The Architect
Art deco café-bar on Bristol's Floating Harbour: coffees by day, cocktails by night, with terrace views of ferries and quayside life.
Perched on Bristol's historic Floating Harbour, The Architect is an art deco-inspired café-bar blending daytime coffee haven with evening cocktail sophistication. Enjoy speciality brews, fresh sandwiches, cheese and charcuterie boards, craft beers, fine wines, and signature cocktails. Summer terrace offers stunning quayside views of passing ferries and lively waterside vibes in a design-led space within a former sail workshop.
A brief summary to The Architect
- 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol, BS1 4QA, GB
- +441174576751
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-9 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-11 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-11 pm
- Thursday 10 am-11 pm
- Friday 10 am-11 pm
- Saturday 10 am-11 pm
- Sunday 10 am-9 pm
Local tips
- Opt for the terrace in summer evenings to catch sunset over the harbour with a signature cocktail.
- Pair cheese or charcuterie boards with a glass of house wine for an elevated small-plate experience.
- Visit mid-afternoon for quieter seating and fresh sandwiches amid the daytime crowd.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
The Architect location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Architect
Art Deco Elegance on the Harbour
Nestled at 16 Narrow Quay along Bristol's vibrant Floating Harbour, The Architect embodies 1930s glamour in a cosy, design-led setting. Housed on the ground floor of Design West in a historic former sail workshop, this café-bar fuses European flair with Bristol's industrial heritage. Exposed brick and elegant lines evoke a bygone era, creating an inviting atmosphere whether you're seeking a quiet coffee or a glamorous night out. By day, sunlight filters through large windows, illuminating the quayside terrace where patrons linger over speciality coffees and teas paired with freshly made sandwiches. The space transforms seamlessly as evening approaches, with dim lighting casting a warm glow over marble surfaces and plush seating.Daytime Haven and Nighttime Allure
Mornings at The Architect unfold as a welcoming retreat for locals and visitors alike. Start with a robust espresso or herbal infusion, complemented by light bites that highlight seasonal ingredients. The menu emphasizes quality, from artisan breads to gourmet fillings, perfect for a working lunch or casual meet-up. As dusk settles, the bar comes alive with an array of signature cocktails crafted by skilled mixologists. Fine wines from boutique vineyards and craft beers from regional breweries line the shelves, alongside indulgent cheese and charcuterie boards. These small plates feature cured meats, artisanal cheeses, and accompaniments that encourage lingering conversations.Seasonal Terrace and Harbour Views
In summer, the outdoor terrace steals the show, capturing the golden hour with unparalleled vistas of the harbour. Watch ferries glide by, their wakes rippling against the quay, while the distant hum of Bristol's festival culture adds energy to the scene. Even in cooler months, the covered areas provide shelter, allowing year-round enjoyment of the waterfront ambiance. This waterside perch offers a front-row seat to the city's maritime pulse, where historic warehouses meet modern life. The terrace's design maximizes comfort, with sturdy tables and breezy layouts that withstand coastal winds.Culinary Focus in a Creative Hub
The Architect's menu reflects thoughtful curation, prioritizing drinks and shareable plates over full meals. Signature cocktails draw from classic recipes with innovative twists, using fresh juices, herbs, and house infusions. Wine selections span crisp whites to bold reds, ideal for pairing with charcuterie that showcases local producers. As part of Design West, the venue ties into Bristol's creative scene, hosting events that celebrate architecture and design. The bar's layout encourages social flow, with bar stools for solo sippers and larger tables for groups, fostering a sense of community amid the harbour's rhythm.Practical Charms of Quayside Living
Open daily from 10am, hours extend later Tuesday through Saturday, accommodating varied schedules. The space welcomes bookings for individuals or groups, though it maintains an intimate scale—no large parties disrupt the vibe. Accessibility features ensure ease for all, aligning with Design West's inclusive ethos. From the terrace, the interplay of light on water creates mesmerizing patterns, enhanced by the scent of sea air mingling with roasted coffee beans. It's a spot where Bristol's past and present converge, offering respite in the heart of the harbour's bustle.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Prince Street Bridge
0.1 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.
Statue of Cary Grant
0.2 km
Celebrate Hollywood legend Cary Grant with a lifelike bronze statue in Bristol’s vibrant Millennium Square, capturing his timeless charm and local roots.
King George V Memorial Fountain
0.3 km
Lutyens-designed waterfront memorial honouring King George V with monumental sculptural figures.
The Matthew of Bristol
0.3 km
Explore Bristol's maritime heritage aboard The Matthew, a historic ship offering breathtaking views and engaging tours of the city's vibrant harbor.
Cascade Steps
0.3 km
Historic Cascade Steps in Bristol offer scenic waterfront views and a tranquil urban retreat steeped in maritime heritage.
Statue of Ram Mohan Roy
0.4 km
A dignified bronze tribute in Bristol honoring Ram Mohan Roy’s legacy as a pioneering Indian reformer and visionary.
Statue of Edmund Burke
0.5 km
A bronze tribute to Edmund Burke on Bristol’s waterfront, where 18th-century ideals meet modern city life.
Old Post Office
0.6 km
Discover Bristol’s 18th-century Old Post Office, a preserved Georgian landmark blending rich history with vibrant city life at Corn Street.
Bristol Bridge
0.6 km
A historic stone bridge spanning Bristol’s Floating Harbour, linking the Old City with Redcliffe and centuries of the city’s story.
The Nails
0.6 km
Historic iron nails in Bristol’s Corn Street where medieval merchants sealed their deals, embodying the city’s rich trading heritage.
Medieval Vaults
0.6 km
Explore Bristol’s hidden medieval cellars beneath High Street, where Gothic vaults tell tales of centuries past beneath the city’s modern bustle.
Royal Talbot Buildings
0.6 km
Discover the Royal Talbot Buildings in Redcliffe, Bristol: A luxurious executive suite experience perfect for your city escape.
St Mary Le Port Church
0.7 km
Historic Saxon-era church ruins in Bristol’s Castle Park, a poignant landmark of medieval heritage and wartime resilience.
Old City Walls
0.7 km
Trace the vanished medieval walls that shaped Bristol’s historic Old City, revealing centuries of rich heritage and urban evolution.
St John's Church
0.7 km
Experience the architectural wonder and serene atmosphere of St John's Church in Bristol, a must-visit tourist attraction rich in history and beauty.
Unmissable attractions to see
Narrow Quay
0.1 km
Historic Narrow Quay in Bristol blends maritime heritage with vibrant arts and waterside charm in the heart of the Floating Harbour.
Bristol Ferry
0.1 km
Scenic water transport linking Bristol's landmarks with friendly crews and harbour-side charm.
The Bristol Wheel
0.2 km
Soar above Bristol’s iconic landmarks on The Bristol Wheel, a dazzling Ferris ride offering stunning panoramic city views day and night.
Bristol Aquarium
0.2 km
Explore captivating marine life and conservation stories at Bristol Aquarium, a vibrant underwater world in the heart of Bristol.
Bristol Harbour Railway
0.2 km
Step aboard Bristol Harbour Railway’s heritage steam train for a scenic 15-minute journey through the city’s historic waterfront.
Watershed
0.2 km
A vibrant cultural cinema and creative hub on Bristol’s Harbourside, blending film, food, events, and sustainability in a welcoming setting.
Queen Square
0.2 km
A serene Georgian square in Bristol’s center, blending historic charm with peaceful green space and vibrant cultural life.
Millennium Square
0.2 km
A vibrant urban square by Bristol’s Harbourside, blending modern design, cultural events, and family-friendly fun year-round.
We The Curious
0.2 km
Discover Bristol’s vibrant science centre with interactive exhibits, creative workshops, and the UK’s only 3D Planetarium in a playful, inclusive space.
Lloyds Amphitheatre
0.2 km
A landmark postmodern amphitheatre and public space at Bristol’s harbourside, blending architectural heritage with vibrant cultural events.
Harbourside
0.2 km
Discover Bristol Harbourside, where rich maritime history meets vibrant culture, waterside dining, and lively urban charm.
M Shed
0.2 km
Discover Bristol’s vibrant history and harbour heritage in the dynamic and free M Shed museum on Princes Wharf.
Statue of Queen Victoria
0.3 km
Explore the grandeur of the Statue of Queen Victoria in Bristol, a stunning historical landmark that embodies the city's royal heritage and charm.
Bristol Cathedral
0.3 km
Explore Bristol Cathedral’s majestic medieval hall church with soaring vaults, Gothic Revival nave, and centuries of rich history in the city’s heart.
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.
Essential places to dine
Rick's
0.0 km
Discover Rick's in Bristol - where exceptional cocktails meet delightful brunches in a vibrant waterfront setting.
The River Grille
0.1 km
Elegant Harbourside fine dining with West Country steaks, fresh seafood, and panoramic waterfront views.
MUSE Brasserie - Bristol
0.1 km
Discover the exquisite blend of French and Indian flavors at MUSE Brasserie, Bristol’s premier fusion dining destination in an elegant bistro setting.
Las Iguanas - Bristol - Harbourside
0.2 km
Lively Latin American dining and cocktails with vibrant vibes by Bristol’s picturesque Harbourside waterfront.
The Bristol Stable
0.2 km
Sourdough pizzas, West Country ciders, and lively Harbourside vibes combine at The Bristol Stable for a quintessential Bristol dining experience.
Under the Stars
0.2 km
Discover exquisite tapas and crafted cocktails at Under the Stars in Bristol's scenic waterfront area – where culinary delight meets vibrant ambiance.
Tare Restaurant
0.3 km
Experience vibrant modern European cuisine in a stylish, relaxed setting overlooking Bristol’s Floating Harbour.
Riverstation
0.3 km
Stylish harbourside dining in Bristol with dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and panoramic river views from a smart, nautical-inspired restaurant and bar.
No.1 Harbourside
0.3 km
Bristol's independent waterside gem serving bold burgers, local drinks, and genuine hospitality.
Hole In The Wall Bristol
0.3 km
Historic Bristol gastropub offering classic British fare, vibrant atmosphere, and a charming beer garden in the heart of Queen Square.
Harbour & Browns
0.3 km
Contemporary fusion dining in stylish shipping containers with harbour views at Bristol’s vibrant Wapping Wharf.
Harbour House - Restaurant, Bar & Terrace
0.3 km
Historic waterfront restaurant celebrating southwest seafood and seasonal produce with stunning harbour views.
Gambas
0.3 km
A vibrant Spanish tapas bar in a harbourside shipping container, serving excellent seafood and classic small plates with great views over Bristol Harbour.
Root
0.3 km
A pioneering vegetable-focused restaurant in Bristol’s waterfront Cargo, blending seasonal flavors with a unique shipping container setting.
BOX-E
0.3 km
A tiny 14-seat restaurant in Bristol’s Wapping Wharf shipping containers, serving inventive Modern British tasting menus and seasonal dishes in an intimate, industrial-chic setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
my a2space
0.2 km
A compact Harbourside shop showcasing locally made prints, gifts and artisan wares from Bristol’s creative community.
Will's doss pit
0.2 km
Dive into Bristol's quirky underbelly at Will's Doss Pit, where vintage treasures and bohemian finds await in historic Queen Square.
Something Elsie
0.3 km
Discover vibrant 80s and 90s vintage fashion, dazzling jewellery, and quirky gifts in Bristol’s colorful Something Elsie shop at Cargo 2.
Fig1
0.3 km
Discover Scandinavian-inspired homewares and unique gifts at this independent Bristol gem, where clean lines meet creative curation in the heart of Wapping Wharf.
Orendo
0.4 km
Discover unique ladies' fashion at Orendo, a chic clothes shop in Bristol that embodies the city's vibrant style and trends.
Zhyper
0.4 km
Trendy threads and accessories in Bristol's Harbourside hub, where personal style meets waterfront vibrancy and urban creativity.
Over Here
0.5 km
Discover quirky gifts and stylish clothing at Over Here, a hidden gem in Bristol's historic St Nicholas Markets arcade.
This Feeling
0.5 km
Trendy threads in Bristol's historic market heart—independent fashion amid Georgian charm and bustling stalls.
Riff Raff Gifts The Bong Shop
0.6 km
Specialist smoking accessories retailer in historic St Nicholas Market's Covered Market.
uchi clothing co
0.6 km
Discover stylish, sustainable fashion in Bristol’s historic Corn Exchange at Uchi Clothing Co, where quality meets contemporary design.
Alices Secret Empourium
0.6 km
Uncover Bristol's quirk-filled gift haven on Park Street, where eclectic treasures and whimsical wonders await every curious explorer.
Memories
0.6 km
Explore 'Memories' in Bristol for unique gifts and local treasures that capture the spirit of your visit.
Quadrant Trading
0.6 km
Discover handcrafted Bristol treasures at Quadrant Trading in the historic Corn Exchange—a shopper's delight of local artistry and unique souvenirs.
Japonicat
0.6 km
Discover unique Japanese gifts and charming collectibles at Japonicat, nestled in Bristol’s historic St Nicholas Market.
Urban Fox
0.6 km
Unearth retro gems at Urban Fox, Bristol's vintage clothing nook in vibrant St Nicholas Market—quality finds with 25 years of expertise.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Architect
0.0 km
Art deco café-bar on Bristol's Floating Harbour: coffees by day, cocktails by night, with terrace views of ferries and quayside life.
Shakespeare Tavern
0.0 km
Waterside Bristol pub pouring cask ales, pub classics, and community cheer in a dog-friendly haven with garden vibes.
Steinbeck and Shaw
0.1 km
Bristol's graffiti-glazed cocktail haven where masterclasses, happy hours, and late-night vibes collide in historic style.
Mackenzies Bar & Kitchen
0.2 km
A relaxed, all-day cafe-bar in the W Shed offering casual meals and drinks beside Bristol’s harbourside.
Small Bar
0.3 km
Bristol's compact craft beer gem: sample microbrew masterpieces in rustic intimacy amid King Street's historic buzz.
Slug & Lettuce - Harbourside Bristol
0.3 km
Bristol harbourside cocktail haven with 2-for-1 drinks, bottomless brunches, and waterfront terrace vibes for unforgettable nights out.
Kongs of King Street
0.3 km
A lively Bristol bar blending arcade games, craft beers, and vibrant music for unforgettable nights on King Street.
Loose Cannon Cocktail Bar - Bristol
0.3 km
Quirky harbourside haven blending pop culture cocktails, local art, and Bristol's playful vibe in a waterfront independent gem.
The Clockwork Rose
0.5 km
Bristol's steampunk speakeasy where airship captain's cocktails blend Victorian flair, fantastical lore, and masterful mixology into unforgettable evenings.
Brozen Bar - Bristol
0.5 km
Discover Bristol’s Brozen Bar, where inventive frozen cocktails and a cosy atmosphere create a unique, must-visit cocktail experience.
Secret Cocktail Club - Bristol
0.5 km
Discover Bristol’s hidden basement bar blending historic charm with expertly crafted cocktails in an intimate, secretive setting.
Revolution Bristol
0.5 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
0.5 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 Boardroom
0.5 km
Grazing boards, rum mastery and historic charm in Bristol's Old City—perfect for intimate drinks or private hires till late.
The Cocktail Club - Corn Street Bristol
0.5 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant nightlife with expertly crafted cocktails, galactic-themed interiors, and an unforgettable party atmosphere at The Cocktail Club Corn Street.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
PRYZM
0.1 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant nightlife at PRYZM, a multi-room club with themed music floors, student deals, and a lively party atmosphere.
Thekla
0.2 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.
Popworld - Bristol
0.4 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
0.4 km
Ignite your night with Brazilian forró rhythms: partner dances, live bands, and sweaty joy in Bristol's beating heart.
Basement 45
0.5 km
Experience Bristol’s underground nightlife at Basement 45, where eclectic music, intimate vibes, and vibrant events come alive until the early hours.
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.
Queenshilling - Bristol Bar and Nightclub
0.5 km
Bristol's iconic LGBTQ+ haven: dance, drag, and drinks in an intimate Frogmore Street gem fueling the city's electric nightlife.
Antix
0.6 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
0.6 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.
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.
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.
The Loco Klub
1.0 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.
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.
Lizard Lounge
1.1 km
A small, loud student nightclub on Queens Road famed for cheap drinks, DJ nights and a packed, party-first atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Lively
- Quirky
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Waterfront
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Car-Free Access
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
- Child Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly