Harbour House – Waterfront Restaurant, Bar & Terrace
Historic waterfront restaurant celebrating southwest seafood and seasonal produce with stunning harbour views.
Harbour House is a historic waterfront restaurant and bar located on Bristol's Floating Harbour, housed in a converted boatshed with stunning views. The venue champions seasonal southwest produce and fresh seafood, offering an all-day menu of modern British cuisine alongside Sunday roasts, craft cocktails, and hand-picked wines. With its relaxed yet refined atmosphere, waterfront terrace, and award-winning bar, it serves as an ideal destination for casual dining, celebrations, and private events.
A brief summary to Harbour House - Restaurant, Bar & Terrace
- The Grove, Bristol, BS1 4RB, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 pm-10 pm
- Tuesday 12 pm-10 pm
- Wednesday 12 pm-10 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-10 pm
- Friday 12 pm-11 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-11 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-9 pm
Local tips
- Book the waterfront terrace in advance for sunset dining, especially Thursday to Sunday when terrace service is prioritized. Blankets are provided for cooler evenings.
- Visit on Friday to Sunday to enjoy fresh Porlock Bay oysters from Bristol Oyster Company, available as part of the all-day menu.
- Sunday roasts are a signature offering and book out regularly; arrive early or reserve ahead to secure a table.
- The Fishmonger's Lunch (£15 per person) is an excellent value option showcasing local seafood and is available during spring and seasonal periods.
- The bar is award-winning and worth visiting independently for craft cocktails and Bristol craft beers, even if you're not dining.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Information Boards
Harbour House - Restaurant, Bar & Terrace location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Harbour House - Restaurant, Bar & Terrace
A Historic Waterfront Setting
Harbour House occupies a converted boatshed on The Grove, Bristol's Floating Harbour, a location steeped in maritime heritage. The venue seamlessly blends its historic industrial character with contemporary hospitality, creating a space that feels both authentically Bristol and invitingly modern. The building's nautical roots are evident in its design—wooden-clad interiors, a central bar with a pub-like atmosphere, and expansive windows framing the water beyond. The terrace, one of Bristol's finest waterfront dining spaces, extends directly onto the harbourside, offering unobstructed views across the water and making it an exceptional spot for outdoor dining throughout the year.Seasonal Southwest Cuisine and Seafood Excellence
The kitchen, led by chef Ross Gibbens, focuses entirely on celebrating the best of southwest England's produce. The menu champions locally sourced ingredients from renowned suppliers including Wings of St Mawes for daily-caught seafood and Ruby & White for premium meats. Signature dishes include seafood linguine and kedgeree arancini, while the roast cod with butter beans, spicy N'duja and charred sweetheart cabbage exemplifies the restaurant's approach to refined comfort food. Sunday roasts are a particular highlight, featuring tender cuts of pork, beef, and chicken alongside vegetarian alternatives, all accompanied by fluffy roast potatoes, perfect Yorkshires, and generous gravy. The all-day menu offers something for every occasion, from quick bites and sandwiches to elaborate multi-course celebrations.Bar Culture and Craft Beverages
The bar area, crowned Best Bar at the 2023 Bristol Life Awards, is a destination in its own right. It stocks an extensive selection of Bristol's finest craft beers, expertly crafted cocktails, and hand-picked wines from renowned vineyards worldwide. The bar's design encourages both social gathering and intimate conversation, with room for standing guests and comfortable seating for up to 80 people. The waterfront terrace is directly accessible from the bar, making it an ideal spot for pre-dinner drinks or an evening out without a full meal.Versatile Spaces for Every Occasion
Harbour House functions as multiple venues within one location. The dining room accommodates intimate celebrations and larger parties, with capacity for 10 to 100 guests and seasonal set menus starting from £28 per head. The bar can host networking events, birthday celebrations, and wedding receptions with options for build-your-own buffets and canapés. The waterfront terrace, with capacity for 80, provides a unique outdoor space for everything from small family gatherings to full terrace takeovers. Private event menus and party packages are available, with the team offering personalized support throughout the planning process.Thoughtful Details and Accessibility
The restaurant caters to all 14 major allergens, with dedicated allergen-friendly menus available. A dedicated kids' menu features wholesome favourites such as fish and chips and Margherita flatbread pizza, each served with a choice of drinks and treats. The venue provides blankets for cooler days on the terrace, and the spacious interior accommodates groups comfortably. Staff are consistently noted for their attentiveness and friendliness, with particular praise for their knowledge of the menu and ability to make special occasions memorable.Recognition and Critical Acclaim
Harbour House has earned recognition from prominent food critics and publications. Guardian restaurant critic Jay Rayner described it as "a delightful place to be," while the venue has been featured in national and local media as a best-kept dining secret. The combination of exceptional location, quality food, and thoughtful service has established it as one of Bristol's most celebrated waterfront dining destinations.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Prince Street Bridge
0.3 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.
King George V Memorial Fountain
0.4 km
Lutyens-designed waterfront memorial honouring King George V with monumental sculptural figures.
The Matthew of Bristol
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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
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Historic Cascade Steps in Bristol offer scenic waterfront views and a tranquil urban retreat steeped in maritime heritage.
Royal Talbot Buildings
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Discover the Royal Talbot Buildings in Redcliffe, Bristol: A luxurious executive suite experience perfect for your city escape.
Bristol Bridge
0.5 km
A historic stone bridge spanning Bristol’s Floating Harbour, linking the Old City with Redcliffe and centuries of the city’s story.
Statue of Cary Grant
0.5 km
Celebrate Hollywood legend Cary Grant with a lifelike bronze statue in Bristol’s vibrant Millennium Square, capturing his timeless charm and local roots.
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.
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.
Statue of Edmund Burke
0.6 km
A bronze tribute to Edmund Burke on Bristol’s waterfront, where 18th-century ideals meet modern city life.
Old City Walls
0.6 km
Trace the vanished medieval walls that shaped Bristol’s historic Old City, revealing centuries of rich heritage and urban evolution.
Historic England - Bristol Office
0.6 km
Discover Bristol's rich history and heritage at the Historic England office, a key player in preserving the city's architectural treasures.
Fermentation Buildings
0.6 km
Grade II-listed former brewery warehouses reborn as a creative office and waterfront dining hub on Bristol’s Floating Harbour.
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.
St Mary Le Port Church
0.6 km
Historic Saxon-era church ruins in Bristol’s Castle Park, a poignant landmark of medieval heritage and wartime resilience.
Unmissable attractions to see
Queen Square
0.2 km
A serene Georgian square in Bristol’s center, blending historic charm with peaceful green space and vibrant cultural life.
Bristol Ferry
0.2 km
Scenic water transport linking Bristol's landmarks with friendly crews and harbour-side charm.
St Mary Redcliffe Church
0.3 km
Discover Bristol’s iconic Gothic marvel with soaring spire, rich maritime heritage, and over 800 years of spiritual and architectural splendor.
Welsh Back
0.3 km
Historic waterfront street in Bristol, blending maritime heritage, abolitionist history, and vibrant cultural life along the Floating Harbour.
Bristol Harbour Railway
0.3 km
Step aboard Bristol Harbour Railway’s heritage steam train for a scenic 15-minute journey through the city’s historic waterfront.
TimeTrail
0.3 km
Step into history with TimeTrail, an immersive live-action adventure on Bristol’s historic King Street that challenges your wits and teamwork.
Narrow Quay
0.3 km
Historic Narrow Quay in Bristol blends maritime heritage with vibrant arts and waterside charm in the heart of the Floating Harbour.
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.
Floating Harbour
0.3 km
Explore Bristol’s historic Floating Harbour—a vibrant waterfront blending maritime heritage, cultural attractions, and lively harbourside charm.
Pero's Bridge
0.4 km
Discover Pero's Bridge in Bristol, a blend of modern architecture and historic charm, perfect for leisurely strolls and picturesque views of the harbor.
M Shed
0.4 km
Discover Bristol’s vibrant history and harbour heritage in the dynamic and free M Shed museum on Princes Wharf.
Watershed
0.4 km
A vibrant cultural cinema and creative hub on Bristol’s Harbourside, blending film, food, events, and sustainability in a welcoming setting.
Bristol Aquarium
0.4 km
Explore captivating marine life and conservation stories at Bristol Aquarium, a vibrant underwater world in the heart of Bristol.
The Bristol Wheel
0.5 km
Soar above Bristol’s iconic landmarks on The Bristol Wheel, a dazzling Ferris ride offering stunning panoramic city views day and night.
Lloyds Amphitheatre
0.5 km
A landmark postmodern amphitheatre and public space at Bristol’s harbourside, blending architectural heritage with vibrant cultural events.
Essential places to dine
Harbour House - Restaurant, Bar & Terrace
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Historic waterfront restaurant celebrating southwest seafood and seasonal produce with stunning harbour views.
Riverstation
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Hole In The Wall Bristol
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Adelina Yard
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Casa Bristol
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Pasture
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MUSE Brasserie - Bristol
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Rick's
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Discover Rick's in Bristol - where exceptional cocktails meet delightful brunches in a vibrant waterfront setting.
The River Grille
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La Panza
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Three Brothers Burgers
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Aqua Welshback
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Stylish Italian-inspired dining with seasonal British flair on Bristol’s scenic Welsh Back harbourside.
Tare Restaurant
0.4 km
Experience vibrant modern European cuisine in a stylish, relaxed setting overlooking Bristol’s Floating Harbour.
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.
The Bristol Stable
0.4 km
Sourdough pizzas, West Country ciders, and lively Harbourside vibes combine at The Bristol Stable for a quintessential Bristol dining experience.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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.
Something Elsie
0.4 km
Discover vibrant 80s and 90s vintage fashion, dazzling jewellery, and quirky gifts in Bristol’s colorful Something Elsie shop at Cargo 2.
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.
Fig1
0.5 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.
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
0.5 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.
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.
Orendo
0.7 km
Discover unique ladies' fashion at Orendo, a chic clothes shop in Bristol that embodies the city's vibrant style and trends.
Zhyper
0.7 km
Trendy threads and accessories in Bristol's Harbourside hub, where personal style meets waterfront vibrancy and urban creativity.
Home Grown Pop Up Gift Shop at Windmill Hill City Farm
0.8 km
Discover unique handmade gifts by Bristol artists at the vibrant Home Grown Pop Up Gift Shop within Windmill Hill City Farm.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Shakespeare Tavern
0.3 km
Waterside Bristol pub pouring cask ales, pub classics, and community cheer in a dog-friendly haven with garden vibes.
Kongs of King Street
0.3 km
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The Architect
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Art deco café-bar on Bristol's Floating Harbour: coffees by day, cocktails by night, with terrace views of ferries and quayside life.
Small Bar
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Bristol's compact craft beer gem: sample microbrew masterpieces in rustic intimacy amid King Street's historic buzz.
Mackenzies Bar & Kitchen
0.4 km
A relaxed, all-day cafe-bar in the W Shed offering casual meals and drinks beside Bristol’s harbourside.
Steinbeck and Shaw
0.4 km
Bristol's graffiti-glazed cocktail haven where masterclasses, happy hours, and late-night vibes collide in historic style.
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.
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.
The Mothers' Ruin
0.5 km
Bristol's dive bar legend: cheap pints, basement beats, live tunes, and pizza in a historic street nook – pure debauchery awaits.
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 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.
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.
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.
The Library Bristol
0.5 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 Rummer
0.6 km
A cozy, spirit-focused pub in the medieval heart of Bristol—fireside rooms, hundreds of gins and a distilled approach to cocktails.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Thekla
0.1 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.
PRYZM
0.4 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant nightlife at PRYZM, a multi-room club with themed music floors, student deals, and a lively party atmosphere.
Popworld - Bristol
0.5 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
0.5 km
Ignite your night with Brazilian forró rhythms: partner dances, live bands, and sweaty joy in Bristol's beating heart.
The Loco Klub
0.7 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.
Basement 45
0.7 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
0.7 km
Bristol's iconic LGBTQ+ haven: dance, drag, and drinks in an intimate Frogmore Street gem fueling the city's electric nightlife.
OMG
0.8 km
Southwest's biggest gay club: massive dance floor, killer sound, themed nights, and inclusive vibes until dawn in Bristol's heart.
Antix
0.9 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
0.9 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
0.9 km
From refined cocktails to dawn-dancing beats, Marquee delivers Bristol's ultimate nightlife evolution in one stylish venue.
Motion
1.2 km
Bristol’s legendary warehouse nightclub, Motion, pulses with underground electronic music and community spirit in an iconic industrial setting.
La Rocca
1.3 km
A lively Clifton nightclub blending classic tunes, affordable drinks, and a vibrant social scene in Bristol’s dynamic nightlife district.
The Pearl NightClub
1.3 km
Bristol's intimate Clifton nightclub where fire DJs ignite weekend dance floors from 10pm till dawn—pure energy in a compact, electric space.
Bristol Lola Lo
1.3 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
- Romantic
- Scenic
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Industrial Designs
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Modern
- Waterfront
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Scenic Backdrops
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- 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
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
