The Grain Barge

The Grain Barge is a bar and music venue aboard a converted boat on the harbourside in Hotwells, owned by the people behind the Tobacco Factory.

The boat has two floors. Upstairs is for eating and drinking, and downstairs, in the old hold, is where the gigs happen. Up on deck there are pub benches for sunny days and smokers, with views across the Floating Harbour to Spike Island.

It has regular live music on Friday evenings and other occasional nights, and is a great place to see Bristol folk and jazz bands. For a boat, there is a surprisingly decent space to dance, and the bar is quick.

Gigs are usually cheap, often around £3 to £5.

It makes a relaxed alternative to the city-centre clubs, and is easy to combine with a walk along the harbour or a drink at the nearby Hotwells pubs. Upcoming listings include Seb Longhorn & the Waxwings.