By Weronika Lecka, Sports Sub-Editor
The winter cold might be quickly sweeping through Bristol, but that also brings with it the return of the sports calendar.
As fans gear up for another season of sport, Epigram explores the best pubs to watch sport in Bristol - whether you're looking for atmosphere, free heating, or just that SkySports subscription that you don't want to pay for.
White Bear Social Club, Kingsdown
The White Bear is a Bristol Uni student classic, thanks to its proximity to campus on St Michael's Hill, its giant bar space that is perfect for society events, and its cheap drinks with a beer from £3.20. Not only that, but the White Bear often shows Premier League and England National League matches on its numerous huge screens around the pub, meaning students can always come to support their team after being in the library all day.
The White Harte, Park Street
The White Harte, located at the top of Park Street next to Wills Memorial Building, is not only the perfect place to quench your thirst after hiking up Park Street, but also is a haven for sports lovers.
The booths and screens all around the pub show lots of different live sports matches, from football and golf to rugby and NFL, streamed across Sky and BT Sport.
If your attention span is waning, it also has two pool tables, darts and karaoke on occasion to keep you entertained.
All Stars Sports Bar, Queens Road
With a perfect student location on Queens Road next to The Berkeley, the much loved J.D. Wetherspoons, and directly opposite Wills Memorial Building, All Stars Sports Bar is a sports fanatic's dream.
Two five-metre screens, one three-metre screen and over 40 TVs stream every sport that you would think of, with access to a multitude of streaming platforms including SkySports, BT Sport, ITV Sport, Canal+Sport, Fox Sports, BBC Sport and more.
Similar to The White Harte, All Stars has a wide range of entertainment available that can be booked out, including, nine ball tables, eight ball tables and snooker tables.
If watching all this sport makes you itch to try your hand, All Stars also host regular pool, snooker and darts events and recruits for the local leagues.
Although not advertised as a student location, All Stars has a multitude of discounts that make them very affordable, including an annual loyalty card, free entry, and discounts on specific days.
Steam, Clifton Down
A student-favourite for sports society events, Steam is also perfectly located on Whiteladies road next to Clifton Down shopping centre and station. It has large screens throughout the interior showing the Premier League football on SkySports and international rugby such as the Six Nations.
Steam also has an abundance of great deals and events, including Happy Hour and quiz nights to entertain you in the interim of games. It is the kind of pub that can sustain you through a binge of Super Sunday with its delicious handmade pizzas and selections of local and international beers and ales.
Green House, College Green
An option that might appeal to residents of City Centre accommodations, the Green House is located a stone's throw from College Green at the bottom of Park Street.
They show all kinds of sports, with all levels of football, rugby union, boxing and darts matches and tennis tournaments.
They also have pool, darts - and uniquely, beer pong - available to plat, alongside great offers on cocktails and food on specific nights, like Wing Wednesday or Tequila Tuesdays.
Walkabout , Corn Street
Located very close to Castle Park on Corn Street, Walkabout is another amazing pub for watching live sport in the centre of Bristol. The pub shows all kind of live football, from the Premier League to the Women's Super League, rugby union and league, F1, NFL and boxing.
There are multiple screens all around the pub, however their USP is undeniably the cinema-style projector screen near the back, which creates a fantastic atmosphere.
Similarly to Green House, Walkabout has great student discounts, such as a free drink for first-timers - the perfect lure to give it a try! They also organise events around the sporting calendar, with the next one scheduled for the F1 Grand Prix races.
The Royal Oak, Clifton
Giving Clifton a bit of love now, The Royal Oak is a cosy haven for sports lovers on The Mall, close to the infamous Coronation Tap.
Whilst the Royal Oak promises a more civilised evening than the Cori Tap, it has a brilliant atmosphere for the upcoming cold winter of sport, streaming any live sport that you could desire.
The downstairs is a regular pub and diner, but upstairs there are private rooms available to book with larger screens - perfect for societies or just die hard fans. The Royal Oak also beckons with its warming, traditional food and range of local beers.
Featured image: Epigram Weronika Lecka
Which pubs will you be frequenting this year?
