8pm - 2am
every night
0117 946 6081
No. 8 Hausbar Bristol:
An unapologetic bid to bring hints of prewar, super-sexy, somewhat edgy Berlin to Bristol – and why not? It’s dark and seductive in a careful, elegant, mannered way – fringed table lamps, strategically placed vintage globe-type objects and gently glowing bar tops. Hausbar prides itself on its cocktail menu, which is very classic, no fuss and flairing, and includes and excellent Martini. The whole thing feels adult, in the best sense of the word.
The Hausbar:
“Cosy and distinctive, this is a beautiful speak-easy bar,” says Daniel. “Done with lots of love and attention to detail, it transports you back in time into the golden era of cocktails.” Think dark wood bars, chic fringed lampshades and warm golden lighting – the perfect atmosphere for any Mad Men wannabes.
This hidden gem of a bar lies in the basement of the Rajpoot Indian Restaurant and you’ll find the entrance at the foot of the steps to the right of the restaurant’s entrance. Press the button for attention and should they like the cut of your jib, you’ll find yourself in a dimly lit speakeasy-styled bar.
Hausbar, or ‘house’ bar to translate from German, is the brainchild of Aurelius Braunbarth. ‘Auri’ grew up in a Michelin star restaurant before working in some of the best bars in Berlin and Munich. The famed photograph at the end of the room is of his grandfather, a noted artist. ??The khaki green walls of this long, narrow room feature what has become Hausbar’s emblem, 70s-style burgundy and beige stripes. Other idiosyncratic details include a nesting box and bambi who along with keeps an eye on proceeding from high above the bar. ??Auri has bought a Berlin bartender’s mastery of classic cocktails and the attention to detail that comes with a lifetime in the service industry to this intimate little bar. Grab and seat at the counter and you will never want to leave.
“…Intimate, civilized, unpretentious and friendly, it boasts a distinctly grown-up mood with a spectacular spirit range to match…”
This basement bar is a favourite of Jenny McIvor. “The drinks are fabulous, and the menu has a very strong classic cocktail leanings”, she says. “Inside, the interior is very atmospheric – glam in a restrained, upmarket kind of way and just a little rough around the edges. You feel like you’re in on an insider secret when you’re there. Apparently, the name comes from the 1970s German trend of people running little bars in their homes.”
There’s nothing like a good cocktail to put you in a holiday mode. Here are some of your favourite bars from around the world.
Hausbar, Bristol
Auri, the owner has stylishly pulled off the Berlin idea of going for a drink in someone’s house. It’s the closest you’re going to come to a speakeasy and they make a decent mango Mojito.