Now that the clocks have gone back and winter is creeping in, Bristol’s snuggest havens are coming into their own.  Here are some of the best fireside bars to beat the winter chill, and candlelit restaurants to cosy up in.

Best for a shopping recharge

Hotel du Vin Bristol An open fire crackling at the reception desk helps make this a winter treat.  It’s a warm cocoon of good taste and elegance tucked away in a magnificently restored 18th Century sugarhouse and only a ten-minute walk from Bristol Shopping Quarter; close enough for even the weariest shopper, laden with bags, to come for a restorative mulled wine and a review of their purchases. 

Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel Following an afternoon of shopping in the independent and bijou boutiques of Park Street, the open fires and high-backed armchairs in the Club Bar and Drawing Room of the Marriott Royal are incredibly welcoming. The Drawing Room is the perfect setting for one of the hotel’s renowned afternoon teas.

The Rummer Hotel In the heart of the Old City right next to St Nicholas Market, The Rummer has the most cavernous fireplace and a deeply impressive range of spirits to warm you from the inside out, indeed it was named Best Spirits Pub at the 2013 Great British Pub awards. Venture down into the intimate and dimly-lit bar in the mediaeval cellar (open on Friday and Saturday nights only).

Best for a weekend retreat

Thornbury Castle This impressive Tudor Castle on the edge of the beautiful Cotswolds is literally fit for a King - Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn stayed here.  Plump sofas and fireside armchairs are crying out for a chilly day, a pot of tea and a good book.  Residents can hunker down in a four-poster bed or sample a sherry by the fire in their room.

Berwick Lodge Open fires in reception and the lounge and the golden glow of candlelight throughout the manor house make it especially cosy in winter. Be tempted outdoors to enjoy 18 acres of private gardens and woodland, then enjoy a sumptuous meal in the restaurant, recently awarded two AA rosettes.

Best for a ramble and a roast

Pony and Trap, Chew Magna Nothing stokes the appetite like a walk in the crisp winter air, so the only fitting end to a brisk march around Chew Valley lake is a hearty feed at the Michelin-starred country pub, The Pony and Trap.

The Swan, Swineford A cosy country Bath Ales pub just off the Bristol and Bath Railway Path, which is a brilliant pit stop for winter walkers or cyclists. Hearty food and fine ale is guaranteed. From Friday 1 November, Bath Ales’ winter brew ‘Festivity’ will be on offer at The Swan. It’s a popular seasonal beer, dark ruby in colour with a hint of rum, coffee and vanilla flavours.

Best for a mid-week night out

Harvey’s Cellars Head underground to the cellars where Harvey’s Bristol Cream was first created in the 1880’s. A candle-lit bar, low-ceilings and squashy sofas make for a snug evening out. Live Latin music on Thursdays and music, dancing and tapas on Fridays will help heat things up.

The Clifton Sausage This Clifton restaurant was made for winter nights, making an art of comforting, homely winter food. The fat local sausages, toad in the hole, mash, gravy and steaming hot puddings eaten in the warmth of the candlelit restaurant are the perfect antidote to the cold weather.

For more information about visiting Bristol this winter, what to do and where to stay go to www.visitbristol.co.uk

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Notes to Editors 

-Press Contact: Wendy Johnson, 0117 946 2205 or wendy.johnson@destinationbristol.co.uk

-Bristol is home to several award-winning attractions such as Brunel’s ss Great Britain, interactive science centre At-Bristol, £27million history museum M Shed, contemporary arts centre Arnolfini, media centre The Watershed, and the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. For more information on Bristol’s range of attractions, exhibitions and events, log on to www.visitbristol.co.uk

-About Destination Bristol: Destination Bristol is the destination management partnership for Bristol & South Gloucestershire, a joint venture between Bristol City Council and Business West. Destination Bristol was re-formed in 2008 through the merger of Broadmead Board, the Bristol Harbourside Sponsors Group and the existing Destination Bristol partnership, to create a single body. The organisation works with over 600 major businesses and strategic partners with the aim of increasing business competitiveness within the city centre, supporting employment and economic growth, and raising the profile of the Bristol city region as a world-class place to visit study and live.