Beneath an Indian restaurant isn't traditionally the first place you'd head for a great night out, but that's precisely where you'll find one of Bristol's coolest bars. Right at the top of Whiteladies Road opposite the Downs, Hausbar has long been a place to finish a night in style.
The original Bristol speakeasy bar, which you have to ring a doorbell to gain access to, is rather out on a limb – especially with plenty of cocky young upstarts now opening nearer the centre of town. But despite no longer being unique, Hausbar remains a venue for discerning drinkers.
Owner Aurelius Braunbarth grew up in his father’s Michelin-starred restaurant in Germany. On moving to Bristol, he created a bar that could be straight out of 'Cabaret' – just replace the singing, stockings and suspenders with a splendid collection of spirits.
In a dimly lit, long and thin room, the best place to sit is at the bar watching the bartenders at work making Hausbar’s signature mojito or an excellent martini.