This ancient Bristol market place is one of the UK’s coolest neighbourhoods right now

All around the UK’s towns and cities, you’ll find cool pockets bursting with culture and community spirit. Nottingham has Beeston, Glasgow has Govanhill, Newcastle has Heaton, Belfast has the Cathedral Quarter. Those places are among the 11 neighbourhoods that made it onto Time Out’s list of the UK’s coolest for 2026. Over the last few weeks, we’ve been going through each postcode one by one to highlight just why it needs to be on your radar. Last but by no means least on the list is Bristol’s Old Market.

The locale is a short walk from Temple Meads station and has everything you could want: exceptional shopping, a plethora of cool cafes and restaurants and a solid set of venues supporting grassroots music, theatre and art. 

‘Old Market has been Bristol’s “gay village” since the 1990s and the likes of Bristol Bear Bar and Old Castle Green are still popular with the city’s queer community,’ said Time Out contributor and Bristol local Michal Grant. ‘But inclusivity is only part of the area’s charm, with dining tables spilling into the streets, guitar solos blaring from small music venues and an abundance of pubs.’

It’s where you’ll find a cluster of Bristol’s most exciting eateries, like Cali-Mexican joint Chido Wey, Japanese spot Tomo No Ramen and NYC-style vodka sauce pizza institution Gigi’s. Michal also recommends the homemade baklava at family-run Greek café Bean There Too, the lamb kofta at Middle Eastern restaurant Anaya and a pint at Wiper and True’s taproom. 

Old Market is also fizzing with cultural goings-on. There’s Old Market Assembly, which combines award-winning grub with drag and DJ nights, the Wardrobe for fringe theatre, and indie music venue Exchange, which has welcomed the 1975, Kneecap and Melvins in recent years. Go to the Ill Repute if you want to discover your new favourite band or drop by 17 Midland Road community space for exhibitions and events (it hosted Led By Donkeys’ first-ever exhibition in 2024). 

Plus, every April Old Market hosts Outer Town, a multi-venue festival celebrating independent music and DIY culture.  

Time Out’s guide to the coolest neighbourhoods in the UK right now.

ICYMI: This underrated British cathedral city is one of Expedia’s most trending destinations in the world for 2027. 

Plus: Four cities are competing to be crowned UK City of Culture 2029. 

Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out UK newsletter for the latest UK news and the best stuff happening across the country.