Swindon & Wiltshire News
Bristol speakeasy Milk Thistle to reopen with spine-tingling event
Bristol speakeasy Milk Thistle is throwing open every floor of its hidden city-centre home this week, unveiling a bold new chapter under co-owners Jason Mead and Pete Lumber, founder and master distiller of The Spirit of Bristol.
The first stage of the transformation opens on Thursday 29 October, uniting cocktails, world-class spirits, live events and immersive drinks experiences across four distinct spaces in the Top 50-ranked bar.
The Parlour will serve signature cocktails, seasonal specials and expertly made classics, while The Lounge puts spirits front and centre.
It will be the only venue in Europe to stock every rum style from Bristol Classic Rum, alongside 250 whiskeys and, for the first time, selected draft beers.
Behind the safe door, The Vault offers a more intimate setting with bottle service and gin, rum, whisky, beer and Champagne packages.
At the top of the building, The Distillery — the permanent home of The Spirit of Bristol — will host private tastings and monthly open sessions.
To mark the reopening at the spookiest time of year, Milk Thistle will stage its first whole-house takeover, The House of Spirits, on Friday 30 October.
The Halloween event will feature roaming performances from Invisible Circus, curious characters and personal tarot readings.
Jason Mead, co-owner of Milk Thistle, said: “It’s been a long time since people have been able to experience the whole of Milk Thistle, so having every floor open again feels like a real moment for us.
“We wanted to come back with a bang, and four floors, the best selection of spirits in any Bristol bar and a new cocktail list designed carefully to suit the building and mood of the season.”
Pete Lumber, co-owner and Master Distiller of The Spirit of Bristol, said: “This is a dream come true, having a home for The Spirit of Bristol in one of the best cocktail bars in the world, and being able to give this incredible building the love it deserves to keep it at the top of its game for another two decades.
“We can’t wait to show everyone the spaces and throw a bit of a party to celebrate its new chapter.”
