When it opened its doors in 2004, Zerodegrees was like nothing Bristol had seen before: an architecturally impressive bar, restaurant and microbrewery perched precariously in the steep space between Colston Street, Christmas Steps and Park Row. Boasting no less than three balconies, exposed metal around every corner and a main bar area with a surprisingly high ceiling, it took George Ferguson’s Tobacco Factory blueprint and twisted it into new, thrillingly modern shapes.
Eleven years on, the building may have lost a little of its’ shine, but the venue itself remains as popular as ever. While they’ve always put dining at the heart of their offering, it’s their beer range – brewed on-site in the first-floor microbrewery – that’s always proved a bigger draw for drinkers. Given that Bristol’s craft beer scene has expanded rapidly over the last decade, Zerodegrees was certainly ahead of the trend.
Their beer range is fairly eclectic, with a high quality, award-winning Pilsner being joined by an American style Pale Ale, Wheat Lager and Black Lager. Arguably best of all, though, is their seasonal Mango Beer, which is the kind of summer thirst-quencher that seems tailor made for boutique music festivals and lazy al fresco drinking.