The Apple

Cider bar · Redcliffe

The Apple

Cider bar · Redcliffe

1

Welsh Back, Bristol BS1 4SB, United Kingdom

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Highlights

A lively cider pub on a moored boat, featuring cozy bench seating and a vibrant outdoor space, perfect for enjoying a wide selection of ciders.  

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Welsh Back, Bristol BS1 4SB, United Kingdom Get directions

applecider.co.uk
@theappleciderboat

£1–10 · Menu

Information

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Welsh Back, Bristol BS1 4SB, United Kingdom Get directions

+44 117 925 3500
applecider.co.uk
@theappleciderboat
𝕏
@appleciderco

£1–10 · Menu

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Last updated

Jul 14, 2025

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Where to Drink in Bristol, UK
View Postcard for The Apple

Andy Savage

Google
I came to Bristol to try this amazing place as I love proper cider and this delivers. Very friendly welcome from the staff. It was the hottest weekend of the year and the place was super busy in their outside bar area. There is a pizza vender next to it and also a burger place. So much choice in ciders that I will have to make another visit soon. I have uploaded a few 360 degree photos of the outdoor seating area. If you love proper cider this is a MUST SEE ! Cant wait to return.

Craig

Google
Did not get food but the drinks were very nice. Visited on a rainy afternoon and the staff were lovely.

Katrina Daoud

Google
We visited for one drink - nice variety of local ciders! Good outside seating - can imagine it’s perfect in the summer. Worth a stop by especially if you like cider. We visited at 8pm on a Saturday night and it was starting to get a bit loud. We noticed a pizza truck nearby and that was a nice touch.

Manasi Elise Tomy

Google
Amazing! We came visiting to Bristol and it was a warm and sunny day. There's outdoor seating next to the river as well as indoor seating in the boat. Such a wide selection of ciders! Be careful, it can get addictive and you might forget you had a lot We had the Old Bristolean, their in-house cider - they give it 0.5 pint FOR GOOD REASON, trust me The strawberry and lime one was my personal favorite

Jenita Lawal

Google
Very cool vibes! We had ciders, no food. They have outside seating, but you can also sit inside the boat (upper or lower deck). The lower deck has a bar and games available your group can play.

Brendan Cox

Google
Great spot in Bristol for a spot of food and some great drinks.

Per Jessen

Google
Very nice outdoor cider place, quite appropriately named 🍊 There isn't really a whole lot more to say. It is obviously self-service, tables and benches are clean, nice big tents / umbrellas for those rare occasions where it rains. I'm no cider aficionado, but I enjoyed my pint of Kingston Black.

Tim Tomlinson

Google
Well. What to say. Big boat . 8 draft ciders. Massive outdoor area on Bristol docks. What's not to like? A bit mardy service given i was the only one ordering. That aside. I'm sure when it's not a cold windy September Tuesday its chocka and amazing. As it was I really liked it, grumpy staff side. And it's a Pete Brown favourite, so high praise indeed.
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Jen L.

Yelp
When my friend Michelle said there was a cider pub on a boat, I knew I had to come here. And it is just that... small pub which serves cider and some food on a boat on a canal. It was pretty quiet on a Sunday afternoon, but we each had a lovely cider and I got to drink on a boat. Order beverages below deck...but then we enjoyed the upper deck for the actual drinking. Now I want boat bars in NOLA.
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Sid M.

Yelp
Great rotation of ciders on tap and a wonderful outdoor seating area and ambiance. This is a great place to try interesting ciders and relax by the river.
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Laura W.

Yelp
Bristol's riverside is one of the nicest locations for a bit of a pub crawl and The Apple has to be one of the most popular places in the vicinity, particularly for cider drinkers as the name clearly suggests. Not only does it have a comprehensive selection of local ciders, including the infamous Old Bristolian, which is only served in half pints, but it has outdoor seating and serves amazing ploughmans lunches to help soak up the good stuff. A pint of Happy Daze and traditional ploughmans with a giant hunk of cheese is perfect for an afternoon venture. At night, the place attracts more of a crowd of laid back unpretentious older young folk (mid to late 20s). Understandably, the kind that drink cider rather than Lambrini. Though the latter is technically a perry...interesting.
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Cristin L.

Yelp
A barge that sells cider and lots of it! My fiancé doesn't realise this place has a name - he calls it the cider barge. In fairness, it is just that. It's a lovely setting on the water, especially when the sun is shining. Although later in the day, the seats out on the pier can be cold when the sun is behind the buildings and they are all in the shade. There is a great selection of cider, both on tap and by the bottle. There are one or two beers as well. There is a great buzz to the place. Definitely going to the The Apple again when I am back in Bristol next.
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Henry N.

Yelp
The Apple sailed into Bristol just at the right time, as the Magners boom was making the rest of the world (other than us hardcore west country folk) wake up the joys of passing out to cider. Set on a boat, it's quite a novelty, though in fairness when you're below deck you'd barely know it anyway (which does also tend to smell a bit feisty when it gets busy). The upstairs deck scores bigger as it's got better views and is more efficiently, er, ventilated. There's also a large court out the front which is always busy and a decent menu which is designed to go well with their huge range of ciders and perries (the ploughman's especially). A decent addition to the centre, it loses a few points for the crowds, and the fact that it always seems to be full of tourists.
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Lorna C.

Yelp
I used to live just a stones throw away from The Apple which meant I was a regular! I was drawn to the huge variety of ciders on offer, which although at the time I wasn't a fan of, has solely managed to convert me to a cider lover. I especially liked the fact that it is on a boat (little things please little minds!). Downstairs can be a little claustrophobic but there is a good atmosphere and it is almost always buzzing with people. I have many good memories on a summer's night dangling my feet over the edge of the harbour with a half pint of 'Old Bristolian' in my hand....mmmm perfection!
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Kathryn C.

Yelp
When I first moved to Bristol and mentioned I was developing quite a fondness for the local cider, I was directed to the Apple. Needless to say, I wasn't disappointed. The range of tasty ciders is astounding!! Some of the ciders are quite strong so you have to not go overboard or you may literally fall overboard, powerful stuff! The Apple also has a good range of rum. The cheese boards here are also delectable. Cider, rum, cheese, friendly staff, atmospheric and on a boat - what's not to love!
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Will P.

Yelp
You'll find The Apple moored up at the end of King Street. The phrase 'cider barge' pretty much sums it up. It's basically bar that focuses on cider that you'll find on a boat. Only in Bristol... Come here for the the famous 'Old Bristolian'. At 8.4% abv there's a reason they only sell it by the half pint. The bar staff are fun, as are the sort of crowd it gets (it seems mostly young people want to drink cider on a boat). At the moment they're running a student night Monday through Wednesday, so head down for cheap drinks (there's wine and Sailor Jerry rum on offer if cider's not your tipple). Also, be aware that the boat does tour in the summer months, so it might not be there July/August time. With tasty cider and a great atmosphere, The Apple is a good bar as well as an unusual one.

Adrian S.

Yelp
Turned away in the rain. It started raining stair rods so I took refuge under their umbrella. Four other people sat nearby, there is seating for 50. We were turned away into the very heavy rain simply because we had not bought a drink when obviously all we were doing was sheltering. No thought for us at all. Will never go there again.
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Jenni D.

Yelp
When I first moved to Bristol the first recommendation I was given, other than to play a game of find-the-Banksy, was to go to The Apple. I was promised 'great vibes' and 'every cider you could ever want' - I wasn't disappointed. After just one visit it's clear to see why it's been given accolades by everyone from The Evening Post to The Guardian. The Apple is just a stroll away from Bristol's busy centre, but it's just as fun as the heart of the city. This unique venue has happy, helpful staff, a laid back atmosphere and a great mix of punters. I have taken nearly everyone I know there from my friends to my parents - each one leaving with a smile on their face and a drunken swagger in their step. Among their range of 40 ciders I'd recommend the local Black Rat or better still one of their legendary cider cocktails. (My personal favourite being Bristol Pimms) Even my cider-hating friends love The Apple, choosing to opt for one of the equally enjoyable beers or wines. But the best thing about The Apple is the crowd. It's the place to be if you want to strike up conversation with a stranger, see some street performers playing nearby or simply relax with your nearest and dearest. Just one drink and you'll be an Apple convert.
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Clive B.

Yelp
Hmmm let me see.. A barge dedicated to selling Cider. Should I go there. Hell yes,,, FERMENTED APPLE HEAVEN! I love cider, I love boats, I love water and I love the sun! All in all this was a great day out!
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Thom W.

Yelp
If I had to pick one bar that captured Bristol culture, ethos and character - it would definitely be The Apple! Sat on the river, The Apple is a bar on a boat that specialises in cider. They have a really nice upper deck that is covered and has patio style heaters for the winter. The lower desk has another bar with a great tables and sofas to chill out on. But The Apple comes into its own during the summer when you can sit outside. They have loads of big benches on the cobble pathway outside and when it's busy the atmosphere is awesome. Cider wise they have the lot. There's so much to choose from, but one of my favourites is Katy; it's really refreshing! But if you're feeling adventurous, go for an Old Bristolian. They only sell it in half pints, and for good reason, it's 8.4% - oof! This is definitely one of my favourite places in Bristol!
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Charlene L.

Yelp
The Apple is such a lovely place - it's a cider house on a boat. How can you not like that? They serve up a huge range of ciders - 40 different ones to be exact, all proper ciders; don't expect to find Natch in here. It is a wonderful setting really, the atmosphere inside is warm, cosy and lively and this continues outside to their courtyard next to the boat. It does feel sometimes like you're in Holland somewhere, sipping on some delish cold cider.
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Danielle C.

Yelp
As a regular visitor of The Apple cider boat, i still struggle to find any fault with it. May it be that on one too many occassions i have convinced myslef that the (very reasonably priced) Ol' Bristolian Cider would be a "good idea" to drink all night. On each of my visits to the boat i have found that it is mainly occupied by University students with tight jeans, bright lipstick and assymetrical haircuts. This is fine. Downstairs can get slightly sweaty on a busy night, but the upstairs and outside offer alternative places to park your behind. The bean bags and sinky-sofas are tempting: but i would suggest that if you want to stay awake, dodge these. This place has all-round good vibes. Ideally located and great for any night of the week.
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Tim H.

Yelp
I'm not the cider drinker in our house, in fact I'm not a big fan of the drink in general. It looks and smells like pi$$. So why the 5 stars I hear you ask? One word...Ploughmans. Holy Christ on a bike they're good here. If you've got a spare afternoon and the sun is out, you could do worse than whiling away an hour or so parked up at the Apple... They've got bottles of Gem if you share my abhorrence for appley based beverages. One odd thing I noted.... All the staff working there, at least when we went seem to indicate the owner might have a penchant for young attractive alternative looking ladies...I'm pretty sure he could be hauled over the coals under the Equality Act 2010.. But I for one applaud you sir.
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Burty B.

Yelp
As a raging cider head you can guess my opinion on this place.... Absolute gem. All the best ciders in the world, local faves and an extensive array of guest ciders. Students get drinks for 1quid, and the prices are very competitive for its location.if I have the time I'd happily walk in... And fall out !
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Steve S.

Yelp
Reading all the reviews on here, made me visit this little Cider Bar on the River last Night. It was Jazz night in town, so the outside was very busy. But we managed to nab a very comfy Sofa downstairs. At the bar, when asked my poison. I could not decide, so asked for a recomendation. I chose a safe cider, from a bottle, as I like a bit of fizz in mine. Not knowing the the really hard stuff is on draught. My only regret that it started getting busy after our drink. We wanted to try another drink or two, but had to go. But we have made a note to re-visit on a quiter time. To try the many Ciders they have here. One feature I noticed whilest sipping my cider: All the pictures on the wall were swaying and swinging from side to side. Well it is a boat after all, or was it the cider?
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Stefano P.

Yelp
Ahoy ! A very nice place with a great student feeling to it, I felt we were served well, yet not over-friendily, by the Cider Captain (a quiet weeknight, you'd expect more enthusiasm from the staff...). Yet it did its job: great ciders, very cheap prices, tasting sessions ahead of the big choice, etc. What's not to like ?!?

Mark M.

Yelp
Cider in the sun. The Apple is a perfect summer evening bar, situated in the busy and highly popular Welshback area of the harbour side. They have a wide selection of ciders which are for the most part locally sourced. (the most famous of these being the Old Bristolian, which at 8% is served in half pints only) There is usually a good atmosphere on board and you can either enjoy the seated and heated street level sitting area or the sofa's on board the boat itself. But be warned. The bar on board is very small and during the summer months you will find yourself queuing for quite some time to get served. If you don't like cider then this really isn't the place to go as they don't really serve anything else. You might find they serve a few wines and bottled beers but the selection is pretty limited. This is after all a cider bar, so if it's wine and beer you're after, you might want to go someplace else.
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Eleanor S.

Yelp
A trip to The Apple is the perfect ingredient (possibly the only ingredient you will need) for a wonderful evening out. The Apple is your-one stop pub where you can simply sit and soak up the atmosphere. The decor is wooden, the cider is so fruity and the pub is situarted snugly on the river so it feels like you're in the heart of nature. The Apple is always packed with happy cider drinkers yet the place is never uncomfortable or rowdy. The staff are really friendly and they know their cider.
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Briony S.

Yelp
The first thing to say is that this bar is on a boat! What a brilliant idea and something a bit different - this is what attracted me to the place and made me try it out! The Apple is a cider bar which specializes in different types of cider - one brand to make sure you try out is the Old Bristolian, this cider is around 8% and will have you feeling tipsy after a few drinks! Because it is stronger than most, they only serve this in half pints, but the price is fairly good at £2 per drink. Another worth trying is Brother's Strawberry cider - this is one of my favourites! The bar itself is well decorated and quirky - you go down some steps to get onto the 'boat' and then there is an upstairs and a downstairs. Downstairs there are some really comfy sofas and chairs to relax in, and upstairs there are several more tables - it even has those circular windows that you always get on boats which add to the feel! There is also an outside seating area, which is definitely needed because this bar gets very busy and it's often still hard to find somewhere to sit! One point I would make is about the toilets - for those of you who aren't lovers of uni-sex toilets, perhaps try to go before you come here! The bar has one bathroom with a few different cubicles - they are labelled boys and girls, however no-one takes any notice of this! But apart from that, I love this bar and I would definitely recommend it to someone wanting to try out something a bit different! It is especially great in the summer months when the atmosphere is even more buzzing!
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Rachel H.

Yelp
Beloved by just about everyone in Bristol for purveying the South West's tipple of choice in large quantities and just about every variety under the sun, The Apple is a great place to while away an afternoon. Extensive outdoor seating outdoors, inside this bar on a barge manages to look trendy without falling into the abyss of pretension. They have have Dyson hand dryers (how terribly modern) in the toilets, an abundance of shiny steel and leather couches...it's a pretty cool place. What you really come to the Apple for is the cider though. All the usual names are here in force, along with a huge variety of types you've never tried. So come with an open mind and select something a little bit different.
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Lisa A.

Yelp
This is the place to go if you genuinely like cider. If you are a student you can get 'Old Bristolian' which is served in half pints and is very strong and sweet for £1 yes that's right £1!!! As for the other ciders they have a blackboard with about 10 choices and they also have bottles. This place is usually pretty chill and the outdoor seating is lovely in the summer.
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Ricky R.

Yelp
I really like the Apple, epically on a summers day. This place has great vibes and served some really good cider ! I don't get to go here often but when I do I soak up the atmosphere and great surroundings and indulge in a cider or two ! In the summer they have big benches outside which are in a great position to chill in the sun. You can sit upper deck or lower. This gets really busy but adds to the great vibes and atmosphere. Overall a great place to visit for a cider or drink, catch up with mates or just chill.
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Patricia Z.

Yelp
Yummy cider - tastes exactly like juice. A great alternative for those who dislike beer!
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Luke T.

Yelp
The Apple is literally on the water, the old barge has been renovated into a lively and fun pub, the renovation is most apparent in the pubs loo's- you will know what I mean when you see them. The Apple I very popular with students for its very strong ciders, in particular the 'Old Bristolian', which like 'The Exhibition' cider from the Coronation tap is served in half pints, and the discount students are given on those very strong ciders. I heartily recommend the food, which is all delicious, and in particular their pasties and pies.
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Pollita M.

Yelp
Cider on a boat? Dream combination. Any night that has wended its way here has ended with hilarity and a warm belly full of the good fizzy stuff. The Apple is strictly a fairweather friend as it has to be nice out to enjoy it properly but it's in a great location by Welsh Back and simply but tastefully done. The cider menu is of course extensive with 40 varieties including raspberry and strawberry, perries and pears for the less brave and Old Bristolian for those keen to seize life with both hands. There are tables on dry land just by the boat but you can also drink on board and there's now a wider food menu. Dishes like traditional ploughmans go hand in hand with the cider of course but if peckish you can make them as hearty as you wish. The beauty of the Ploughmans is you can "build your own" by choosing from a hoard of hunks of cheeses, pork pies, hams and chutneys. This is such a great spot for a sunny afternoon or a summer's evening.
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James J.

Yelp
The Old Bristolian Cider is the only thing you need for a good night out, but be warned, it comes at a cost to your head the next day. The cider is extremely cheap at 1 pound for half a pint for students. That is read by me as an excuse to drink absurd amounts of the stuff. Stumbling into the loos you will notice that boys and girls share the bathroom area, which takes a little getting used to. Its not very nice to be reminded that your opposite sex has bodily functions, and it certainly meant that I had to spend less time checking myself out in the mirror! Still, you won't care if you've had enough of the good stuff, you'll be too busy laughing in this quirky boat, soaking up the awesome atmosphere
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Jon G.

Yelp
The Apple is a must-visit for me every time I'm in Bristol. It's a great place in a unique setting (a converted Dutch barge!), serving the best ciders from the South West. I love the draught Old Bristolian, which is served in half-pints because it's 8.4%. If you visit during winter time, they serve hot mulled cider that'll soon chase those chills away.
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Nicole D.

Yelp
The Apple is a well-known and well-loved central cider bar, uniquely located on a boat. The Apple is a beautiful bar during the day time as it provides a tranquil setting to drink some of Bristol's finest ciders. Night time and weekends, The Apple becomes increasingly busy, and there is an open area outside the bar where there is seating and umbrellas for all customers. The Apple serves some of the finest quality cider in Bristol, with the chance to sample each cider before ordering. The renowned Bristolian cider has become notorious for its sublime fruity flavours whilst still remaining one of the strongest ciders Bristol has. The Apple has a cider menu written up, with exact prices and measurements sold by. The strongest cider will only be sold by half pint measure, and the bar staff are friendly and always free to recommend a specific drink to ones taste. The Apple provides indoor seating, outdoor seating (which is separate to the boat), a quality bar of fine ciders, and a relaxed environment for all. I would strongly recommend anyone to visit The Apple - it may very well become your new regular.
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Stuart D.

Yelp
Good ciders to be found here if you don't mind the stale smell of urine coming from the unisex toilets every time the door is opened. Pretty disgusting place to drink. My tip, take your drink and head outside.
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Amy B.

Yelp
The apple was one of the first bars I went to in Bristol and after my first sip of old bristolian I knew I had made the right decision. Apple is half picnic benches on a nice street, great for people watching, half floating boat where the brilliant tunes are playing. Great for a chilled midweek drink. I liked it so much I went back the next day and sampled Jenny's jungle juice. The selection is so big I will have to go a lot more to try them all! Also I was informed that there is a special student offer on a Monday - Wednesday. Bargain!!
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Susan M.

Yelp
Anyone who knows me at all will be aware that the prospect of combining cider and cheese with time spent on a boat is enough to have me hammering on the doors come opening time, flagon in hand and an expectant expression on my face. I have been in the area for business trips on a few occasions and each time gazed longingly at the outdoor seats and ruddy-faced drinkers nursing their golden pints as I hauled myself off to another boring meeting. So it's fair to say that the Apple had a lot to live up to when I finally got around to visiting. Luckily, we were blessed with perfect beer garden weather - I can imagine that on a dark, rainy day the slightly dim interior might be considerably less inviting. As it was, I enjoyed a lovely pint of Thatcher's Katy alongside a plate of local cheeses and chutney, all for under a tenner. The range of cider is one of the best I've seen (although in my opinion the 'Old Bristolian' is famous purely for it's strength - it's taste reminds me of a cheap perry), and it's definitely the best place of town to watch students and visitors from around the country experience the sensation of 'scrumpy drunk' for the first time...

Maria S.

Yelp
I enjoyed the huge variety of ciders as well as the delicious Ploughman's lunch. They have different varieties of the Ploughman's that you can choose, or you can create your own. Great atmosphere, too, as it's on a boat!

John D.

Yelp
Lovely little cider bar on a boat, only down side is when it fills up with students later on in the evening!