The Milk Thistle in Bristol

Fake classiness, pseudo speakeasy, overpriced and uncomfortable.I was so excited to come to this bar expecting a quiet place to enjoy a drink with my partner before they leave the city.I heard that this bar was of a "speakeasy style" and would be "quiet and intimate". It was far from it.They have this concept of a super private and exclusive bar but do not treat their customers as such. We had to ring a doorbell to get in (we made a booking) and we turned a corner to immediately be seated by the door frame... AT A PIANO. not even a working piano! It was sealed shut so that the piano lid could be used as a table. This wasn't a grand piano but an upright with a sloped lid that could barely hold any drinks.We were also right in the main walk way so staff were literally running with bottles up and down very close to us and noisy arrivals of other customers through the door frame affect our conversation.My partner asked if we could move, to which the staff (possibly the manager?) came to tell us he was fully booked, even though the table next to us was empty for an HOUR.We were served by a lady who told us consistently she "doesn't work here" and doesn't really know the drinks. Took our orders. Came back with the WORST cocktails I've had in my life. It just felt like they mixed all the alcohols together with no thought of how it would taste. We took a few sips but couldn't finish, virtually leaving them untouched.The girl came back and asked if everything was OK, I told her honestly we didn't like them and she said again "I don't work here so I can't really recommend what you would like but I hear another one is good". This didn't feel me with confidence so I refused.In the end we were so uncomfortable with the loud music, drinks and seating we decided to leave without finishing our drinks.I took the drinks to the bar and asked for a bill which I thought would only be £22 as drinks were £11 each HOWEVER there were extra charges on top and had to pay over £24!!! I was shocked.Woman who dealt with my bill said I "should've told them and they would have changed the drinks"Thing is I did, and the other lady couldn't recommend me one. Made it feel as if it was my fault and I deserve to pay £24 for NOTHING.She asked me if I will be back. I said no.Very upset as we don't go to fancy bars often. This was suppose to be a treat but it turned into a horrible experience that I had to waste a lot of money on.My partner saw how distraught I was when I left and treated me to drinks at Aluna instead. It was FANTASTIC. It was the same atmosphere of loud music but it was a lot more spacious, comfortable, the drinks were AMAZING AND CHEAPER, and the staff were so friendly and accommodating. A much better place to go than this pseudo fancy place.I was expecting Milk Thistle to be as classy as Circo or Opium in Bath which are fantastic quiet and intimate places. It couldn't be as much far from it!Very disappointed, and also out of pocket!

Great cocktail spot in Bristol.As the Google intro states, it doesn't shout about what it is at the front entrance.You need to know you want to visit the Milk Thistle to end up here.At £11 for a cocktail, it isn't cheap, but to their credit they don't just serve your standard cocktails (though you can get a standard old fashioned if that's your tipple)I had a lovely cocktail with earl grey lillet, and it was excellent. Full of earl grey flavour with notes of citrus.The atmosphere is excellent, I felt like I was in an old Bristol estate / manner house's smoking room or parlour. The art on the walls combined with the stories in the menu (take time to give them a read) make this place feel truly unique.Highly recommended.

The drinks are a little steep but I understand a lot of work go into them, makes it a special occasion 1/2 drink type of place before moving on. Well worth a visit and if definitely go back. Decor is on point and a lovely atmosphere.

Very cool place. I didn't even know it existed! The drinks menu is different to anything else I've ever seen. It has a very chilled atmosphere, relaxing music and the service was top notch. I had the Smoking Barrels and it was stunning, I've never tasted anything like it. 100% going to visit The Milk Thistle again!

Loved the new cocktail menu, lovely staff and stunning venue. You always get treated well here. Recommend this place to everyone.

Period decorated "speak easy" with an excellent choice of cocktails, hidden in plain sight in the centre of Bristol - you'd walk past it & never know!We visited for a bookings only Easter special event with additional entertainment put on & it didn't disappoint. Well worth a visit

Cocktails were nice but niche. Brought here as a birthday treat but wasn't to my taste. If you're looking for something different definitely visit this place.

The cocktails were lovely and the atmosphere was very nice. Staff were friendly and welcoming. Only one star off as their menu has prices that don’t include tax. You’re not allowed to advertise prices like this in the uk. And it did impact the night and it was a little disappointing. So watch out for that but otherwise nice place.

Cocktail bar near the center of Bristol. Fun lively atmosphere split across multiple floors. Great array of cocktails that seem to change on a regular basis. They also host a variety of event based nights that are worth checking out. Friendly bar tenders and reasonably priced and good value for money. Definitely worth pre-booking as it's popular and can gets busy/full.

Amazing place!The staff are very friendly and helpful!The decor and ambience is very nice.The interieur is quite dark but there are candles on all tables which sets a nice mood.You have to ring the doorbell to get in and I would definitely recommend making a reservation, it seemed to be quite booked!The drinks were great!