About Bristol
Bristol, located in South West England, is famous for its busy harbour, magnificent architecture and its annual Bristol International Balloon Fiesta event. Over the years, Bristol has become a popular tourist city, attracting around 20 million visitors annually.
Bristol is a great place to host a party. The city is well-connected to the rest of the UK by an efficient rail network and several major roads. Additionally, there are plenty of excellent party venues available for hire. In this guide, we will help you throw a fantastic party that won't soon be forgotten.
Party Venue Options in Bristol
Planning an enjoyable party isn’t as straightforward as it sounds. There are a lot of different things for you to consider: the venue, food, drink, entertainment, lighting, sound, and the list goes on. You can make your life a little easier by enlisting the help of several party vendors, such as caterers, furniture hire companies and decorations businesses.
- Furniture Hire
Say you’ve found your perfect venue, but it doesn’t supply all the furniture you need. Don’t worry; you don’t need to find a whole new venue. You can hire the furniture you need from a local furniture hire company. This way, you'll have the freedom to customise the space according to your specified theme.
- Catering
Arguably one of the most important aspects of the party is the food. Disappointing food will lead to a disappointing night for all. For this reason, you need to find an excellent caterer who will create dishes that please everyone, even those with special dietary requirements.
- Decorations
To give your venue a party atmosphere, you’re going to need decorations. Think balloons, flowers, banners, bunting, confetti, party poppers and other similar items. Thankfully, there are several decoration shops in Bristol where you’ll find the items you need to give your venue a lively, energetic feel.
Party Venue Vendors in Bristol
- South West Event Hire
Since 2005, South West Event Hire has been providing great value, high-quality furniture to clients for a wide range of events, including weddings, private parties, corporate events and more. There are plenty of items to choose from, including but not limited to bars, catering equipment, chairs, china, cutlery, dance floors, fridges and freezers, glassware, tableware, outdoor heating equipment, tables and vintage items. South West Event Hire has everything you need to make your party a success!
- Bristol Event Catering Co.
The team at the Bristol Event Catering Co. have created delicious dishes for many different events, including weddings, private parties and corporate events. So whether you’re hosting a disco with a buffet or a classy canape party, the Bristol Event Catering Co. are ready to help! With a team of experienced waiting staff, the Bristol-based catering company can provide support from start to finish, including preparing food and clearing plates once your guests have finished eating. Furthermore, the company has worked with several reputable clients, such as Bristol Old Vic, Bark and Add to Event.
- Inspired by Alma
Bristol-based party shop Inspired by Alma supplies all the party decorations you’ll ever need. So if you’re searching for balloons, candles, cake toppers, confetti, garlands, bunting, honeycombs, paper fans, backdrops, tassels, party hats, party games, sashes and invitations, then look no further. You can either visit the Inspired by Alma shop on Whiteladies Road in Bristol or purchase products online and have them delivered directly to your door. The choice is all yours.
Pros and Cons of Party Venues in Bristol
Advantages
- Attractions
If you’ve got guests visiting Bristol from elsewhere, there are plenty of exciting things for them to do during their stay. Popular things to do in the city include visiting Clifton Suspension Bridge, Brunel’s SS Great Britain, the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Bristol Cathedral and Bristol Zoo Gardens.
- Artsy cafes and restaurants
Bristol is a very hipster city that easily catches up with new trends. The city is home to artsy cafes, bars and restaurants that are worth checking out. In Gloucester Road alone, you'll find quite a selection of restaurants. You may even find something that offers their space for private event hire!
- Hotels
Guests travelling into Bristol from elsewhere will need to find somewhere to stay. But that won’t be a problem, as there are several excellent hotels to choose from. Some of the most popular hotels in Bristol include Future Inn, the Marriott Hotel, Hampton by Hilton, ibis Bristol Centre and Mercure Bristol Holland House.
Disadvantages
- Price
Bristol is only a few percent cheaper than London in terms of cost of living. Unfortunately, hiring a party venue in Bristol can be rather costly, especially if the venue you choose is located in the city centre. If you want to make your party budget go further, you should consider hiring a smaller venue outside of the city centre.
- Demand
Good party venues will be in very high demand. As a result, you may find that your preferred venue is fully booked. To avoid disappointment, book your venue as far in advance as possible.
Famous Locations in Bristol
- Bristol Zoo Gardens
If you’re an animal lover, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit Bristol Zoo Gardens in Clifton. The zoo is set within 12 acres of beautiful gardens, where you can gaze in wonder at over 300 different animal species from across the globe, including several endangered species. You’ll see gorillas, red pandas, kangaroos, African penguins, seals and meerkats! If you’re bringing little ones with you, they’ll love to run wild in the exciting adventure playground. Once you’ve explored the zoo, why not stop for a bite to eat at The Hide restaurant or grab a small snack from one of the kiosks dotted around the gardens?
- Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
If you’re a fan of art or history, you must visit Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. The fascinating museum tells the story of our planet from the beginning of time to the present day across 19 galleries. Explore ancient civilisations, fascinating cultures, and human inventions, and learn more about the beauty and fragility of the planet we call home. On the ground floor of the building, you’ll explore the wonders of wildlife in the South West of England, step back in time to ancient Egypt, and study the ancient civilisation of Assyria. On the first floor, you’ll come face to face with Alfred the Gorilla and learn more about the dinosaurs that once roamed the earth. Finally, on the second floor, you’ll be able to gaze upon art in a variety of different styles, including Eastern, Victorian and French art.
