The Raven

96 reviews

30 Clare St, Bristol BS1 1YH, United Kingdom

www.theravenbristol.com

+441174289023

About

The Raven is a Cocktail bar located at 30 Clare St, Bristol BS1 1YH, United Kingdom. It has received 96 reviews with an average rating of 4.0 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday6PM-2AM
Tuesday6PM-2AM
Wednesday6PM-2AM
ThursdayClosed
FridayClosed
Saturday6PM-2AM
Sunday6PM-2AM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of The Raven: 30 Clare St, Bristol BS1 1YH, United Kingdom

  • The Raven has 4.0 stars from 96 reviews

  • Cocktail bar

  • "The large air conditioning/dehumidifier device with its extraction tube routed through a window along the wall looked out of place and impacted upon the desired aesthetics of the venue, making it look and feel cheap"

    "Booked a table here for my partner's Birthday expecting performers and a theatrical evening"

    "Disappointing"

    "I really really wanted to give this a higher rating, but I can honestly say this was extremely underwhelming as an experience"

    "Really poor experience"

Reviews

  • Liviu Coroianu

The large air conditioning/dehumidifier device with its extraction tube routed through a window along the wall looked out of place and impacted upon the desired aesthetics of the venue, making it look and feel cheap. The decoration of the rear partition looked sterile and somewhat mismatched the main one - overall, not very well curated. The visual identity of the staff looked cheap - at least two the staff were wearing trainers ( one of them was wearing white colour Converse ), strikingly at odds with the occult intended atmosphere and feel of the venue. The music totally mismatched the burlesque performer routine , to the point where it looked improvised and amateurish, and it certainly didn’t do the performer any justice. The performer’s ability was noticeable and you could tell she was professionally trained dancer. She conversed with the customers during her routine, but the loudness of the music made it almost impossible to hear or be heard. The welcome drink’s dry and off looking slice of grapefruit (if it was grapefruit) didn’t make the drink look and feel it was worth £10, which was charged at the time of the booking as a ‘late seating’ charge. The welcome drinks and table water were served quite quickly upon our arrival, but the ratio of ice to liquid was wholly disproportionate - somewhere in the region of 3.75 parts of ice to 1 part of liquid. The welcome drinks’ taste was underwhelming. The lighting was way too strong for the venue’s intended ambience. The whole experience was underwhelming, and the venue came across as one of those which promises a lot and delivers a little - similar to the ice/liquid ratio. We will not return.

  • Lauren Day

Booked a table here for my partner's Birthday expecting performers and a theatrical evening. Not what I expected at all. I expected a stage and a night of performances I guess, but that's far from the reality. We arrived to find the tarot reader exiting the bar for a fag and shutting the door behind her as we tried to walk through. "Ring the bell" she told us. We proceeded to ring the bell 6 times and no one answered. Stuck there for 10 mins in the freezing cold and rain until the doorman let us in. "Sorry must be busy" he said. We went in and were seated at the most cramped table, basically a tiny coffee table pressed up against the seat by a window. We were promised welcome drinks that they forgot about until we reminded them for a second time. I asked about the entertainment only to be told that the magician had gone home (by 10?) And you have to get in early for tarot readings. If they had specified performance times on the website I'd have booked to go earlier. We spent the night squashed in the corner, largely ignored by staff as it was busy and we were hidden by large, loud groups. We had to keep getting up and squeezing past people to find the waiters to ask for their drinks as waving, calling and trying to make eye contact had no effect. To make things worse one of the waitresses came and opened the window next to us as she said it was stuffy and left us shivering. She said we could close it if we got cold, but the window was jammed and we spent a good ten mins trying to get it down. Eventually we left after about 45 mins 50 quid down and feeling underwhelmed. The staff were friendly but overall not impressed.

  • Mark Kelly

Disappointing. After a great welcome we were expecting great things, instead we were sat beside a speaker and ignored by the servers. When they finally did come they were uninterested. On the 2nd round I'd to go searching for service as the servers were just not bothered looking around. When ordered the server actually forgot then came back with an unopened beer and had to go back, came back, apologised and said there would be no service charge. The burlesque was OK but the speaker nearly blew us into next week! After the show still no service so went to the bar to pay. The same server who said there'd be no service charge adder it anyway and when I reminded them, they scowled removed it and shoved the card reader back at me. I said thanks and got nothing but a dirty look. As dirty and as tatty as the furniture and decor, we will never be back. Visit was Friday 15th December 2023
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

  • Cal

I really really wanted to give this a higher rating, but I can honestly say this was extremely underwhelming as an experience. When you charge a deposit entry fee, that "comes with a free drink on arrival" that is then promptly forgotten about until you remind them, its not a strong start. Then you enquire about the Tarot on the Tarot themed bar, to be informed thats only only on Saturdays but you DO have a pianist(?) which, not what we were looking for and was okay, but nothing to blow your mind. The advertisement of this bar suggests something more theatrical like The Alchemist in Cardiff, but it was more of something of nothing. The drinks are just pure whitespirit, nothing to write home about, and for the price it was just...I WISH I had an exciting experience to write about, but I can't say I'll be recommending it to anyone anytime soon. Disappointing

  • Danielle Lucas

Really poor experience. Although the wine is lovely, it was a very very poor behaviour from the pianist. He was rude from the outset when asking my husband to move from his seat. He made me feel very uncomfortable and awkward. For a city centre bar, the pianist needs to accept people are interested in what he is playing. I won’t be back. The pianist literally acted like a spoilt child. My 8 year old wouldn’t behave the way he did, and sadly you lost a lot of money. We have been before and loved it but this experience has tainted it.

  • Isabel A. Young

We had the best time here! Wanted a bar that wasn’t crazy loud on a Thursday night. Drinks were delicious, decor was strange and wonderful, staff very knowledgeable about cocktail ingredients and friendly. Music was frankly excellent, a lot of neo soul and afro jazz. Bar snacks were nice, though we wished there was more food. We liked how each cocktail has tarot associations in the menu, and we had never used a glass straw, loved that. Will definitely be coming back Thank you!

  • issemDan

was drawn in by the supposed spooky vibes, tarot cards and interesting sounding cocktails, unfortunately instead was met with a tired dingy bar, with no atmosphere. the cocktails tasted ok but for £13 you’d expect a fancy glass or something a bit different. we asked about the tarot cards and were told they were sold out which was strange as the whole menu alludes to the use of them to decide your cocktail
Price per person
£10–20
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

  • Elliott Pullin

Absolute con. Booked a table for the “event” on Saturday. The email specified that we had our table for 1.5 hours. Turns out we don’t get a table… paid £10 each for this table which included a drink. But we could on choose from 3 drinks. People could just walk in off the street so what was the point of us booking. We ended up having to stand in a corner didn’t see any of the “event”. Poor organisation. Poor drinks. Poor Decore. This place was an absolute con.

  • Jack Middleton

Overpriced (£13-14 per cocktail) and slow service (waited around 30 minutes for four cocktails). Next to our table was a garish flashy ‘circus’ sign that caught the corner of the eye which was infuriating! Inattentive staff. One redeeming feature was some great up close magic. Far better cocktail places within a short walk!
Price per person
£10–20
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 2

  • Billy Martin

Nice vibe but… Extraordinarily over priced. £12 for a cocktail, meh ok where am I soho? Only to find I’ve be charged £13.50… queried the over charge, apparently it’s a “service charge”. What for taking 3 mins to make my TWELVE pound drink..? What on earth is that about. I’ve never been charged a service charge for ordering a drink at a bar before. And six quid for a stubby tinny? lols, nah

  • Katie Mcgurrin

A truly unique experience! The atmosphere of this bar is unmatched from decorations to music, it’s all perfect! David was an excellent waiter and really helped with our cocktail choices. The tarot card reading is definitely worth the try as it adds to the whole experience of the bar! Definitely going to come again!
Price per person
£30–40
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • wavegecko

So disappointing, not worth the entry fee or free drink. Felt like I was in a weatherspoons, was underwhelming with drab decor and was quiet inside, drinks were just pure alcohol and not in a good way. Staff were friendly and the burlesque dancer was good but service was slow and the dancer was only around for about 15 mins, plus she didn’t have a stage so it was just a walk around.

  • Wendy Wilson

Visited last Saturday, wow! Wow! Wow! What a truly fabulous experience it was, very friendly, attentive staff. The decor, atmosphere, fabulous! But the very best part of the evening was the dancer, she was amazing, not at all what I had expected a true professional, what a performance she gave us, definitely going again! Also a sublime margarita!

  • briden whitbread

For those who dont know and are a little scared, buzz the door to get in! Upon entry we were greeted abd served by Embrek, who not only provided great hospitality but also great quality recommendations and drinks themselves. The decor is very cool with its occult-esque theming. Overall an awesome place to be, would highly recommend!

  • S Marlowe

Currently sitting in The Raven. I didn’t know what to order from the menu so spoke with the staff and they helped me out a lot. My first cocktail was delicious (and strong) and my second was a little different to what I’m used to but equally delicious. Great ambiance and I love the music/decor. Good for after work drinks, dates etc

  • Pia Alberto

If i could, i would give this establishment zero stars. I am a third year student at the University of Bristol, and I found it extremely difficult to sleep, since the Raven would sporadically play very loud music. I think it is very inconsiderate to the neighouring flats and apartments in the area.

  • lurking_pilgrim

We came to this bar through a life drawing event that was held there. The aesthetic and ambience was very well curated and the staff were so lovely and accommodating. You could get a good sense of the dedication that the staff had to the experience and craft. Very cool and mature space in Bristol.

  • David Suttle

I paid a £20 booking fee for two people. In the venue we had welcome drinks (£10 each on the bill), two cocktails and two alcohol free beers. The total price, including a booking fee, came to £83. It is incredibly expensive for run of the mill drinks.
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 2

  • Michael Hodge (Hodgem42)

A guy did a magic trick for us which frazzled my mind, so good points for that. The tarot card theme is great, and my drinks were nice. My mate did get a tiny drink for £12, but was super funny cos he is a mug so made the night. Would recommend. Up The Beasthood, tastiest bev of all time.

  • Katrina O'Hagan

We absolutely loved our night at The Raven. Attentive personable staff, delicious drinks, incredible Burlesque from Antonia, great atmosphere.Thank You Ben and team! Looking forward to coming back.
Price per person
£40–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • L W

I've seen a previous comment related to their lack of consideration for local residents and I have to agree that they do not consider local residents living close to the club. They play music far too loudly and after 11. This causes me and my housemates great distress.

  • Keni Pearce

Been twice & thoroughly enjoyed it. Whiskey sour’s are the best I’ve had. Not cheap here but if cheap 2 for 1 cocktails are your thing try The Slug & Lettuce, rubbish if you ask me. You get what you pay for & I shall definitely be going again. More

  • E S-D

This bar was a complete shock. Great drinks and fascinating atmosphere. Reminds of a witches house with a touch of mysticism. Making a reservation is encouraged.
Price per person
£10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Sweet Ness

I absolutely love this place but the only thing is the drinks are very pricey apart from that everything is fun in there the burlesque dancer entertained me very well and the drinks were lovely staff are very nice and welcoming .

  • James Black

Had an amazing SECOND time at this place (had my birthday here in January and LOVED IT.. dancers, tarot , what more could you ask for!) The bar staff are the loveliest people on earth thankyou Jade and Ruby!

  • James Vukic

Great atmosphere and great service. Cocktails looked great just not a fan of rum.. live music every sunday too!
Price per person
£10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Nadya Buga

Randomly stumbled across this place. The cocktails are really tasty and interesting! Very nice to try some new flavours. The staff were really wondeful too. Would definitely recommend …

  • Helen Judd

Fantastic cocktail bar with a great atmosphere/ambience. A great place to sit and drink cocktails, slightly more lively than other local cocktail bars.
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Martyn George

Fantastic personal service from the entrance, drinks orders were swift and the servers were all great. We were also given a private performance by a magician at our booth while we drank.

  • Sadik Al-Hassan

Not a bad secret bar with a nice ambiance and OK cocktails. Looked quite nice inside. Didn't need to book either.
Price per person
£10–20
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 3

  • Connor Knight

I love the style and asthetic of this place, but i felt the music was completely at odds with the rest of the experience.
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

  • Adam Foster-Fahy

Fantastic atmosphere. Come for the close up magic you will NOT be disappointed. Tasty cocktails, friendly staff. Fans of wired fiction will not be disappointed

  • abigail noble

Massive choice of Rum in the place, and 25% off on a Sunday, the music is amazing, it has a theme of tarot with lots of accompanying art and quirkyness

  • Paris Ferguson

Lovely staff, very fun thematic decorations, beautiful menus, delicious drinks. My only criticism is that my friends didn't want a second drink.

  • Romana Nakonechna

Please stop violating noise level. It’s an absolute ignorance to play such a loud music after 11pm on working day. Respect your neighbors.

  • Pietro Viecelli

Beautiful menu with creative cocktails on top of a selection of classics! The performers were great and made the evening even more special

  • Cora Deegan

Looks nice on the inside however they charge £2 service charge per drink. That's £2 for opening a bottle of beer. It's ridiculous.

  • Janey Hayes

Bartenders were welcoming, although for a sneak easy bartender experience, it felt like a regular bar with the prices amped up.

  • Sarah Owen

Had our Christmas party 2022 here, staff were amazing and so friendly , nd the food was soooo tasty, would 100% recommend xxxx

  • Holly Williams

Beautiful occult themed cocktail bar with exquisite drinks and very friendly, knowledgeable staff! Really love this place.

  • Luke Gardner

Adele and Curtis smashed it, great service from start to finish. Handled the bar would recommend anyone come for a drink.

  • Greg Williamson

OK drinks but overpriced for Bristol
Price per person
£20–30
Food: 4
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 3

  • Joe

Best cocktail glass (vase) in Bristol. Good atmosphere, amazing menu and fun using taro cards to choose your drink!

  • simon newman

What a great find. Great cocktails and fantastic staff. Definitely another visit next time we are in Bristol.

  • Alan Simmons

Amazing one-of-a-kind cocktails, highly knowledgeable and friendly staff and gorgeous decor and vibe.

  • A T

Ridiculously hot, sticky, gross, and drinks are crazy expensive, and mediocre at best. Awful

  • Maciej

Great cocktails, good atmosphere and knowledgeable staff. Will be returning once again!

  • Thomas

Very cool and quirky cocktail bar that has a nice ambiance and exclusive feel to it

  • Doguscan Cosgun

Amazing venue. Great service by Ivan. Tasty cocktails. Definitely recommend …

  • Sk Weg

This place is going to make me bankrupt...and that doesnt make me sad

  • Alexander Teng

The death of moths is a lovely drink, wonderful vibe. Not too busy

  • TDK

Great drinks and atmosphere, plus the artwork is incredible.

  • fistula santorum

Eye-wateringly expensive overheated kip with torn furniture

  • Crown Invoices

What a lovely quiet, sophisticated place to drink

  • Ben Parkin

You need to find your own experience here

  • Мария Форсаж

Tasty coctails and live music - awesome!

  • Nikos Psaros

Nice atmosphere and lovely cocktails!

  • Stuart Tongs

Very poor service Over priced drinks.

  • Anna Mikes

Mediocre at best tasting cocktails.

  • Fabrice Clavien

Hidden gem. Best cocktails ever

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