The Apple

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!

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.