The Florist, Bristol: cocktail bar review

Where is it? The Florist has taken over what was once popular bar and restaurant Goldbrick House on Park Street.

Check out more places to eat and drink in Bristol here...

What’s the vibe?

The Florist is spread over three floors and embraces its floral theme with abandon – think huge hand-painted roses on the walls, flowers and greenery spilling from ceilings, floral wall art and chairs upholstered in chintzy fabrics. Intimate drinking den this isn’t (head to Hyde & Co or Red Light if that’s what you want) – instead rooms are big, music is loud and the vibe is busy. It’s a good place for large groups or post-work drinks, but perhaps not if you’re after a cosy tête-à-tête.

What’s the drinks menu like?

As you’d expect, the cocktail offering is inspired by all things floral, with an extensive menu divided into sections – English Summer Garden, Ikebana and Modern. The floral riff ranges from the tropically themed – think geranium and lychee cooler, or coconut and poppy mojito – to the more contemporary, like Roses on the Heath (rose and poppy liqueur, peach bitters, pink peppercorns, white zinfandel, Hush Heath sparkling rose) and Rhubarb in Bloom (Slingsby rhubarb gin, rhubarb and ginger liqueur, green apple liqueur, raspberry syrup and ginger ale). Also of note are a roster of artisan gins and an extensive beer list with a few interesting choices. (Read our round up of best British beers here)

Which cocktails to order?

Drinks are prettily presented and run towards the sweeter end of the spectrum. Overall they weren’t as punchy as we’d have liked (evidence, perhaps, that the Florist should focus on refining and trimming down its menu), so would suit those who prefer more easy-drinking cocktails.

Of the ones we tried, favourites included the hibiscus margarita (El Jimador Reposado tequila, mezcal, hibiscus bitters, green-tea liqueur, agave, pink grapefruit, black papper and lime juice) – while not as strong as a classic margarita, we enjoyed the sharp citrus flavour and tropical notes (click here for more margarita recipes). The Fir Tree Manhattan (Woodford Reserve bourbon, plum sake, fir tree liqueur, Jerry Thomas bitters) was all aromatic smoke, with an earthy, herbaceous edge. From the beer menu we also tried a nice Belgian gueze.

Is there any food?

The Florist is also a restaurant, so if you’re hungry then check out its (also extensive) menu, which ranges from sharing boards to grills and rotisserie.

Anything else? It also offers classes in cocktail making, gin tasting and floristry.

Price: From £7.25 for a cocktail

theflorist.uk.com

Written by Hannah Guinness