Background

The Mothers' Ruin

Bristol's dive bar legend: cheap pints, basement beats, live tunes, and pizza in a historic street nook – pure debauchery awaits.

4.3

Nestled on St Nicholas Street in Bristol's vibrant city center, The Mothers' Ruin is a dive bar staple blending cocktails, pizzas, and live music. Known for its happy hour deals like 4 pints for £10 from 4PM-8PM daily, it features a basement club called The Rathouse for underground dance nights. Open late most days until 2AM, it offers a casual vibe with quizzes, indie rock, and a relaxed atmosphere near St Nicholas Market.

A brief summary to The Mothers' Ruin

  • 7-9 St Nicholas St, Bristol, BS1 1UE, GB
  • +441173290143
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 3 hours
  • Budget
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 10 am-2 am
  • Tuesday 10 am-2 am
  • Wednesday 10 am-2 am
  • Thursday 10 am-2 am
  • Friday 10 am-2 am
  • Saturday 10 am-2 am
  • Sunday 12 pm-12:30 am

Local tips

  • Hit happy hour 4PM-8PM daily for 4 pints at £10 – prime time for unbeatable deals.
  • Catch The Rathouse on Fri/Sat nights during club season (Sep-Nov, Jan-May) for free underground dance music.
  • Join Tuesday quizzes with free food for a relaxed evening with locals.
  • Book tables online to skip queues, especially on weekends.
widget icon

The Mothers' Ruin location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather

Unlock the Best of The Mothers' Ruin

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about The Mothers' Ruin

Dive Bar Heartbeat

Tucked into the bustling St Nicholas Street, The Mothers' Ruin pulses as Bristol's quintessential dive bar, where the air hums with conversation and clinking glasses. Its name nods to the infamous gin craze of 18th-century London, evoking a spirit of unpretentious revelry that defines this spot. Low ceilings and eclectic decor create an intimate nook amid the city's historic core, drawing locals and visitors for its no-frills charm.

Happy Hour Haven

Every day from 4PM to 8PM, the bar transforms into a bargain hunter's paradise with 4 pints for £10, alongside £3.50 singles and £4.50 doubles. This ritual anchors the venue's appeal, fueling afternoons into evenings of easy camaraderie. Whether sipping craft beers or classic cocktails, the deals underscore its commitment to accessible nightlife without compromising quality.

Rathouse Underground

Descend to The Rathouse, a 50-capacity basement that ignites during club season from September to November and January to May. Open Fridays and Saturdays from 10PM with free entry, it showcases underground dance music from emerging DJs and promoters. Beyond peak times, special events like summer parties fill the space, offering a raw contrast to the upstairs lounge.

Music and Quiz Nights

Live music spans 80s, new wave, indie, and rock 'n' roll, injecting energy into the main bar. Tuesdays bring quizzes paired with free food, fostering a laid-back crowd in a space ideal for quiet chats or lively groups. Pizza from the kitchen complements the drinks, making it a full evening destination rather than just a pit stop.

St Nicholas Market Edge

Positioned at the fringe of St Nicholas Market, the bar benefits from the area's daytime buzz transitioning seamlessly to nightlife. Its casual dress code and features like outdoor seating enhance versatility, from daytime caffeine hits to late-night indulgences. Full bar service, takeout options, and happy hours cater to diverse moods in this central hub.

Debauchery Guaranteed

Billed by the Bristol Post as guaranteeing a night of debauchery, The Mothers' Ruin embodies unfiltered fun. Late openings until 2AM weekdays and slightly earlier Sundays keep the momentum going, with table bookings ensuring smooth entry during peaks. It's a thread in Bristol's nightlife tapestry, blending history, music, and value.

Busiest months of the year

Busiest hours of the day

Popular Experiences near The Mothers' Ruin

Popular Hotels near The Mothers' Ruin

Select Currency