Old City Sounds 2025 – Where To Eat & Drink in the City Centre

All the best spots to eat and drink across the Old City this bank holiday

Old City Sounds returns to Bristol city centre on Saturday 23 August, bringing back-to-back vibrant music and entertainment. Whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or by yourself, this is the perfect opportunity to fuel your fun by digging into Bristol’s unmatched food and drink scene.

With a jam-packed line-up throughout the day, we’ve made a handy list of our favourite spots to grab a bite, so you’re never too far away from the action!

King Street, Welsh Back & Baldwin Street

Back for its 58th year, The Old Duke’s annual Jazz Festival will be hosting performances all day. Elsewhere, expect secret gigs at Bristol Old Vic, Irish folk at Small Bar and a silent disco at 6 O’Clock Gin at the Glass Boat.

Enjoy drinks amongst historic surroundings at Kongs, Hey Dude, Llandoger Trow, and the Beer Emporium. Food offerings include Renato’s pizza, smash burgers from King Street Brew House, and pub classics at the Famous Royal Navy Volunteer.

On Welsh Back, you’ll find local favourites Burger Theory, while Baldwin Street houses lunchtime hotspot Sandwich Sandwich and craft beer specialists BrewDog.

Kids Zone at St Stephen's Church

Home to family-friendly fun all day long, get your little ones involved in the Old City magic with circus skills, face painting, drumming workshops, bubble fun and more.

Handily, on site, you’ll find the St Stephen’s Church Secret Café with the finest cakes, coffee, and Spanish-inspired light bites to enjoy in their delightful garden area. Just a short stroll away, indulge in delicious food for all the family at Cosy Club and Honest Burgers, or head to Franco Manca for pizza.

Corn Street

DJs and live music will be taking over various Corn Street venues this summer bank holiday, including The Cocktail Club, Dirty Martini, and Harbour Hotel’s Gold Bar.

As well as boasting lively bars such as Flight Club, The Cocktail Club and Walkabout, Corn Street and Clare Street also house some of Bristol’s finest eateries, from Indian street food at Dhamaka to stylish steak house The Ox, Italian institution San Carlo, to three-storey coffee house Cafe Revival.

St Nicholas Street

Always one of Old City Sounds’ most popular attractions, St Nicholas Street is home to the Mr Wolfs and Mother’s Ruin outdoor stages, karaoke at Seamus O’Donnell’s, plus live music and DJs at The Crown Bar & Venue.

Home to some of the best street food in the city, head to the nearby St Nicholas Market to get your foodie fix from local vendors – there are far too many great options to list here!

Fancy a drink? You’re also spoilt for choice here. Grab cocktails and small plates from Slug & Lettuce and Revolution, or keep the night going at The Boardroom.

Learn more about this year’s Old City Sounds, taking place this Saturday 23 August, here.