Old Market & St Philips

Pictured from top: Trinity fireworks and live music at The Exchange

Venture east, beyond the city centre, and discover a reinvented market street and a beacon of diversity

Just a few minutes’ walk from Bristol Shopping Quarter, Old Market is a bohemian corner of the city that combines history, diversity, a friendly gay village and a vibrant nightlife set against a backdrop of interesting old buildings. As the name suggests, it was once the city’s main market street; now it’s home to a cluster of independent shops, galleries, cafés and local pubs. For live music, performances and more, try Trinity Centre (a converted church) or the Old Market Assembly (café, cabaret, bakery, bar and the teeny Wardrobe Theatre, all housed in a former bank). Old Market is well known for its strong connections to the LGBTQ+ community and popular venues include the Old Market Tavern and Old Castle Green. Cabaret, burlesque and ‘Drag Queen Bingo’ are run of the mill around here.

Head south from Old Market Street to discover a land of beer in St Philips. Traditional pub The Barley Mow serves Bristol Beer Factory brews and there are a host of local breweries in this area. Check out the tap rooms at Moor Beer and Good Chemistry, by the start of the off-road Bristol and Bath Railway Path walking and cycling route.