Best man

Cocktail Making in Bristol

Discover the Art of Cocktail Making in Bristol!

Thanks to the wide range of cocktail making in Bristol, you can get stuck in from the start.

Bristol's bars are not just about serving drinks; they're about crafting experiences. Each cocktail tells a story, often inspired by local ingredients and the city's eclectic spirit.

From classic concoctions to contemporary twists, Bristol's mixologists are masters at infusing local character into every sip.

What is West Country Games?

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West Country Games embraces all the stereotypes of the West Country in one great day out, comprising of 9 totally hilarious games suitable for all sorts of groups.

If you have an upcoming, Stag do, Hen Weekend, Birthday Party or Team Building Day, then why not give us a try?

Find out more...

Booking a Cocktail Making Class in Bristol

It doesn’t matter whether you are booking something to do on a stag or a hen, or you are organising a birthday event, cocktail making lessons in Bristol have something for everyone. In fact, cocktail making in Bristol is even popular with corporate groups and those looking for a team building activity.

It’s a fantastic way to get together and try something new. Certainly, while each venue may have its unique approach, cocktail making classes typically focus on teaching the art of crafting popular cocktails and the professional techniques behind them.

We have all seen how the experts shake things up and you’ll be able to give it your best shot when taking part in cocktail making lessons in Bristol.

Cocktail Making Classes In Bristol

Firm Favorite Bristol Cocktails

When it comes to cocktails, everyone has their firm favourite. Some people opt for a classic Mojito, whilst others like to go big with a Long Island Iced Tea. Luckily, you will find your ideal cocktail recipe at one of the cocktail making classes in Bristol.

It doesn’t matter on your spirit of choice or how fruity you like things, you will find yourself cocktail making in Bristol with your drink of choice.

While there's a wide range of cocktail options, a few consistently remain the most popular choices over time. Pina Colada, Margarita, Mojito, Martini, Long Island Iced Tea, Cosmopolitan and Mai Tai continue to make the list.

Those putting on cocktail making classes in Bristol know how to impress their guests, which is why they all focus on popular cocktails that we all know and love.

You won’t find yourself making something you won’t want to recreate again. You’ll enjoy drinking your creation just as much as you enjoy making it.

Venues Cocktail Making Classes In Bristol

Bristol’s Best Cocktail Making Venues

If you are looking for cocktail making in Bristol, you won’t find yourself short of choice. It doesn’t matter whether you are looking for cocktail making classes in Bristol Harbourside or elsewhere, you will always be able to find somewhere that ticks every box for your specific group.

There are a lot of venues to choose from, but here are five of the best.

Alterego Cocktail Making Bristol

Alterego

t Alterego, you can enjoy on site and mobile cocktail making. This means that you don’t have to travel to the venue yourself as everything can come to you, which is ideal if you have a venue already in mind or other activities or plan the class around.

You can book Alterego cocktail making sessions from 11 am to 10 pm, giving you the choice to either kickstart your day with a playful drink or wrap it up with some style.

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Revolution

For those looking for cocktail making in Bristol Harbourside, Revolution is a popular choice.

Stated as being a Cocktail Masterclass, this cocktail making lesson promises to guide you through the intriguing world of mixology.

The session lasts 90 minutes, which is 90 minutes of learning and partying.

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Revolution Cocktail Making Bristol
Slug And Lettuce Cocktail Making Bristol

Slug & Lettuce

Let’s face it, sometimes you can’t go wrong with Slug & Lettuce. The Slug & Lettuce cocktail making in Bristol offers a wide variety of drinks, which means that there is something for everyone.

You'll receive a Prosecco welcome, enjoy some games, create two popular cocktails, and then taste your own creations during the class.

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Be At One

For a Bristol cocktail making class full of fun, we can't recommend Be At One enough! Well known for their wild staff and electric atmosphere, this masterclass will really start off your hen weekend off with a bang!

You'll start with a glass of prosecco, spend 90 minutes crafting two of your preferred cocktails, and master the art of flair, becoming a pro at twirling bottles and tossing shakers by the class's end.

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be at one bristol
milk thistle cocktails bristol

Milk Thistle

For the classiest cocktail making in Bristol, head down to the absolutely stunning Milk Thistle. The venue is expansive, with four floors, but it's hidden unless you know which door to knock on!

Inside, the architecture and décor is elegant and decadent, setting the tone for the evening ahead.

The cocktail masterclass happens in a private event room and can be customized to your group's preferences, allowing you to select cocktails that best suit your group.

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Blame Gloria

Blame Gloria is one of the most fun-filled venues in Bristol. A spin-off from their notorious Covent Garden bar, you can be sure of a great time here with a side of sauce!

Their cocktail masterclasses include a Razzle Dazzle cocktail, 90 minutes of shots, fun games, and a chance to mix and try your own cocktails.

Stay on for the rest of the evening if you dare!

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blame gloria bristol cocktails
aluna cocktail making bristol

Aluna

The staff at Aluna are true mixologists and chemists of the cocktail world. Expect plenty of dry ice and magic along with precision pouring using flasks and beakers to measure out your spirits and mixers!

The cocktail masterclass package includes a welcome drink, three cocktails to learn, and an option for a sharing platter to enjoy with the potent elixirs.

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As you can see, there are a number of great options. It doesn’t matter if you are planning a stag or a hen, a birthday or a corporate event, there’s always going to be a cocktail making class that takes your fancy.

 

Bristol’s best Pubs

Top Bristol Pubs: Where Locals Love to Linger!

Who doesn’t like a traditional pub? They’re part of British culture – so much so, they’re now woven into the fabric of daily life (and have been for hundreds of years). In fact, it was the Roman invasion that introduced the concept of the public house to our region.

It might have taken a while (say, a few centuries) for the pub as we know it to come to fruition, but in that time, they’ve become so much more than simply a house serving ale.

Throughout time, they’ve served as places of business, social reform, diversion and in the absence of the printing press, even as the local news.

Luckily for Bristolians, the city isn’t short on traditional Bristol pubs, many of which also serve delicious food and fabulous ales. Here are just a few of Bristol’s first and foremost pubs.

What is West Country Games?

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West Country Games Home Page Logo

West Country Games embraces all the stereotypes of the West Country in one great day out, comprising of 9 totally hilarious games suitable for all sorts of groups.

If you have an upcoming, Stag do, Hen Weekend, Birthday Party or Team Building Day, then why not give us a try?

Find out more...
bristol pubs

Bristol’s Oldest Pubs

There’s some debate over the title for oldest pub in the city, with several contenders vying for first place.

The Hatchet Inn, claiming establishment around 1606, takes its name from the woodsmen of Clifton Wood.

It’s stood the test of time, and now offers a range of delicious pub grub, as well as a tasty pint.

Another contender for the title is the Llandoger Trow, built in 1664. With its stunning Tudor exterior set on the sunny cobbled street in the heart of the city, it’s a great option for those warm, summer days.

The Bristol pub is also steeped in history; legend has it that the Llandoger Trow was a favorite drinking spot for the infamous privateer Blackbeard, as well as the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island.

A third contender for the title is The Rummer, just off of St Nick’s Market. Dating back to 1241, The Rummer’s flagstone floors and huge fireplace act as visible reminders of the pub’s longstanding history.

It now boasts its own micro distillery, brewing batches of aromatic gins and spiced rums that you can sample in the bar (along with a plethora of other spirits).

bristol pubs

The Steam Crane

This Bristol Pub is located south of the river in Bedminster, The Steam Crane is pretty hard to miss.

The building's exterior features a classic nautical scene painting, and inside, it combines traditional pub decor with a touch of modernism.

Leather armchairs somehow blend seamlessly with the traditional fireplaces and wooden bar that you’d expect from a traditional British pub.

There’s a wide variety of beer, ales and wine available, and the food comes highly recommended by locals and visitors alike.

It’s great for larger groups, so if you’re planning a Bristol stag weekend, then the Stream Crane is a great place to start your celebrations.

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bristol pubs

The Albion, Clifton

The Albion, a stylish twist on the traditional British pub, is a popular spot in the lively Clifton village.

Dating back to the 17th Century, experts have meticulously renovated and designed the building with impeccable taste.

It’s a winner for all seasons; lazy summer afternoons fly by in the ample courtyard garden, while winter Sunday lunches have to be experienced by the comfort of a roaring fire and accompanied by a delicious glass of red.

The Albion may not be budget-friendly, but it's a must-visit for those seeking a more upscale spot to enjoy their pint.

The food menu is seasonal, the ingredients impeccable quality and the dishes, reassuringly traditional. There’s literally something for everyone, one of our favourite Bristol pubs.

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bristol pubs

The Jersey Lily

As far as Bristol pubs go, The Jersey Lily is young, fun and full of character. Situated on lively Whiteladies Road, the pub enjoys a relaxed atmosphere, which attracts a mixed – yet equally welcome – crowd.

The food is award-winning; sourced from local suppliers, you can sink your teeth into a huge variety of scrumptious snacks and dinners.

From tapas to share to Sunday Roasts, there’s literally something for everyone on their extensive menu. If you’re more interested in the drinks menu, then you won’t be disappointed.

There’s a huge selection of wines for all tastes on offer – as well as cocktails. If you're into live music, don't miss the Thursday acoustic sessions. Enjoy two-for-one craft cocktails with a friend!

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cori tap bristol pub

Coronation Tap

Known to locals as 'Cori Tap,' The Coronation Tap is an iconic pub and an essential inclusion on any list of Bristol's best pubs!

Best known for its killer cider offerings, a sample of their famous Exhibition is an absolute must for all visitors to Bristol! This drink is so potent it's only served in half pints – you'll be belting out old Bristol sea shanties in no time!

Expect a proper, traditional pub with an amazing selection of ciders to choose from and a welcoming atmosphere that will make it hard to leave.

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the ostrich bristol pub

The Ostrich

The Ostrich, a historic Bristol pub, sits in a fantastic location right on the water's edge with a great beer garden!

On a sunny day, everyone packs the place, taking advantage of the sun-drenched benches to watch the boats sail lazily by.

Visit the charming, centuries-old pub and don't miss the skeleton in the cave near the bar while waiting for your pint.

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Best Man speech guide, tips & ideas – How to write a Best Man’s speech

Best Man Speech

Being given the job as best man is one of the highest honours you would likely to achieve in your life time! Your friend fully trusts you to be there on the day with the ring and the best man speech of the century... not to mention organising the best stag do ever!

Here is our guide to writing the best speech possible with a little help from our freinds at Speechy...

What is West Country Games?

Play Video
West Country Games Home Page Logo

West Country Games embraces all the stereotypes of the West Country in one great day out, comprising of 9 totally hilarious games suitable for all sorts of groups.

If you have an upcoming, Stag do, Hen Weekend, Birthday Party or Team Building Day, then why not give us a try?

Find out more...
Best Man Speech Guide

Create That Perfect Best Man's Speech

You sit down at your computer, with a blank piece of paper by your side, and you do the common mistake most men commit by searching “best jokes for a best man speech”. Chances are, even if you go to the depths of your Google search, the ‘jokes’ will illicit groans rather than genuine laughter.

The truth is, you’re not alone as most best man speeches have become a clichéd mess, often leaving the best man feeling embarrassed (rather than the groom!).

In order to achieve a speech that is both witty and heart-felt, the writing experts at Speechy have told us their tips for writing a best man speech.

Avoid 'Wedding Jokes'

Nobody wants to hear overused jokes about how the newlywed couple are off to Bangor, or how the wedding cake is already in tiers from your speech. Ditch those sort of jokes immediately.

Instead, focus on the groom. What is it about him that makes him unusual? His out of proportion Tex-Rex arms, his obsession with avocadoes or his reluctance to give up his Adidas Tree Stripes? Spot the quirks that are truly ‘him’ and you’re onto a winner.

Wedding Speeches

Get The Evidence

Instead of wasting your time on PowerPoint creating a collage of all of his worst haircuts, spend your time researching everything you can about the groom. This isn’t to say you don’t know him, but make sure you’re taping into every resource available.

Get his other mates involved and utilize his folks – they’ll definitely be able to tell some tales.

If the bride isn’t giving a speech, she might also like to supply some damning evidence of his poor hygiene habits or questionable quirks.

Less Is More

The rule of thumb is to aim for around 8 to 10 minutes – hopefully with a bit of added time for laughter and ad-libs. Nobody ever said they ‘wished it were longer’ – at least, not when referring to a best man speech.

Be strict with yourself and make sure your material is punchy and snappy. You can mention certain memories, but TMI is never good. For example: you can mention the stag do, but it might be best to leave the trip to the strip club and his private lap dance out. We don’t want to give Granny any ailments.

Best Man Speech Jokes

Make It A Proper Tribute

Above all else, the speech is a heartfelt tribute to a true friend. Don’t resort to clichés about him being a ‘world-class mate’ without providing the evidence to back it up.

What’s with his fascination with Sex and The City? How did it take him 9 times to pass his driving test? How is he the only one of your mates to know what’s going on with Brexit? You get the gist, just remember to keep it NUT – Nice, Unique, and True(ish)

Don't Forget The Bride

You have to remember that two people have gotten married, so make sure you spend a minute or two focused on the bride, maybe mention some antics on the hen weekend and how they complement each other’s personalities perfectly.

Definately don’t do the clichéd line saying the groom promised to let you be best man at his next wedding if you did well this time round.

If you don’t know the bride well, do some research so you can say more than the typical platitudes. How has she turned the groom into a better person? Has she converted him to a chai latte fan?

Best Man Speech Ideas

Confidence Is Key

Believe it or not, most best men get nervous prior to addressing the guests. Nobody wants to be remembered as the boring one when it comes the speeches, but try to relax. A lot of confidence comes from simply faking it, so fake it!

Body language has a lot to do with how others perceive confidence so don’t look down and try to keep the shaking to a minimum. Make eye contact and remember to smile. It’s scientifically proven to be infectious, and those scientists seem to know stuff. So much of the humour for a speech relies on the delivery so make sure you talk slower than feels natural and pause where you expect laughter. It will come!

Enjoy It!

Overall, it’s important to have fun and remember that you’ve been chosen to give this speech because of how much you mean to the groom.

Avoid alcohol prior to delivering the speech – disappointingly, Dutch courage is a myth.

Make sure your speech is something both you and the groom can look back on in your later years, and laugh at – rather than grimace!

Get More Advice

Check out more of Speechy’s Tips for Writing A Best Man Speech. They offer Best Man Speech Templates, a Speech Edit Service and their team of TV comedy speechwriters can even write the whole speech for you!

 

The ultimate Best Mans Guide to organising a stag do

The Ultimate Best Man’s Guide To Organising A Stag Weekend

You knew it might be coming, you just didn’t know when. So you your best mate has kindly asked you to be his Best Man for the wedding, and now expects you to arrange an all-guns-blazing stag do that will give him the time of his life on his last night of freedom. No pressure then.

Fear not, our Ultimate Best Man’s Guide will help navigate your way through the mother of all to do lists and set you up for the greatest stag do known to man or beast.

What is West Country Games?

Play Video
West Country Games Home Page Logo

West Country Games embraces all the stereotypes of the West Country in one great day out, comprising of 9 totally hilarious games suitable for all sorts of groups.

If you have an upcoming, Stag do, Hen Weekend, Birthday Party or Team Building Day, then why not give us a try?

Find out more...
Best Man Guide

1. Finding Your Feet

A good sit down session in the pub with the groom always makes a good start. Try to glean as much information as possible. What dates suit his availability and are a safe distance before the wedding (remember, eye brows need some time to grow back)? How long does he want to be away for? What style of weekend is he expecting? What sort of activities would he like to do?

You will also need to know who on the invite list are his best friends and must be accommodated to ensure attendance. Therefore, it’s always best to find out two or three weekends you are both free to attend the stag.

Remember, you will always want to keep plenty up your sleeve for the weekend, so this is an information finding process only. It’s always a lot more fun to keep the destination secret, but this may not suit him so find out his expectations during the chat.

You will also need a full invite list (with email addresses and phone numbers).

2. Who’s Coming Then?

It’s now time to fire off an email to find out who is available and willing to attend. You need some firm commitment from the group to make things easier for the organisation that will come later, so you may want to consider your wording to ensure you do not receive too many “maybe” responses. It may be worth offering two or three dates and going with the majority.

Best Man Guide

3. Time Constraints, Budget & Destination

You will need to consider the group’s likely budget and time constraints. There’s no point in organising a week-long trip to Vegas if only 4 from 20 people sign up. So it may be worth proposing a first option and see who is keen to attend, before then re-evaluating if necessary.

But whatever you do, don’t give the group too many options or you’ll get just as many wide ranging opinions in reply. Many people who have organised these things before will tell you: keep it simple!

When considering destination, always think of logistics for each attendee. You won’t be a popular man if a large number of the stag’s mates cannot attend because they are too far from the proposed destination.

4. Accommodation

Once you’ve decided on your destination, it’s now time to organise some suitable accommodation. You might want to consider hotels, cottages, glamping, camping. Hotels are often the easiest option.

If people drop out over the coming months then it’s a lot easier to reduce the number of hotel rooms than to ask the whole group to contribute more towards a 14 bed cottage when only 10 can attend come final payment.

Best Man Guide

5. Activity

Once you’ve nailed the destination and accommodation, it now time to turn your attention to a Saturday activity. The expectation on most stag weekends is to take part in some form of fun filled activity.

It’s important to consider an activity that is likely to appeal to most people, and to do something that people have not done before. Paintballing is good fun, but may be a bit dull if 80% of your group have already done it on another stag do. So be original and you’ll make it a weekend to remember.

6. Packages

To take the pressure off, you may want to organise the entire weekend as a package through another company. West Country Weekends can help in this respect and you often get a lot more for your money than booking everything by yourself. The benefits of booking a package are plentiful when you think of all these inclusions:

  • Allocation on hotels meaning instant confirmation upon booking
  • Individual payment system – this means that you don’t need to collect money from the group, they just pay their share directly saving you all that annoying chasing
  • VIP nightclub entry
  • Lap dance club entry
  • Additional activities – add on a second activity you may not have thought of yourself
  • Private dining
  • Restaurants suitable to groups
  • VIP Casino entry
  • Only a £50 deposit to pay initially
Best Man Guide

7. Final Thoughts

So just to recap, here is your Best Man’s Stag Weekend to do list. Don’t be too overwhelmed by being the Best Man, after all it’s a real honour of the lasting friendship you’ve made!

To Do List

  • Speak to the Stag and find out who he wants to attend, what he expects from the stag weekend and potential dates.
  • Find out how many people will be on the stag do and their level of commitment
  • Decide on a destination based on time restraints, budget and logistics
  • Ensure everything is booked for the stag do from, accommodation to activities. Book as a package through an outside company if you’re short on time and want to take the pressure off yourself. Try and do this as early on as possible to get the best deals and availability
  • Look after the stag over the course of the weekend – remember you’ll have the Bride to answer to if you really mess things up!
  • Enjoy your best mate’s last night of freedom!

 

 

Top 5 Reasons To Have A Party In Bristol

Top 5 Reasons to have a party in Bristol

We know that choosing where to have your last big bash before married life is a big decision. You will, only do it once after all. We are here to help ensure that you have the best send-off possible.

This is one decision you don’t want to get wrong so head to Bristol to party for the weekend – you won’t be disappointed!

What is West Country Games?

Play Video
West Country Games Home Page Logo

West Country Games embraces all the stereotypes of the West Country in one great day out, comprising of 9 totally hilarious games suitable for all sorts of groups.

If you have an upcoming, Stag do, Hen Weekend, Birthday Party or Team Building Day, then why not give us a try?

Find out more...

The place to party...

Located on the South West coast of England, Bristol is a thriving city with plenty of things to do. From cocktail making to West Country Games, Bristol has something for everyone. The city is famous for its annual Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, which attracts millions of visitors to the city each year.

Whether you're visiting Bristol for the first time, or you're a local, there are plenty of things to do. You can find a thriving music scene and some of the best clubs in England. Whether you want to dance, drink, or have a quiet drink, there's something for everyone.

top 5 reasons for a bristol hen do

1. Accommodation

First thing to organise for any successful Hen or Stag do is a warm bed to stagger home to after one too many drinks. Whether you are saving all the pennies for the big day or want to indulge and treat yourself, Clifton Hotels will be able to help. Choose from four hotels which cover a range of price points, The Washington Guesthouse, The Clifton Hotel, The Rodney Hotel, the Berkeley Square Hotel and luxury apartments – Berkeley Suites (if you are feeling a little indulgent).

With this Bristol-born, independent hotel group, you can be sure of quality customer service and a great nights sleep, if that is you decide to get any! All are able to offer discounts for group bookings which will come in handy when you need to stretch the budget to pay for another round!

top 5 reasons for a bristol hen do

2. Activities

No Hen or Stag do would be complete without some sort of activity that will make you all look ridiculous and keep you in stitches retelling the stories for the rest of the year. West Country Games offers just that.

Nine hilarious West Country inspired games, from Cider Run to Wurzel Knockout and our personal favourite, Welly Wanging. We recommend booking this nearer the start of the trip, it all look looks a bit much to tackle on a hangover; however we are sure some of you will be lad enough to take on that challenge…

top 5 reasons for a bristol hen do

3. Boats

This may seem like a bit of strange one, but with the River Avon running right through the middle of the city we had to mention the wonderful array of boats you can wander onto and explore. If a civilised affair is what you have in mind, be sure to book a table at Glassboat. A delicious meal with lit up views over the river is probably just the thing to recover from a day wanging wellies. Alternatively head to Thekla for one of their infamous Pop Confessional nights if you feel up to it, where it will be guilty pop pleasures until 4 in the morning.

If you like the sound of this then we do recommend you head to Three Brothers for a very large burger to line your stomach beforehand! Trust us, you’ll be thanking us in the morning!

top 5 reasons for a bristol hen do

4. Cocktails

When is comes to cocktails, this is one thing that Bristol does not take lightly. Whatever your tipple may be there will be something heavenly waiting for you in one of the many speakeasies hidden across the city. These places are strictly need to know, but we’re sure your maid of honour/best man will be up to the challenge and will be able to get hold of the information easily…no pressure!

Our favourites include The Milk Thistle and Red Light, (there may be a clue in the name to one of those but we’ll leave that to you). If you want to get a bit more hands-on head to The Square Club where they offer the option of not one, but two cocktail master classes to suit your specific needs.

Be sure to pay attention though as there will be competition at the end of the class to test your knowledge and there’s a bottle of bubbly in it for the winner!

Turtle Bay also needs a shout out. If you’re starting early then this one is ideal as it’s two for one on all cocktails from 12-7pm.

top 5 reasons for a bristol hen do

5. Breakfast

When you wake up with a dry mouth and a sore head from partying a little too much the night before, craving anything and everything fried, breakfast will be King. And our vote for King of the hangover breakfast in Bristol is Racks Bar and Kitchen.

They serve breakfast until 10am which means you can savour a bit of extra time horizontal before attempting to stand up! Stomach the full English with all the trimmings or take it easy and go for poached eggs on sourdough with a choice of toppings.

With Bloody Marys on offer why not opt for hair of the dog and we’re sure you’ll be feeling ready for the day in no time!

bristol things to do

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