Red Light

Looking for Red Light can be a real challenge for those who have never visited before.

Another speakeasy in the Bristol bar scene with a luminous red light that says they’re open for business. To gain entry you'll need to pick up a rather seedy-looking pay phone inside a graffiti-scrawled doorway and press the buzzer. Once inside you'll understand the bar's name.

Despite appearing originally as a brothel - complete with a neon sex sign and arrow above the stairs - the venue is actually very tranquil, clean and classy, dispensing with its alter ego once you're down the stairs.

There are elegant chaise lounges and couches as well as limited seating around the bar. Here, a decent spirit selection is on display and the bar team are among the city's finest. It’s a personal service, intimate and easy going. Cocktails are well-made, balanced and moreish and we were particularly impressed with the bar's more innovative recipes.

Red Light is a well-designed affair, smoothly run offering exceptional cocktails.