The Library Bristol
Bristol's enchanting chameleon: vintage tea parlour by day, exclusive cocktail lounge by night—where elegance meets mixology in a hidden urban gem.
Tucked away on St Nicholas Street, The Library Bristol is a captivating dual-personality venue. By day, it serves as a vintage afternoon tea parlour offering brunches and Sunday roasts in an elegant setting. By night, it morphs into an exclusive cocktail lounge with expertly crafted drinks and an intimate atmosphere. This hidden gem blends sophistication with charm, perfect for daytime indulgence or evening mixology in Bristol's vibrant heart.
A brief summary to The Library Bristol
- 6 St Nicholas St, Bristol, BS1 1UQ, GB
- +441173637949
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Wednesday 5 pm-12 am
- Thursday 9 am-3 pm
- Friday 9 am-3 pm
- Saturday 9 am-3 pm
- Sunday 9 am-3 pm
Local tips
- Book ahead for busy evenings like Fridays and Saturdays, as card details may be required to secure tables.
- Opt for the cocktail masterclass to learn mixology secrets while crafting your own drinks.
- Adhere to the smart-casual dress code; avoid flip-flops, tracksuits, or hats for entry.
- Daytime visitors should arrive early for afternoon tea slots, especially on weekends.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
The Library Bristol location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about The Library Bristol
Daytime Elegance in a Hidden Parlour
Step into The Library Bristol during daylight hours and discover a charming vintage tea parlour that evokes the grace of bygone eras. Nestled on St Nicholas Street in Bristol's bustling city centre, this space welcomes guests for little lunches, afternoon teas, and hearty Sunday roasts. The menu features delicate pastries, fresh brunches, and comforting roasts served in an environment adorned with subtle nods to literary heritage, from plush seating to ornate details that create a cosy, refined retreat amid urban energy. Available from Thursday to Sunday with specific timings—such as 9am starts on Fridays and Saturdays—the daytime offerings cater to those seeking a leisurely escape. Whether savouring scones with clotted cream or a full roast, the parlour's ambiance encourages slow-paced enjoyment, making it an ideal spot for conversations over steaming pots of tea.Evening Transformation to Cocktail Haven
As dusk falls, The Library Bristol undergoes a seamless metamorphosis into an exclusive private cocktail lounge. From Wednesday through Sunday, the venue buzzes with evening visitors indulging in meticulously crafted cocktails that highlight expert mixology. Signature drinks draw on classic and innovative recipes, paired with a lively yet intimate vibe that prioritises quality over quantity. The space accommodates tables for one-hour drinks sessions during peak times, fostering a dynamic turnover that keeps the energy high. Special events like cocktail masterclasses allow guests to learn the art of shaking and stirring under skilled guidance, blending education with entertainment in this secretive nook.Intimate Setting and Practical Nuances
The Library's design emphasises exclusivity, with limited seating that enhances its speakeasy-like allure. Located at 6 St Nicholas Street, BS1 1UQ, it sits in a historic part of Bristol, surrounded by medieval architecture and lively streets. The smart-casual dress code—no flip-flops or tracksuits—sets a polished tone, while policies like no-show fees and service charges for larger groups ensure smooth operations. This duality of day and night experiences makes it uniquely versatile, appealing to brunch enthusiasts by day and cocktail aficionados after dark. The venue's commitment to reservations, especially on busy Fridays and Saturdays, underscores its popularity without compromising the personalised service.Culinary and Mixology Highlights
Daytime menus shine with afternoon teas from 9:30am slots and roasts extending into the afternoon on Sundays. Evening brings a focus on beverages, with masterclasses offering hands-on creation of drinks alongside brunch options for extended sessions. The bar's emphasis on craftsmanship extends to curated tastings, such as whisky pairings, adding layers of sophistication.Bristol's Secret Social Hub
In the heart of Bristol's Old City, The Library stands as a bridge between tranquil daytime repose and nocturnal vibrancy. Its transformation reflects the city's own eclectic spirit, offering locals and visitors alike a multifaceted venue that rewards discovery. Whether for a solo tea or group cocktails, it delivers memorable moments in an atmosphere of understated luxury.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Medieval Vaults
0.0 km
Explore Bristol’s hidden medieval cellars beneath High Street, where Gothic vaults tell tales of centuries past beneath the city’s modern bustle.
St Mary Le Port Church
0.1 km
Historic Saxon-era church ruins in Bristol’s Castle Park, a poignant landmark of medieval heritage and wartime resilience.
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.
Bristol Bridge
0.1 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
0.1 km
Trace the vanished medieval walls that shaped Bristol’s historic Old City, revealing centuries of rich heritage and urban evolution.
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.
Royal Talbot Buildings
0.2 km
Discover the Royal Talbot Buildings in Redcliffe, Bristol: A luxurious executive suite experience perfect for your city escape.
Fermentation Buildings
0.2 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
0.2 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 Edmund Burke
0.3 km
A bronze tribute to Edmund Burke on Bristol’s waterfront, where 18th-century ideals meet modern city life.
Bristol Castle
0.4 km
Discover the historic heart of Bristol at Castle Park, where medieval ruins meet serene urban green space along the scenic Welsh Back waterfront.
King George V Memorial Fountain
0.4 km
Lutyens-designed waterfront memorial honouring King George V with monumental sculptural figures.
Cascade Steps
0.4 km
Historic Cascade Steps in Bristol offer scenic waterfront views and a tranquil urban retreat steeped in maritime heritage.
Cheese Lane Shot Tower
0.5 km
Bristol's brutalist shot tower—where gravity shaped ammunition and history shaped preservation.
Redcliffe Caves
0.6 km
Explore the enchanting Redcliffe Caves in Bristol, a breathtaking tourist attraction filled with stunning rock formations and vibrant art installations.
Unmissable attractions to see
Bristol city centre
0.1 km
The vibrant heart of Bristol, blending rich history, culture, shopping, and scenic waterfront charm in a lively urban setting.
Cosy Club
0.2 km
Historic elegance meets vibrant British dining in a stunning former banking hall at the heart of Bristol’s Old City.
Alcotraz Bristol: Cell Block Two-Two-Six
0.2 km
Discover the immersive cocktail experience at Alcotraz Bristol, where every drink tells a story in a unique prison-themed setting.
Floating Harbour
0.2 km
Explore Bristol’s historic Floating Harbour—a vibrant waterfront blending maritime heritage, cultural attractions, and lively harbourside charm.
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.
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.
St Peter's Church
0.2 km
Explore the rich history and architectural beauty of St Peter's Church, a beloved landmark in Castle Park, Bristol, steeped in centuries of heritage.
Bristol Old Vic
0.3 km
Experience the oldest continuously working theatre in the English-speaking world, where history and innovation meet on Bristol’s King Street.
Welsh Back
0.3 km
Historic waterfront street in Bristol, blending maritime heritage, abolitionist history, and vibrant cultural life along the Floating Harbour.
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.
The Lanes
0.3 km
Bristol’s ultimate destination for boutique bowling, live music, karaoke, and great pizza in a lively, vibrant setting.
Round Pool
0.3 km
Discover Castle Park’s blend of medieval ruins, peaceful gardens, and vibrant community spirit in the heart of Bristol city centre.
Castle Wharf
0.3 km
Modern waterside living in Bristol’s Redcliffe district, with views across the Floating Harbour to Castle Park and the city centre.
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.
The Centre
0.4 km
The Centre, Bristol: where history, transport, and culture converge in a vibrant urban open space.
Essential places to dine
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.
Harbour Kitchen & Bar
0.1 km
Stylish seafood dining with British seaside soul in the heart of Bristol’s vibrant Corn Street.
San Carlo - Bristol
0.1 km
Elegant Italian dining in Bristol with sumptuous seafood, grand interiors, and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for special occasions.
Marmo Restaurant & Wine Bar
0.1 km
Michelin-recognized Italian cooking with organic wines in Bristol's vibrant restaurant quarter.
The Ox
0.2 km
Charcoal-grilled steaks in an atmospheric basement vault with cocktails and old-money elegance.
Pasta Ripiena
0.2 km
A tiny Bristol gem where every bite of handmade stuffed pasta bursts with seasonal Italian flavour.
Aqua Welshback
0.2 km
Stylish Italian-inspired dining with seasonal British flair on Bristol’s scenic Welsh Back harbourside.
Four Wise Monkeys
0.2 km
Lively pan-Asian fusion dining with retro Tokyo vibes and bold flavours in Bristol’s city centre.
Three Brothers Burgers
0.2 km
Waterfront burgers of genuine quality in Bristol's vibrant harbourside district.
Turtle Bay Bristol Broad Quay
0.3 km
Experience authentic Caribbean cuisine, tropical cocktails, and lively reggae vibes in Bristol’s vibrant Broad Quay district.
Pieminister
0.3 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.
Bambalan
0.4 km
Vibrant Mediterranean dining with rooftop views, lively DJs, and a spirited social scene in the heart of Bristol.
Adelina Yard
0.4 km
Modern European fine dining on Bristol’s historic Welsh Back, where seasonal ingredients and inventive dishes create an intimate, Michelin-recognized experience.
Under the Stars
0.4 km
Discover exquisite tapas and crafted cocktails at Under the Stars in Bristol's scenic waterfront area – where culinary delight meets vibrant ambiance.
No.1 Harbourside
0.4 km
Bristol's independent waterside gem serving bold burgers, local drinks, and genuine hospitality.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
This Feeling
0.0 km
Trendy threads in Bristol's historic market heart—independent fashion amid Georgian charm and bustling stalls.
Riff Raff Gifts The Bong Shop
0.1 km
Specialist smoking accessories retailer in historic St Nicholas Market's Covered 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.
Over Here
0.1 km
Discover quirky gifts and stylish clothing at Over Here, a hidden gem in Bristol's historic St Nicholas Markets arcade.
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.
Urban Fox
0.1 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
0.4 km
Dive into Bristol's quirky underbelly at Will's Doss Pit, where vintage treasures and bohemian finds await in historic Queen Square.
Garmden of Eden
0.4 km
A Bristol vintage clothing gem where retro style meets sustainable fashion in a welcoming, independent shop on Union Street.
my a2space
0.4 km
A compact Harbourside shop showcasing locally made prints, gifts and artisan wares from Bristol’s creative community.
Everything one pound shop
0.4 km
Discover unbeatable bargains and a vibrant shopping experience at Everything One Pound Shop in Bristol’s The Galleries.
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.
Prior Shop - Cabot Circus (Independent Superstore)
0.5 km
Bristol's award-winning ethical design hub showcasing 150+ independent makers in a gallery, workshop, and community space.
The Ethical Gift Shop
0.5 km
Discover Bristol’s charming boutique for sustainable, fair-trade gifts and eco-friendly treasures in the heart of Broadmead.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Library Bristol
0.0 km
Bristol's enchanting chameleon: vintage tea parlour by day, exclusive cocktail lounge by night—where elegance meets mixology in a hidden urban gem.
The Mothers' Ruin
0.0 km
Bristol's dive bar legend: cheap pints, basement beats, live tunes, and pizza in a historic street nook – pure debauchery awaits.
The Rummer
0.0 km
A cozy, spirit-focused pub in the medieval heart of Bristol—fireside rooms, hundreds of gins and a distilled approach to cocktails.
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.
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.
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.
The Gold Bar
0.1 km
Experience Bristol’s ultimate speakeasy-style cocktail bar with opulent décor, masterful mixology, and vibrant weekend entertainment.
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.
Secret Cocktail Club - Bristol
0.1 km
Discover Bristol’s hidden basement bar blending historic charm with expertly crafted cocktails in an intimate, secretive setting.
Blame Gloria - Bristol
0.2 km
Dive into Bristol’s wildest retro cocktail bar with themed brunches, dazzling performances, and a party atmosphere like no other.
The Cocktail Club - Corn Street Bristol
0.2 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant nightlife with expertly crafted cocktails, galactic-themed interiors, and an unforgettable party atmosphere at The Cocktail Club Corn Street.
Flight Club Bristol
0.2 km
Experience the thrill of Social Darts® and vibrant cocktails in Bristol’s lively, carnival-inspired cocktail bar on historic Corn Street.
Brozen Bar - Bristol
0.2 km
Discover Bristol’s Brozen Bar, where inventive frozen cocktails and a cosy atmosphere create a unique, must-visit cocktail experience.
The Clockwork Rose
0.2 km
Bristol's steampunk speakeasy where airship captain's cocktails blend Victorian flair, fantastical lore, and masterful mixology into unforgettable evenings.
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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Popworld - Bristol
0.2 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
0.2 km
Ignite your night with Brazilian forró rhythms: partner dances, live bands, and sweaty joy in Bristol's beating heart.
Basement 45
0.6 km
Experience Bristol’s underground nightlife at Basement 45, where eclectic music, intimate vibes, and vibrant events come alive until the early hours.
Thekla
0.6 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.
Queenshilling - Bristol Bar and Nightclub
0.6 km
Bristol's iconic LGBTQ+ haven: dance, drag, and drinks in an intimate Frogmore Street gem fueling the city's electric nightlife.
PRYZM
0.6 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant nightlife at PRYZM, a multi-room club with themed music floors, student deals, and a lively party atmosphere.
OMG
0.6 km
Southwest's biggest gay club: massive dance floor, killer sound, themed nights, and inclusive vibes until dawn in Bristol's heart.
Antix
0.7 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
0.7 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant nightlife at Silk Nightclub, where energetic beats and a lively crowd create unforgettable nights in the city center.
Marquee Cocktail Bar & Nightclub
0.7 km
From refined cocktails to dawn-dancing beats, Marquee delivers Bristol's ultimate nightlife evolution in one stylish venue.
The Loco Klub
0.9 km
An atmospheric subterranean arts venue in Brunel’s Temple Meads arches, where tunnels, brick vaults and intimate soundscapes host club nights, theatre and live music.
Lakota
0.9 km
Bristol's gritty heartbeat: underground raves, thunderous bass, and nights that blur into dawn at this St Paul's legend.
The Pearl NightClub
1.0 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
1.0 km
A lively Clifton nightclub blending classic tunes, affordable drinks, and a vibrant social scene in Bristol’s dynamic nightlife district.
Bristol Lola Lo
1.0 km
An intimate, vintage‑Tiki nightclub in Clifton with neon cocktails, paper lanterns and a compact dancefloor for themed late‑night parties.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Quirky
- Unique
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- LGBT Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Adults Only
