The Pump House: Historic Waterfront Gastropub in Bristol
Historic waterfront gastropub in Bristol’s Hotwells, blending heritage architecture with fine British dining and scenic harbour views.
The Pump House is a Grade II listed waterfront pub and gastropub located in Hotwells, Bristol. Housed in a historic building once used to power harbour bridges and locks, it offers a charming atmosphere with fine British dining, cocktails, and scenic views of the harbor. Known for its attentive service and beautifully restored decor, it blends heritage with contemporary hospitality in an iconic riverside setting.
A brief summary to The Pump House
- Merchants Rd, Bristol, Hotwells, BS8 4PZ, GB
- +441179272229
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Luxury
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10:30 am-11 pm
- Tuesday 10:30 am-11 pm
- Wednesday 10:30 am-11 pm
- Thursday 10:30 am-11 pm
- Friday 10:30 am-11 pm
- Saturday 11 am-10 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-8 pm
Local tips
- Try the starters for the table, designed to be shared and highly praised for their generous portions.
- Visit during mild weather to fully enjoy the scenic waterfront views from the pub’s outdoor seating.
- Reserve in advance for weekend dining or special events, as the venue is popular for weddings and celebrations.
- Explore the historic Hotwells area nearby to complement your visit with a stroll along Bristol Harbour.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
The Pump House location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about The Pump House
Architectural Heritage and Historical Significance
The Pump House occupies a Grade II listed building originally constructed in the 19th century as a hydraulic pumping station. This facility powered the moving bridges and locks around Bristol Harbour, playing a vital role in the city's maritime infrastructure. The building’s robust industrial architecture has been sensitively preserved, maintaining its historic character while being adapted for modern use as a gastropub and restaurant.Atmosphere and Dining Experience
Today, The Pump House offers a warm and inviting atmosphere that complements its historic setting. The interior blends traditional features with tasteful contemporary touches, creating a relaxed yet elegant environment. The menu focuses on British cuisine with a fine dining twist, featuring locally sourced ingredients and a variety of dishes including generous starters meant for sharing. The cocktail bar adds a sophisticated edge, making it a popular spot for both casual drinks and special occasions.Scenic Location and Views
Situated on Merchants Road in the Hotwells area, The Pump House enjoys a prime waterfront location overlooking Bristol Harbour. Visitors can appreciate picturesque views of the water and nearby bridges, enhancing the dining and social experience. The setting is particularly attractive during clear skies and mild weather, offering a tranquil yet lively ambiance by the riverside.Community and Events
Beyond its role as a pub and restaurant, The Pump House serves as a vibrant community hub and wedding venue. Its unique combination of historic charm and modern amenities makes it a favored location for celebrations and gatherings. The venue regularly hosts events that highlight local culture and cuisine, reinforcing its connection to Bristol’s heritage and social life.Accessibility and Visitor Amenities
The Pump House is accessible with nearby public transport options and offers amenities such as restrooms, seating areas, and information boards. Its riverside position provides easy access for visitors exploring the Hotwells district and Bristol Harbour. The venue’s operating hours accommodate both daytime and evening visits, with a welcoming staff ensuring a pleasant experience.Legacy and Contemporary Appeal
Combining a rich industrial past with contemporary hospitality, The Pump House stands as a testament to Bristol’s maritime history and evolving cultural scene. Its preservation as a listed building ensures that the story of the city’s harbour engineering continues to be told, while its current role as a gastropub invites locals and visitors alike to enjoy a unique blend of history, cuisine, and scenic beauty.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Lookout Lectern
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William Draper Memorial
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Statue of Ram Mohan Roy
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Statue of Cary Grant
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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.
Watershed
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Experience Bristol's vibrant arts scene at Watershed, where cinema, food, and culture come together in a breathtaking riverside setting.
Bristol Harbour Railway
1.5 km
Experience the historic charm of Bristol Harbour Railway, a heritage railway offering scenic rides through Bristol's vibrant docks and maritime history.
Prince Street Bridge
1.5 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.
Cascade Steps
1.5 km
Historic Cascade Steps in Bristol offer scenic waterfront views and a tranquil urban retreat steeped in maritime heritage.
Memorial Arch
1.5 km
A solemn Grade II listed arch honoring Clifton College’s fallen heroes of the World Wars, blending history, tradition, and architectural grace.
The Red Lodge Museum
1.5 km
Explore The Red Lodge Museum, a historical landmark in Bristol, showcasing exquisite period rooms and captivating exhibitions that illuminate the city's rich heritage.
King George V Memorial Fountain
1.5 km
Lutyens-designed waterfront memorial honouring King George V with monumental sculptural figures.
The Centre
1.5 km
Explore The Centre in Bristol, a vibrant tourist attraction and historical landmark, where culture, shopping, and scenic beauty converge.
Bristol Ferry
1.5 km
Discover the scenic beauty of Bristol from the water with Bristol Ferry, a delightful ferry service showcasing the city's stunning waterfront and rich history.
Statue of Edmund Burke
1.6 km
A bronze tribute to Edmund Burke on Bristol’s waterfront, where 18th-century ideals meet modern city life.
Unmissable attractions to see
Banksy’s The Girl With Pearl Earring
0.6 km
Discover Banksy’s clever homage to Vermeer’s masterpiece, hidden in Bristol’s harbourside with a modern twist on a classic pearl earring.
The Paragon
0.6 km
Discover the charm of The Paragon in Bristol, a perfect blend of history, culture, and modernity for every traveler.
Capricorn Place
0.7 km
Modern riverside living in Bristol’s historic Hotwells district, blending scenic views with urban elegance on the vibrant Harbourside.
Brunel's SS Great Britain
0.7 km
Step aboard Brunel's SS Great Britain, the world’s first great ocean liner, and explore Victorian maritime life and engineering genius in Bristol’s historic dockyard.
Being Brunel
0.7 km
Step into the mind of Isambard Kingdom Brunel in his original Dock Office, where personal artefacts and interactive galleries bring the genius of Victorian engineering vividly to life.
The Mall Gardens
0.8 km
A serene and charming green oasis nestled in Clifton, offering peaceful gardens framed by historic architecture and community spirit.
The Clifton Arcade
0.8 km
Discover Victorian splendour and indie treasures in Bristol's Clifton Arcade, where over 20 unique boutiques offer vintage finds, art, and artisanal gifts in a charming covered passage.
Victoria Square
0.8 km
Elegant Victorian square in Clifton, Bristol, blending historic architecture, tranquil gardens, and cultural heritage in a prestigious setting.
Ashton Gate Stadium
0.9 km
Historic and modern, Ashton Gate Stadium is Bristol’s vibrant heart for football, rugby, concerts, and major events with a capacity of 27,000+.
Brandon Hill
0.9 km
Bristol’s oldest park with panoramic city views, a nature reserve, and family-friendly spaces just minutes from the city centre.
Clifton Suspension Bridge
1.0 km
Iconic Victorian suspension bridge spanning the Avon Gorge with stunning views, free museum, and engaging guided tours in Bristol.
Cabot Tower
1.0 km
Discover the historic Cabot Tower in Brandon Hill Park, an iconic landmark offering stunning views and a glimpse into Bristol's maritime heritage.
Butt polished rock
1.0 km
Discover the subtle geological wonder of Butt Polished Rock nestled in Bristol’s historic and scenic Clifton district.
Clifton Suspension Bridge Visitor Centre (Free Entry)
1.1 km
Explore the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge’s history and engineering at the free Visitor Centre with interactive exhibits and guided tours.
Hannover Quay
1.1 km
Discover Hannover Quay, Bristol’s vibrant harbourside district blending historic charm with modern waterfront living and cultural buzz.
Essential places to dine
The Pump House
0.0 km
Historic waterfront gastropub in Bristol’s Hotwells, blending heritage architecture with fine British dining and scenic harbour views.
The Chef's Table
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Coppa Club, Clifton
0.6 km
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Giggling Squid - Clifton
0.7 km
Experience authentic Thai flavors and vibrant dining in the heart of Clifton Village at Giggling Squid, Bristol’s beloved Thai restaurant.
New Moon Tapas
0.7 km
A stylish tapas spot in Bristol’s Clifton Village blending global flavours with inclusive, creative small plates and vibrant cocktails.
Souk Kitchen
0.8 km
Experience vibrant Middle Eastern and Mediterranean mezze dishes in a lively Southville setting, perfect for sharing and savoring bold flavours.
The Ivy Clifton Brasserie
0.8 km
Elegant British brasserie in Clifton, Bristol, blending local heritage with refined dining and vibrant afternoon teas.
1 York Place
0.8 km
An intimate European bistro in Clifton offering seasonal dishes and a warm, stylish atmosphere for a refined dining experience.
No.4 Clifton Village
0.8 km
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Clifton Sausage
0.8 km
Experience expertly crafted British sausages and seasonal local dishes in the warm, inviting heart of Bristol’s Clifton Village.
Côte Clifton Village
0.9 km
Classic French brasserie charm meets modern dining in the heart of Bristol’s Clifton Village.
New MoOn On The Quay
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Eclectic tapas and global flavors served in a quirky riverside setting with garden charm and inclusive menus in Bristol’s Floating Harbour.
Steak of the Art
1.1 km
A bold Bristol steakhouse where art, design and expertly cooked meat come together in a vibrant Harbourside setting.
The Coconut Tree Bristol, Clifton Triangle
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Botanist Bristol
1.2 km
Plant-filled gastropub celebrating seasonal British cuisine, craft cocktails, and live music in Bristol's City Centre.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
About Face
0.7 km
Discover curated gifts and artisanal treasures in Clifton's charming village heart, where unique finds meet personal service in a cozy Bristol gem.
Movement Boutique
0.7 km
Discover curated designer fashion, jewellery, and homewares in the stylish heart of Clifton, Bristol’s charming historic district.
Mint Velvet Bristol
0.7 km
Discover relaxed glamour and personalized style at Mint Velvet Bristol, a chic ladies' boutique in Clifton's fashionable Regent Street.
Indira Rose Vintage
0.8 km
Discover mid-century magic across three floors in Clifton's chic village—timeless antiques and vintage furniture await in Bristol's premier trove.
The Pod Company
0.8 km
Discover cutting-edge wellness with The Pod Company’s innovative ice baths and sauna pods in the heart of Clifton, Bristol.
Village
0.8 km
A compact, design-led gift shop in Clifton Village offering locally made homewares, stationery and small-batch finds with a quietly curated, neighbourhood feel.
Grace & Mabel Ltd
0.8 km
Discover handpicked elegance at Grace & Mabel Ltd, the Clifton Village boutique where three sisters craft a world of timeless fashion, quality, and personal style since 2007.
Zhyper
1.0 km
Trendy threads and accessories in Bristol's Harbourside hub, where personal style meets waterfront vibrancy and urban creativity.
Orendo
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Discover unique ladies' fashion at Orendo, a chic clothes shop in Bristol that embodies the city's vibrant style and trends.
Bristol General Store
1.1 km
Independent boutique celebrating local creativity and curated global design in Bedminster.
Independent Design Collective
1.2 km
Discover unique artisan gifts and crafts from Bristol’s vibrant local artists at Independent Design Collective in Southville.
Ganesha
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Rhubarb Jumble
1.3 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion and unique home treasures in the heart of Bristol’s vibrant Southville neighborhood.
Uncle Sam's Vintage
1.3 km
Bristol's legendary American vintage superstore, curating authentic mid-century treasures since 1984.
Alices Secret Empourium
1.3 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
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The Last Word Clifton Village Bristol
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The Quadrant
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22 Clifton
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The Dirty Bird
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The Coronation Tap
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The Eldon House
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Barrelhouse
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The Brass Pig
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Clifton's two-floor nightlife gem: cocktails from £3.50, DJ weekends, terrace vibes, and student deals in Bristol's Triangle hub.
Loose Cannon Cocktail Bar - Bristol
1.1 km
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Hyde & Co
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Slug & Lettuce - Harbourside Bristol
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The Cocktail Club - Triangle Bristol
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Step into Bristol’s Neverland-inspired Cocktail Club for expertly crafted drinks, quirky décor, and nights that never want to end.
Be At One - Bristol
1.2 km
Energetic cocktail bar in Clifton, Bristol, serving over 100 expertly crafted drinks with vibrant vibes and unbeatable happy hour deals.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
La Rocca
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The Pearl NightClub
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Bristol Lola Lo
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Lizard Lounge
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A small, loud student nightclub on Queens Road famed for cheap drinks, DJ nights and a packed, party-first atmosphere.
OMG
1.3 km
Southwest's biggest gay club: massive dance floor, killer sound, themed nights, and inclusive vibes until dawn in Bristol's heart.
Marquee Cocktail Bar & Nightclub
1.3 km
From refined cocktails to dawn-dancing beats, Marquee delivers Bristol's ultimate nightlife evolution in one stylish venue.
Antix
1.3 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
1.3 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant nightlife at Silk Nightclub, where energetic beats and a lively crowd create unforgettable nights in the city center.
Queenshilling - Bristol Bar and Nightclub
1.3 km
Bristol's iconic LGBTQ+ haven: dance, drag, and drinks in an intimate Frogmore Street gem fueling the city's electric nightlife.
Basement 45
1.3 km
Experience Bristol’s underground nightlife at Basement 45, where eclectic music, intimate vibes, and vibrant events come alive until the early hours.
PRYZM
1.3 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
1.6 km
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Forró Bristol
1.6 km
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Thekla
1.7 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.
The Loco Klub
2.4 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Lively
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly