Where to watch rugby in Bristol
It’s that time of year when we can all tuck into another fantastic feast of rugby action. Welcome to our up-to-date guide on where to watch rugby in Bristol.
What better time to get out of the house and join your mates to enjoy that big match atmosphere from the comfort of the pub.
The Rugby World Cup 2023 is about to kick off, but there's no need to fly to France to catch the games. We've hand picked the finest places where to watch rugby in Bristol, our favourite pubs that will each be showing all of the games.
What is West Country Games?
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?
With such complicated rules, rugby has to be one of the best sports to watch with other people. Not only can you celebrate your teams triumphs and commiserate over a missed line up, but you can also debate the finer details of exactly why the referee blew their whistle in the thirty fifth minute.
Being such a physical game, we can’t deny that part of the fun is the wincing and synchronised groans that come from the crowd as you see your winger get slammed to the ground by one of the opposition’s huge forwards.
8 great venues to watch rugby in Bristol
Whether you're a fan of the Autumn Internationals or the Six Nations, you can find a rugby bar in Bristol that caters to your needs. You can choose to watch games on a large outdoor screen in a rowdy crowd, or book a table inside a cosy pub with a pitcher or two of beer to keep you going. Take your pick from our top venues, including a bar where you can hire your own cinema room and a stylish microbrewery with some of the best beer in town.
Racks, St Paul's Road
Ideally situated in lively North Bristol, Racks is the obvious choice for larger groups looking for some where to watch rugby in Bristol. With 12 different screens and a range of tasty beers on tap (and served by the bottle), you’re bound to beat those winter blues as your team takes to the pitch.
And if you buy a ticket for only a tenner, they’ll guarantee a great view of the game, a steak sandwich with chips and – most essentially – a bottle of beer. Just make sure you tip up an hour before kick off. (They also offer free venue hire, making it a must for anyone planning a Bristol stag weekend).
Alter Ego, Whiteladies Road
Cocktails and sport aren’t a combination you find in just any bar, and may not be first choice where to watch rugby in Bristol, but fear not; Alter Ego is ready and waiting to sate the tastes of any spirit-loving sport enthusiast. Split over three levels, Alter Ego is located at the heart of the bustling, cosmopolitan area of Whiteladies Road.
The venue offers a huge selection of cocktails (and even master class lessons, for those looking to perfect their sprit mixing skills), with over 15 ultra HD screens to enjoy the match with your mates.
Jersey Lily, Whiteladies Road
Known for its fantastic selection of fine ales and scrumptious ciders, The Jersey Lily has a lovable pub atmosphere, with a modern twist. With fresh pub grub served daily, it’s a sophisticated yet relaxed place to watch rugby in Bristol – or indeed, any day!
So named after Lily Langtry, a Victorian actress and racehorse breeder, the venue’s history is prevalent throughout the tastefully decorated interior, with black and white pictures of the lady herself. If beer or cider isn’t your rugby-fuelled tipple, don’t worry; their ever-evolving selection of gins or indulgent cocktails will certainly wet the whistle of even the most particular drinkers.
Cider Press, Gloucester Road
Obviously named after its vast array of apple-based beverages, Cider Press will sate the appetite of any cider lover! The drinks menu includes 32 of the finest ciders on offer, from traditional scrumpy to fruitier blends – some more lethal than others, but all devilishly delicious.
If you’re not a cider lover, don’t let the name put you off; there’s a huge choice of cocktails and gins on offer. And of course, no match day merriment is complete without a sobering snack on the side. Their tasty selection of tapas, pizzas, burgers and quality pub classics, as well as a lively ambiance makes it a prime location to watch rugby in Bristol – on your own, or with a crowd.
The Independence Sports Bar at Ashton Gate Stadium
We all know Ashton Gate as the home of Premiership Rugby Union team Bristol Bears. But in addition to sitting in the stands watching live games and singing the Wurzels, you can also catch Six Nations and international rugby games on a large screen in the stadium’s amazing sports bar.
The bar is situated on the ground floor of the South Stand and is open on matchdays and for the big, international games. You can reserve tables ahead of time and order food or enjoy the buzzing atmosphere in the ample standing space. There's a big screen on the outside wall of the bar, making it a great location for watching with a crowd. With one of the largest indoor pub screens in the country, you can’t get much better than this rugby viewing experience!
Horts
In incredible array of award-winning ales and European largers await those who choose to here to watch rugby in Bristol, in this friendly, contemporary pub. Horts on Broad Street is a fantastic option for larger groups, with lots of space and comfy seating.
Huge projector screens bring the game to life – even more so with the lively match day atmosphere. And with a delicious selection of pub grub at great prices, Horts is an obvious choice for an exciting afternoon out.
Walkabout
This well-loved Aussie sports bar which doubles up as a nightclub is a popular choice for younger, passionate crowds. Walkabout on Corn street is centrally located and boasts two cinema-sized screens, so you’re guaranteed to catch every pass and punch.
And once the match is over, the party continues well into the night with lively music, dancing and good-old fashioned debauchery from down under!
King Street Brew House
Situated right in the heart of the city, the King Street Brew House is a fantastic choice for location with plenty of space to fit in all your mates.
Its interior is a big, bright and surprisingly swanky affair, with a large beer garden, standing room by the bar and booths for more intimate gatherings. Most importantly there’s a big screen TV to catch the rugby.
There’s a good choice of high quality pub grub and craft beer and lagers from around the world as well as choices from their very own onsite microbrewery.
