7 min readLooking to plan an event where you have the full venue to yourself? Bristol and Bath offer an impressive range of venues available for exclusive hire.
In this guide, we highlight some of the best bars and restaurants across west of England that offer exclusive hire, catering to everything from intimate gatherings to large-scale events. Expect exceptional settings, flexible catering options, and standout spaces designed to bring your event to life.
The Granary & The Granary Club
The Granary and The Granary Club offer a versatile, dual-venue destination for events of up to 250 guests—ideal for conferences, celebrations, and private dining.
Few venues in Bristol allow organisers to host the entire event journey in one location. Begin with daytime meetings and dining in The Granary, before transitioning seamlessly into late-night cocktails and dancing in the underground Granary Club.
Located on Queen Square in the heart of the city centre, the venue is also just a short walk from King Street, where guests will find a wide selection of bars and pubs to continue the evening.
Image - The Granary
Harbour House
Harbour House is one of Bristol’s most distinctive waterfront event venues, located within one of the city’s last remaining 19th-century transit sheds. Harbour House combines striking historic architecture with sweeping harbour views and a vibrant atmosphere.
Rich in Bristol history and character—rumoured to have once been Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s private boathouse and later the site of Banksy’s first exhibition in 2000—Harbour House delivers an event backdrop unlike anywhere else in the city.
Take exclusive use of Harbour House for a truly iconic Bristol venue for up to 200 guests for a reception or 125 for a seated dinner.
Image - Harbour House
Barbara's Bier Haus
Did you know you can go après-skiing in Bristol? Well… almost.
Barbara’s Bier Haus is a two-storey Bavarian bar located on Bristol’s Harbourside, styled like a traditional alpine après-ski venue. Inside, guests will find log-cabin style booths, large screens, a dance floor, karaoke, a photobooth and a lively, welcoming atmosphere.
With flexible catering options and plenty of entertainment, it’s the perfect venue if you want to bring a fun and energetic twist to your next event.
Image - Barbara's Bier Haus
The Glassboat
Another iconic Bristol venue is The Glassboat, owned by Bristol-based gin distiller 6 O’Clock Gin. Originally a timber barge, it was transformed in the 1980s into the unique floating venue it is today and remains a well-known feature of Bristol’s harbour.
The Glassboat can be exclusively hired for meetings, drinks receptions, parties and celebrations. The venue features a full sound system and a live music licence for those wishing to host bands or DJs.
Working with a range of exceptional local caterers, the venue can accommodate a variety of cuisines for private dining for up to 60 guests. For something extra special, The Glassboat also offers gin tasting experiences and cocktail masterclasses as part of your event.
Image - 6 O'clock Gin at The Glassboat
The Ivy Clifton
Set in the heart of Clifton Village, The Ivy Clifton Brasserie features a beautiful and intimate private dining space and exclusive hiris available for Bristol fine dining.
Natural daylight floods the room, while the walls are adorned with an eclectic collection of colourful prints and artwork referencing local landmarks and topography. The result is a luxurious yet welcoming setting, perfect for memorable celebrations and gatherings.
Image - The Ivy Clifton Brasserie
Harvey Nichols
Located in central Bristol, Harvey Nichols offers one of the South West’s most luxurious shopping and dining experiences.
The venue’s second-floor bar and restaurant are available for exclusive hire, accommodating up to 70 guests for a seated dinner or 150 for a drinks reception.
From canapés and bowl food to sharing plates and formal dining, bespoke menus can be created using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The venue can also arrange AV equipment, bands, DJs and other entertainment to help bring your event to life.
Image - Harvey Nichols Second Floor Restaurant
Za Za Bazaar
Za Za Bazaar offers a vibrant, high-energy dining experience inspired by global street food markets.
With hundreds of dishes spanning cuisines from the Far East, India, the Americas, and Europe, it’s a true crowd-pleaser. As one of the largest restaurants in the UK, it can accommodate around 700 guests for exclusive hire—ideal for large-scale events where variety and atmosphere are key.
Image - Za Za Bazaar
The Ivy Bath
Located in the heart of Bath, The Ivy Bath Brasserie & Garden brings relaxed sophistication to private events.
The first floor is available for exclusive hire and includes the art deco-inspired Baldwin Room, a private bar, and a hidden al fresco roof terrace. The space can host up to 120 guests for a standing reception or 40 for a seated event.
Image - The Ivy Bath Brasserie
Racks
Racks Bar & Kitchen, part of the Clifton Hotel in Bristol, offers a range of flexible event spaces available for exclusive hire.
From indoor rooms to its outdoor terrace and pavilion—complete with a pergola and BBQ grills—it’s particularly well suited to al fresco dining and daytime events that transition into evening celebrations.
With capacity for up to 170 guests, the venue also offers free hire and bespoke menus tailored to each event.
Image - Racks
Bambalan
Known for its vibrant décor and panoramic city views, Bambalan is a standout venue in central Bristol. Its open-plan restaurant, with floor-to-ceiling windows, can host up to 250 guests, while the rooftop terrace accommodates an additional 150 during warmer months.
For full exclusive hire, the venue can welcome up to 400 guests. With Mediterranean-inspired menus and playful features like ping pong and foosball tables, it’s ideal for relaxed, social events with a competitive twist.
Image - Bambalan
The Raven & The Conspiracy
Tucked away in Bristol’s Old City, The Raven offers a truly unique setting, with The Conspiracy hidden upstairs.
This atmospheric space features its own private bar, rich and decadent interiors, and catering from its sister restaurant. With capacity for up to 120 guests—or 240 across the full venue—it’s perfect for those seeking something a little different.
Expect a touch of theatre, with décor inspired by magic and mystery, and even the occasional appearance from a tarot reader.
Image - The Raven
Circuit
One of Bristol’s newest and largest venues, Circuit opened in 2025 on the Harbourside. This expansive nightclub offers exclusive hire for up to 1,500 guests across three rooms, including an outdoor area, VIP balcony, and even a ball pit.
For large-scale, high-energy events, it’s one of the most impressive options in the city centre.
Image - Circuit
How can Visit West Convention Bureau help?
Each of these venues offers exclusive hire for a variety of different group sizes and needs.
The Visit West Convention Bureau provides impartial advice and can help you find the perfect venue for your event in Bristol, Bath and the surrounding region.
To speak to the team, contact events@visitwest.co.uk — they will be happy to help.
