric space.
La Rocca
0.9 km
A lively Clifton nightclub blending classic tunes, affordable drinks, and a vibrant social scene in Bristol’s dynamic nightlife district.
Bristol Lola Lo
0.9 km
An intimate, vintage‑Tiki nightclub in Clifton with neon cocktails, paper lanterns and a compact dancefloor for themed late‑night parties.
Lizard Lounge
0.9 km
A small, loud student nightclub on Queens Road famed for cheap drinks, DJ nights and a packed, party-first atmosphere.
Lakota
1.0 km
Bristol's gritty heartbeat: underground raves, thunderous bass, and nights that blur into dawn at this St Paul's legend.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Quirky
- Unique
- Entertaining
- Lively
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Retro Vibes
- Vintage Styles
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Art & Design
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly