The Bootlegger

Hipster Haven! but not too cool for school!
This place ticks all the boxes! — quirky, shabby-​chic, vintage interior, amazing cocktails and ace staff!
Went there to celebrate a friends birthday and happened to be on a night with a DJ — The Conductor — suited up in an old fashioned bus conductor uniform and playing us (for decks inside a vintage suitcase) rock n’ roll, jump blues, swing and more — twasn’t long before our tapping toes were jumping around on the dance floor — such a great atmosphere!
I ordered a special cocktail for my mate… told by bar staff (for birthdays) they supply something called ‘the zombie’ which has a shot of — well everything in it… — ‘oh you don’t want to kill your friend?’ ‘erm, no…’ ‘okay, will mix her up something fruity, not quite so strong and will also look fab’ — he was not wrong! — it did take about 20mins to prepare but was totally worth it! (and still reasonably priced) topped with flaming Sambuca in a pomegranate cup and other swish fruity garnish it certainly was pretty special! — these guys really know their mixology!
And if (like me) you prefer something a little more simple there are plenty of tasty beers on tap — I sampled the Cornish Lager — good stuff!
I’d say whatever the night of the week this place will always impress!

As an American, going to this bar was interesting. I think the theme of the bar was lost on the patrons, who have no background on prohibition, or what bootlegging is. That being said, The drinks were good, but the bar was a little too loud. I enjoyed the live band, and was able to get some elbow room later in the night.

first time i’ve been here since our elite event, it’s a cracking night every time!
thank god it’s changed from Hush Hush, the bootlegger is now one of my fav spots on Gloucester road.
The drinks they serve are sooo good, last night for Halloween they had a Halloween special cocktail for only £3.50. Needless to say i had many!
They also had a great live band on followed by some wicked old school tunes.
They usually have regular events with fantastic music and an ever popular drinks list.
Lee has done a stellar job with this place and i’ll be making my way back again soon :)

This is my favourite bar on Gloucester Road and that’s a massive statement! I guess as I get older I want less jäger bombs and more delicious, expertly made, quality drinks and this is in abundance at Bootlegger. Being a bar maid in the past, it really impresses me when the staff know their stuff. They know everything and this makes the cocktails, literally, to die for.
If you’re looking for a Sex on the beach and then go a bit further down the road into town but if you want a haven of blues and a boogie and consistently good drinks then this is your place! You pay for quality but I don’t mind that, and it’s the experience you pay for as well. It’s something a bit different… where else can you go and listen to great music, often live, with a pianist and a very cool feel to it with proper drinks? The décor is very well thought out and really fits the vibe of the place. It feels like you’re in New York.
They do food too but I’m yet to try it (apart from the chips — which were delicious!)
Bootlegger is small but perfectly formed!

Sat with my friends having a few dark and stormy cocktails. Listening to blues music and watching the world go by on Gloucester road.
This place is awesome and their food menu looks great, although I haven’t eaten here — yet, but I will, soon!

First time I’ve been in here since the change from hush hush and I’m mightily impressed. The bar used to be a really awkward space but by moving the bar they have really used the space well. The bar is well stocked with top shelf booze and they have many local ales. Yet to try there cocktails but now I’ve got a reason to go back

Formerly Hush Hush, The Bootlegger is a massive improvement and one of the newest and coolest bars on the Cheltenham/​Gloucester Road stretch.
My girlfriend and I were on our way to one of the other bars on Gloucester road, but couldn’t walk passed Bootleger as it looked and sounded really cool from outside. The open front, tables on the street and electro-​swing music were a perfect combo to draw us in.
It is pretty unbelievable what they’ve done with the place. From being a pretty terrible club that was mainly used for birthday and drum and bass parties — it is unrecognisable and really cool! It is a really narrow space but every inch has been used really well.
The staff were really friendly and you could tell try we’re pretty excited to be working in the new bar on such an infamous party street!
The draught options are pretty basic but good enough. They have a couple of really nice pale ales that they were happy to let me ‘try before I buy’. We shared a Mac n cheese which was good. I’d say a little more seasoning was needed; it way lacking a little umph! But we demolished it in seconds! I’m really interested to try the rest of the menu coz it sounded great, if not a little familiar. Bristol seems to a breeding ground for pulled pork and American style dining/​menus at the moment!
All in all a great place and an incredible turn around from its former self. They should be proud and I can see them doing it well. It was busy enough when we were there, so it looks promising!