I spent last weekend in Bristol and was looking for a brunch place with a few friends on Sunday, about 90 minutes prior to our coach departure. Our first impression of The Social was a nice one, as it is a cosy space with nice furniture and ambience. Placing our orders went fairly quickly. But then our experience became quite bad. We waited for more than an hour. During that time, no one gave us an update on our order. No one even bothered checking on tables. I know this because by the time we left the cafe, our table (located at the front window) still had the dirty plates and cups from the PREVIOUS visitors on it. No one ever bothered to clear them! We kept looking at the bar where some of the staff were busy wiping the counter multiple times, or mixing drinks. It needs to be said that, for a Sunday, it was not too busy. So, there really is no excuse why the staff would ignore visitors that way. We also asked them several times about our order, which did not help speed the process up, and our table remained full of dirty plates. We had entered the cafe at around 1:35pm, and by 2:40pm we had become very restless as our coach was leaving the station at 3:15pm. So, we asked them to please put our food in takeaway boxes. This took almost another ten minutes! Thanks to the oblivious staff of the Social, we had to eat our food in the waiting room of the coach station. I cannot recommend this place and it almost ruined our Sunday afternoon – luckily, the rest of our stay in Bristol had been a nice one. Won't be back to this cafe.

This is a great place for brunch, it’s cozy and the food is good. The burgers we ordered were delicious - though a bit small, I was still hungry after eating one which is very rare. Chips were nice and crunchy. We ordered Bloody Marys to go with our lunch and they were spot on - loved the extra celery in there. My friends ordered the mussels and they were a bit too heavy on the cream.. we all agreed to that, maybe it was just a one off.. maybe that’s their recipe- anyway, i don’t recommend the mussels.. Everything else we tried was good. As I said, great place and great service.. The only real fault I could find is that they don’t take cash, just card, which is a shame and the reason why I gave it 4 stars. Parking nearby is a pain..
Price per person
£10–20

Location 5 Food and drink 5 Staff 5 My only issue is the appeal these sort of places have to the snowflake/hipster/gentrification types. I asked for a coffee and was asked “do you want milk from a cow?”….. as opposed to some sort of organically ethically sourced gender neutral non binary lookalikey non udder produced powdered arse biscuit milk” . Alas we are living in crazy times but funnily enough I enjoy sipping from the good old udders. Anyway I just find the chinstroking hipster types grating but then again that’s what has happened to The Croft and Montpelier and countless other areas - the common folk get gentrified out. But staff and food and all that stuff were fab.

Front house staff is a little unapproachable and grumpy no matter how polite, understanding and patient you are. Can’t really tell you that it was simply just “one of those days”, as it wasn’t my first time at the Social. The place itself is great with a rich variety of options for food and drinks of all sorts. The wait is a little long - we waited for our chips for over 30 minutes and the place was basically empty. We get it, it was Sunday, a slow day, no fuss. Chips were pretty nice. Such vibrant place should have staff that at least look a little happier rather than upset that they have to take your order.
Food: 3
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 4

The Social cafe is a mid-range priced breakfast menu (served until 5pm) in a dimmed setting. You order at the counter and they bring your food to the table. I wouldn’t call their portions generous but sufficient enough. Their Social had a poached egg, rather than sunny-side up. The buttermilk fried chicken bap was crispy and succulent. Not too sure what sauce they used in it. My friends’ orders were delayed, however, they were quite happy to give them a discount. Ample seating and good service otherwise. Very relaxed atmosphere.

The menu changes, but I've never had a meal there that wasn't excellent. The fish finger sandwich for lunch is delicious! Ate there again tonight and had the Chicken Parma which was delicious. One bad part, I don't expect a modern bar to play music with lots of swearing in. Hearing the N word and F word in a rap based soundtrack while eating was not pleasant.
Price per person
£10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Fish Fingers Sandwiches

This place was just perfect for what we were looking for. A groups of 6 wanting to sit in a chilled out place and have a nice late breakfast. The vibe was great, very relaxed and the staff friendly. Ordering your food by text message was a good touch, bit didn't get a reply the food just turned up. They were also very busy. The big breakfast was up there with the best of them. Very high quality, cooked to near perfection. The veg and vegan options were also scrumptious.

My partner and I had breakfast / brunch here today and it was delicious. The service was good and the staff were lovely and apologetic about us waiting a little while for food as they were busy. Highly recommend. Lovely cafe with fairy lights and good atmosphere. Definitely be back!
Price per person
£10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Vegetarian options
Fab veggie options, the veggie breakfast was very yummy and good coffee too!

How on Earth they spent so long making such mediocre food is beyond me. We waited about 40mins, with almost nobody else eating in. The staff however were lovely, and we didn't complain about the wait. The very loud live band playing 3m away from us, without a crowd at 6.30 was a bit much. Fine, but wouldn't go back. Bar? Café? Pub? I think it needs to find a niche and stick to it.
Price per person
£10–20
Food: 3
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 3

Although I live near to the Social I believe I'd travel to it. The food has maintained high quality over the years. The menu changes and always has good veggie and Vegan choices. In the day time it's a good place to go with children and there are some toys available. In the evening a pleasantly diverse crowd. Good beers and quaffable wine my friends assure me as well as coffee, teas, herbals and no alcohol beer.

Nice venue with friendly staff and good service and a nice selection of beverages. Had the calamari and smoked beetroot falafel, the calamari was tasty and we'll balanced ( slightly over done for my preference but still pleasant ). Unfortunately the smoked beetroot falafel was under seasoned and way too smokey, couldn't even taste the beetroot which was a shame. Over all a good venue

Came here just to chill on my own on a Wednesday evening. Got the veggie gnocchi which was one of the best dishes I’ve had in a while. Had a couple of pints too, both lovely. Main thing is that the vibe was perfect, didn’t feel judged being on my own, music good volume and good mix, food, as I said, brilliant, and all fairly cheap. Loved it, will return.

Went for a night out with a large group of people from all around Bristol. Staff there were friendly. Plenty of seating mixed between sofas and large tables. Didn't get any food but my mates liked it. There was this amazing jazz group playing throughout the night and a really great atmosphere. Clean unisex toilets. Heaters in the outdoor smoking area.

Good selection of drinks and food - decent options for dietary restrictions. Good portion size & quality. Staff are efficient and knowledgeable. Some nice seating, plenty of options for medium and large sized groups. Busy times are very lively; the crowd is generally friendly. Toilets could do with a rejig/expansion & a coat of paint.

Great meal in the back courtyard at the Social on Cheltenham Road Stokes Croft Bristol. I had smoked makers with summer vegetables and a creamy sauce and lemon. My friend had poached eggs on toast with spinach and smoked salmon ,both dishes were delicious and just the meal for a hot September day

Lovely foods and very friendly staffs. Big space for work/study (but might be slightly too nosy for some people) or just hangout. Kids friendly too despite the baby changing room was very smelly and a bit dirty…
Price per person
£20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

amazing drinks, great vibe- gotta mention ash for great clean cutlery. beer garden is #swag and free heating whenever needed. 10/10 would be social again.
Price per person
£10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Beef Burger with Extra Bacon

The food looked great but ours did not come and waited for 1hour plus. To be fair to them when we said we were unable to wait any longer they were very quick to offer a refund which was good of them.
Price per person
£20–30
Food: 2
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 3

Came here on the morning of a bank holiday and between two days of love saves and it was packed! Regardless of that, the staff were friendly, chill and smiling! Even though there was a wait on food (understandable) it was absolutely worth it. Top job muckers will come back dreckly!

Worse place in Bristol. Food took over an hour and was not edible. No regard for our custom and all they offered was a shrug and throw away "sorry". Wouldn't recommend this at all
Price per person
£10–20
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

The social is a great versatile space. I come here to get work done during the day as they've got decent coffee (however, the wifi isn't always very strong!) There's live music some nights and the brunch is delicious! Shown here is the Veggie light breakfast.

Great lunch spot near Stokes Croft in Bristol. Happened to be the first place we stopped into on our short trip to Bristol and we were not disappointed! Delicious breakfast served well into the afternoon. Super friendly staff too. Would absolutely recommend!

Nice buzz around brunch time, good atmosphere and coffee with a good menu for breakfast and lunch. I had a tasty haddock kedgeree for a very reasonable price and my mum and sister had sausage sandwiches, one vegan and one pork. Both were impressed.

Friendly and approachable bar staff and owner. Good range of beers and drinks. Outdoor seating area to the rear plus tables and chairs to the front, so you can sit there and watch people of the Gloucester Road go past. Which can be interesting!

Lovely breakfast. Friendly staff. Excellent outside area. Relaxed atmosphere. 10/10. P.S. also discovered that HP sauce stands for Houses of Parliament sauce. Says "by appointment to her Majesty the Queen" on the bottle. MIND.BLOWN.

Had a lovely team lunch here today. The dirty nacho fries were immense! All the food looked really good. Service was friendly and in good time too.
Price per person
£10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

The Social were incredibly accommodating for a large group of 14 and pulled multiple tables together. Food, drinks and staff were all fantastic - would definitely recommend.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Missed this place so much! Breakfasts dishes are a must, meat, vegetarian and vegan options available. Family friendly. Cocktails: order the Antisocial if you like lemony tequila-vodka drinks and Nicest staff! …

Nice coffee, big tables and nice old classic jazzy hip-hop tunes, (slum village) Perfect for escaping from the office and working remotely. The food seems quite good, I had only chips but they were quite good actually.

Really nice Ambiente, nice personnel and a good Cappuccino. Also inlike that you can just find some board games to play.
Price per person
£1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Lovely setting and feel, within the heart of Stokes Croft. Friendly and hospitable staff, above average prices for food and drinks. Wait times can sometimes build up which isn't always communicated well.

Just had brunch here. Nearly didn't bother as it didn't stand out on the street, but I am very glad I did. The coffee is good, the chicken bap I had with red coleslaw was outstanding. Very recommended!

really lovely food for a good price, there was a really nice vibe and the waitresses were super friendly! I wish the wifi had worked, as we weren’t able to get work done so had to go somewhere else :(

Beautiful bar by day and ca bar at night. Perfect spot for a date or catching up with friends. Love that they serve locally roasted coffee in the traditional wogan cups. A staple for Stokes croft.

Yummy beverages, very sparkly clean cutlery and we got a free cabbage! Music choice 10/10, i love social.
Price per person
£1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Have been there for a beer and some snacks (the halloumi fries are amazing!) Really a cool place and lovely staff.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

First time here as close to my Daughters' new uni flats. Best Mocha ice had in a long time and the breakfast was delicious. Good work folks, we will be along again.

Amazing tapas plates. Fancy fried stodge and we loved it. Cool vibe. Unisex toilets were at male level of toilet cleanliness so a bit grim but staff were friendly

Had an excellent Hereford beef burger at a good price. Really nice and service minded staff. Some waiting time in the bar though. Therefore not all five stars.

We went there for our church home group social. It was on Tuesday evening. The ambience was perfect. There was good choice things to suit our various tastes.

Friendly staff, reasonable prices. Plenty of great gluten free options
Price per person
£10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

The best Espresso Martini in town made by Sam. Everyone must try!
Price per person
£1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

My favorite bar cafe hungover day all of the things…it is the social and it feels so social and nice! Food is good infinity beer even better:)

Fantastic staff, wonderful venue and atmosphere, will be visiting again
Price per person
£1–10
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

The place has a nice vibe, the staff is sweet, free WiFi is available and the food was good, big portions and tasty.

The chips are mediocre at best, but slightly improved if you dip them in a mixture of mayo and hot pepper sauce.

Delicious burgers and a nice atmosphere.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Friendly staff, good food and music. Cozy place, with nice warm lights. GF food and beer.

Favourite pub in Bristol. Vibe is relaxed, food is good, staff are great. Can’t fault it

Good coffee and food. Not too busy on a Thursday lunchtime.