The Hole In The Wall Bristol: Historic Gastropub with Vibrant Charm
Historic Bristol gastropub offering classic British fare, vibrant atmosphere, and a charming beer garden in the heart of Queen Square.
Nestled in the heart of Bristol’s Queen Square, The Hole In The Wall is a charming gastropub offering a blend of historic character and modern comfort. Known for its eclectic menu featuring British pub classics and innovative dishes, this venue boasts a cozy interior, a lively bar, and a delightful outdoor garden. It’s a favored spot for casual dining, social gatherings, and enjoying quality ales and cocktails in a welcoming atmosphere.
A brief summary to Hole In The Wall Bristol
- 2 The Grove, Queen Square, Bristol, BS1 4QZ, GB
- +441179265967
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 pm-11 pm
- Tuesday 12 pm-11 pm
- Wednesday 12 pm-11 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-11 pm
- Friday 12 pm-11 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-11 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-10:30 pm
Local tips
- Try the signature spit-roasted chicken or slow-cooked pork belly for a true taste of the pub’s culinary strengths.
- Visit in the warmer months to enjoy the inviting outdoor beer garden for al fresco dining.
- Reserve the upstairs private dining room for group events or special occasions.
- Be prepared for possible wait times during busy periods; arriving early or booking ahead is recommended.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Hole In The Wall Bristol location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Hole In The Wall Bristol
A Storied Venue with Nautical Roots
The Hole In The Wall is steeped in history, located at 2 The Grove, Queen Square, in Bristol’s Old City district. Its name originates from a 'spy hole' once used to watch for customs officers and press gangs, allowing patrons to evade capture by escaping into the cellars. The pub’s lore includes ties to the navy’s recruitment efforts in the 18th century and a reputed inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s character Long John Silver. This rich maritime heritage lends the pub a unique character that blends Bristol’s seafaring past with contemporary hospitality.Atmosphere and Setting
The venue combines classic pub charm with modern stylishness. Inside, the ambiance is cozy and inviting, featuring warm lighting and comfortable seating that encourages relaxed socializing. The bar area is chic yet unpretentious, serving a wide range of cask ales, continental lagers, wines, spirits, and soft drinks. Outside, a pleasant beer garden offers an ideal spot for al fresco dining during warmer months, enhancing the pub’s appeal as a year-round destination.Culinary Offerings and Drink Selection
The Hole In The Wall’s menu showcases a variety of British pub favorites alongside innovative dishes crafted from fresh, high-quality ingredients. Signature plates include spit-roasted chicken with lemon and garlic confit, slow-cooked pork belly with seared scallops, and a home-made British beef burger. Lighter options such as spiralised carrot salad and Mediterranean mezze cater to diverse tastes, while desserts like the golden chocolate bomb with caramel ice cream provide sweet indulgence. The drinks list is carefully curated to complement the food, featuring fine wines, ales, lagers, cocktails, and bubbles.Service and Visitor Experience
Staff at The Hole In The Wall are generally praised for their friendliness and attentiveness, contributing to a welcoming environment. However, some visitors have noted occasional delays and service challenges during busy periods, reflecting the pub’s popularity. The venue offers a dedicated children’s menu, making it family-friendly, and the overall setting suits casual lunches, celebratory dinners, and social gatherings alike.Events and Private Dining
Beyond regular dining, The Hole In The Wall provides private dining options, including an upstairs room suitable for groups and events. This space is popular for gatherings, with reasonable minimum spend requirements and professional catering services available. The venue’s central location in Bristol’s vibrant Queen Square makes it a convenient and attractive choice for private functions.Location and Accessibility
Situated in a lively part of Bristol, The Hole In The Wall is easily accessible and surrounded by the city’s historic and cultural attractions. Its proximity to public transport and parking facilities adds to its convenience. The pub’s blend of historic ambiance, quality food and drink, and versatile spaces makes it a notable destination for visitors seeking an authentic Bristol gastropub experience.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.
Cascade Steps
0.4 km
Historic Cascade Steps in Bristol offer scenic waterfront views and a tranquil urban retreat steeped in maritime heritage.
The Matthew of Bristol
0.5 km
Explore Bristol's maritime heritage aboard The Matthew, a historic ship offering breathtaking views and engaging tours of the city's vibrant harbor.
Royal Talbot Buildings
0.5 km
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
0.5 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
0.5 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.
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.
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.
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
0.1 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.
Welsh Back
0.2 km
Historic waterfront street in Bristol, blending maritime heritage, abolitionist history, and vibrant cultural life along the Floating Harbour.
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.
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.
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.
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
0.3 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
0.4 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
0.4 km
A landmark postmodern amphitheatre and public space at Bristol’s harbourside, blending architectural heritage with vibrant cultural events.
Essential places to dine
Hole In The Wall Bristol
0.0 km
Historic Bristol gastropub offering classic British fare, vibrant atmosphere, and a charming beer garden in the heart of Queen Square.
Harbour House - Restaurant, Bar & Terrace
0.0 km
Historic waterfront restaurant celebrating southwest seafood and seasonal produce with stunning harbour views.
Riverstation
0.0 km
Stylish harbourside dining in Bristol with dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and panoramic river views from a smart, nautical-inspired restaurant and bar.
Adelina Yard
0.1 km
Modern European fine dining on Bristol’s historic Welsh Back, where seasonal ingredients and inventive dishes create an intimate, Michelin-recognized experience.
MUSE Brasserie - Bristol
0.2 km
Discover the exquisite blend of French and Indian flavors at MUSE Brasserie, Bristol’s premier fusion dining destination in an elegant bistro setting.
Pasture
0.3 km
Premium West Country steaks cooked over charcoal in a vibrant Victorian warehouse with live music and craft cocktails.
Casa Bristol
0.3 km
Refined Italian cuisine with a contemporary twist in Bristol’s historic Redcliffe harbourside, blending tradition and innovation.
The River Grille
0.3 km
Elegant Harbourside fine dining with West Country steaks, fresh seafood, and panoramic waterfront views.
Rick's
0.3 km
Discover Rick's in Bristol - where exceptional cocktails meet delightful brunches in a vibrant waterfront setting.
Three Brothers Burgers
0.3 km
Waterfront burgers of genuine quality in Bristol's vibrant harbourside district.
Aqua Welshback
0.3 km
Stylish Italian-inspired dining with seasonal British flair on Bristol’s scenic Welsh Back harbourside.
La Panza
0.4 km
Authentic Italian trattoria celebrating unpretentious hospitality and exceptional seafood pasta in Bristol's Redcliffe.
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.
Tare Restaurant
0.4 km
Experience vibrant modern European cuisine in a stylish, relaxed setting overlooking Bristol’s Floating Harbour.
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.
This Feeling
0.5 km
Trendy threads in Bristol's historic market heart—independent fashion amid Georgian charm and bustling stalls.
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.
Riff Raff Gifts The Bong Shop
0.5 km
Specialist smoking accessories retailer in historic St Nicholas Market's Covered Market.
uchi clothing co
0.5 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.
Alices Secret Empourium
0.8 km
Uncover Bristol's quirk-filled gift haven on Park Street, where eclectic treasures and whimsical wonders await every curious explorer.
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
A lively Bristol bar blending arcade games, craft beers, and vibrant music for unforgettable nights on King Street.
The Architect
0.3 km
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
0.3 km
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 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.
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.
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 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
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.
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
0.7 km
Southwest's biggest gay club: massive dance floor, killer sound, themed nights, and inclusive vibes until dawn in Bristol's 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.
Antix
0.8 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
0.8 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
1.2 km
A lively Clifton nightclub blending classic tunes, affordable drinks, and a vibrant social scene in Bristol’s dynamic nightlife district.
The Pearl NightClub
1.2 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
1.2 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
- Relaxing
- Lively
- Casual
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Weekend Getaway
- 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
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
