Pubs and Bars / A-Z Bristol pub crawl
A-Z Bristol pub crawl: Under the Stars, Narrow Quay
There are few more romantic settings than under the softly twinkling fairy lights aboard the Under the Stars boat.
Water laps gently against the harbour walls as one of Bristol’s distinctive blue and yellow ferries pulls into shore.
Alas, on this particular Thursday evening, there’s a howling gale billowing through the soft canvas top of the boat’s top deck and an alfresco drink is not for the faint-hearted.
is needed now More than ever
It takes more than a bit of bad weather to keep people in Bristol away from the opportunity to enjoy a post-work bevvy on the water though as – collars pulled up against the cold – pairs of people sit merrily at wooden tables, deep in conversation as they work their way through glasses of wine and the odd cocktail.
One couple have drum & base playing through their phone as they roll a cigarette ahead of the next round.
It’s a lovely spot on the top deck of Under the Stars but cold on a windy day – photo: Ellie Pipe
It’s a great place from which to watch comings and goings on the water – photo: Ellie Pipe
Downstairs, the boat is a haven of warmth and calm. Chilled background music can be heard over the gentle chatter of diners enjoying tapas from polished wooden tabletops, each set with a little floral display.
There are fairy lights here as well, along with candles to cast a gentle glow over the room and windows that provide all the harbourside views with none of the wind.
Having opened in 2010, Under the Stars has quietly grown a loyal following as evidenced by its popularity on this Thursday evening. It’s not yet 6pm but most tables downstairs are already occupied
“I’m afraid we’re fully booked in the restaurant, you’re welcome to grab a table upstairs,” says the guy behind the bar. It’s a well-rehearsed line that’s already been repeated twice this early evening.
Two prospective diners move on to try their luck elsewhere, but others are willing to brave the cold and grab a cocktail menu, which features the likes of a drink named ‘For the Love of Rum’ and another titled ‘Resting Spritz Face’.
Among Bristol’s many pub and dining boats, this bar and kitchen continues to hold its own. It even has its own line of merch.
Just make sure you book ahead.
Under the Stars has been serving people in Bristolsince 2010 – photo: Ellie Pipe
Under the Stars, Narrow Quay, Bristol, BS1 4QA
0117 929 8392
www.underthestarsbar.co.uk/
Main photo: Ellie Pipe
Read more: A-Z Bristol pub crawl: Snuffy Jack’s, Fishponds
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