Fermentation Buildings, Bristol
Grade II-listed former brewery warehouses reborn as a creative office and waterfront dining hub on Bristol’s Floating Harbour.
Once the fermenting rooms of Courage Brewery, the Fermentation Buildings in Bristol’s Finzels Reach are now a striking example of industrial heritage reborn. These Grade II-listed brick warehouses line the Floating Harbour, housing creative offices, Channel 4’s Bristol base, and lively ground-floor bars. The site blends exposed brick arches, roof lanterns and modern design into a vibrant waterfront hub where Bristol’s brewing past meets contemporary work and culture. It’s a place to admire architecture, grab a drink by the water, or simply soak up the energy of a regenerated dockside.
A brief summary to Fermentation Buildings
- Hawkins Ln, Bristol, Redcliffe, Bristol, BS1 6WQ, GB
- +441179734000
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit in daylight to fully appreciate the exposed brickwork, arched windows and roof lanterns of these historic brewery buildings.
- Stop at one of the ground-floor wine bars or restaurants for a drink with views of the Floating Harbour.
- Combine a visit with a walk along the Floating Harbour to see other converted industrial buildings and waterfront landmarks.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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On foot from Bristol Temple Meads
From Bristol Temple Meads station, follow signs towards the city centre and the Floating Harbour. The walk takes about 10–15 minutes along well-paved, mostly level routes. The Fermentation Buildings are clearly visible along the waterfront at Finzels Reach, just off Hawkins Lane.
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By bus from Bristol city centre
Several local bus routes serve the city centre and nearby stops along the Floating Harbour. From there, it’s a short, flat walk to Finzels Reach and the Fermentation Buildings. Journey times from the city centre are typically 10–20 minutes, depending on traffic and the exact stop.
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By taxi or ride-share from Bristol Airport
A taxi or ride-share from Bristol Airport to the Fermentation Buildings takes around 25–35 minutes, depending on traffic. The drop-off point is on Hawkins Lane, with the buildings just steps from the Floating Harbour.
Fermentation Buildings location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Fermentation Buildings
From Brewery to Creative Hub
Standing along Bristol’s Floating Harbour at Finzels Reach, the Fermentation Buildings were originally the fermenting rooms of the historic Courage Brewery. These imposing brick warehouses, now Grade II-listed, once pulsed with the rhythms of industrial brewing, where vast vats transformed wort into beer. Today, they’ve been carefully restored into a 25,000 sq ft mixed-use space that honours their industrial character while serving modern Bristol. Exposed brick arches, timber beams and roof lanterns frame contemporary office suites, creating a workspace with real soul and history.Architecture and Atmosphere
The buildings’ robust Victorian industrial architecture is their defining feature: thick brick walls, tall arched windows and a sense of solidity that speaks to their original purpose. Large roof lanterns flood the interiors with natural light, while the ground floor opens onto Hawkins Lane with a lively, urban feel. The mix of heritage fabric and modern interventions – steel, glass and clean lines – gives the site a distinctive aesthetic: industrial yet refined, historic yet forward-looking. The waterfront location adds to the atmosphere, with views across the Floating Harbour and the buzz of boats, cyclists and pedestrians.Life Along the Harbour
Beyond the offices, the Fermentation Buildings are animated by ground-floor wine bars and eateries that energise Hawkins Lane. These spaces draw locals and visitors alike, turning the area into a social and cultural node on the harbour’s edge. The pedestrianised Finzels Reach makes it easy to stroll between buildings, pause by the water, or enjoy a drink with a view. The site is part of a wider regeneration of Bristol’s dockside, where old industrial structures are being reimagined as places for work, food, drink and community.Visiting the Site
While the upper floors are primarily office space, the ground floor and exterior are very much part of the public realm. Visitors can walk along Hawkins Lane to admire the architecture, stop for a drink or bite to eat, and take in the harbour views. The area is well connected on foot and by public transport, making it easy to include in a walk around the city centre and Floating Harbour. The buildings are best appreciated as part of a broader exploration of Bristol’s industrial waterfront, where history, design and contemporary life come together along the water’s edge.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Fermentation Buildings
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Grade II-listed former brewery warehouses reborn as a creative office and waterfront dining hub on Bristol’s Floating Harbour.
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Industrial Designs
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Waterfront
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
