This UK neighbourhood has been named one of the coolest on Earth — and it’s not in London

Arty and a bit rough around the edges – no, we aren’t talking about Shoreditch or Camden.

In fact, the UK’s coolest neighbourhood isn’t in London.

Keep heading west until you hit Bristol, and you’ll be in the right part of town.

Here is what you need to know.

Where is the UK’s coolest neighbourhood?

Bristol is home to the cultural quarter of Stokes Croft and St Paul’s, which, according to Time Out’s annual hot list, is the coolest neighbourhood in the UK – and the sixth in the entire world.

If, like us, you’ve been sleeping on this little independent hub of creativity, then stick around, because Metro.co.uk has compiled all of its greatest hits, must-see sites and local loved hot-spots.

From Banksy to boob pot workshops and the open-air Turbo Island complete with it’s own bonfire – not to mention The Big Issue’s Jeff – it’s a quirky hive of outrageous fun.

Turbo Island

In the heart of Bristol you’ll find the must-visit Turbo Island. It’s famous among locals and the best part is, there’s never a queue to get in.

Why? Well, it’s not a venue per say, more of a mecca for wayward souls or tourists looking for a night that seems like it’s right out of a cool teen coming-of-age film.

Simply put, it’s a stretch of tarmac located at the junction of Jamaica Street and Stokes Croft, which is home to the odd worn out sofa or mattress, maybe even an office chair with back support if you’re lucky.

Everyone is welcome at Turbo Island, and as such, it’s become a safe space for locals, including the homeless community, as well as tourists and creatives. There’s round-the-clock socialising with strangers who become friends, ready to engage in lively conversations, as you soak up the heat from the flames of the island’s iconic bonfire.

According to its own website, ‘it’s said that if the fire were ever to fade, it would mark the end of an era – a sign that the soul of Stokes Croft, with its unique energy and creativity, has been lost to the forces of change’.

Encased by walls of colourful graffiti, you can soak up the creativity andgaze up at the stars.

Banksy

The iconic – and elusive – street artist created his first wall mural in this very neighbourhood.

If you’re keen to see one of the famous artist’s works in person then Stokes Croft and St Paul’s is the place to go.

One of Banksy’s most famous paintings – Girl With Balloon – was actually taken from the area a London Gallery in September.

But on Jamaica Street, you’ll still find the first known large wall mural of Banksy’s titled The Mild Mild West.

The masterpiece appeared in the late nineties after heated clashes between the police and Bristol’s rave community.

It’s considered symbolic of the area – a neighbourhood that refuses to be conquered by commercialisation or the law.

Arts and crafts

If you’re the creative type, Stokes Croft and St Paul’s will be your playground.

Venture to Picton Lane and you’ll find Get Ya Pots Out in Terra Studio – a fun activity where you make ceramic jugs, in both senses of the word.

You can make mugs and pots with boobs on them and there’s also nothing like celebrating the female form in all its glory.

There’s also Pot Heads, another ceramic studio, where you can take a two hour class to make heads out of clay.

If you prefer thrifting for pre-loved and retro goods then head to one of the districts markets. Sadly, the popular Vintage Market closed after 8 years in 2022, but there’s some worthwhile alternatives popping up, such as the Bristol Vintage Clothing Pop Up.

Maybe you’re tying the knot soon and you don’t want to be a traditional bride? Well, there’s Rose Savage, an independent designer that will create yo a bespoke wedding dress with amazing alternative designs.

The whole area is home to a breadth of independent retailers where you’ll find clothing, antiques, art, furniture and more, so its well worth a mooch around.

Drinks and nightlife

For this we defer to our resident expert, Metro’s TV Editor Adam Miller, who has indulged in the debauchery and good vibes of Bristol’s ‘out out’ scene.

‘This area is notorious for its party scene and that party should always start with sinking at least one Pipedream cocktail at The Pipe And Slippers – they recommend no more than two at a time and having broken that rule I’d have to agree,’ he says.

‘It’s their take on a Zombie and includes: a shot of white rum, an Appleton Signature, pineapple juice, passion fruit syrup, lime juice, orange juice, grenadine, a Wray and Nephews and Absinth float.

‘That might sound like something a teenager would put together after raiding their parent’s alcohol cabinet but I can assure you it is actually delicious.’

It seems to be the place to go, with Adam assuring it’s always got ‘the best local DJs on the decks’.

Should you want to branch out to a club, just a few feet up the road is The Love Inn.

‘It’s a Bristol institution which has been a home to some of the biggest DJs n the world, remains one of the most inclusive clubs I’ve ever been to and is open til 4am on a Saturday,’ he adds.

Food

You’ll be pleased to know that big chain restaurants don’t rule the roost round these parts. In fact, in Stokes Croft, you’ll find a wealth of independent eateries.

Every cuisine you could think of is catered for. There’s Carribean Croft, Sri Lankan restaurant Nadu, Jamaica Street Stores and more.

If you’ve got a penchant for tapas then try Poco Tapas Bar which has been a cornerstone of the neighbourhood for over a decade, celebrating seasonal and sustainable food from local producers.

There’s even Baba Ganoush Kitchen which serves Middle Eastern food and, if the food tastes as good as the outside looks, then you’re in for a treat.

For a classic little cafe look no further that Cafe Kino – vegan community space. From burgers and breakfasts to cakes and coffees, there’s something for almost everyone.

There’s also the vibrant independent cafe The Bristolian on Picton Street which has gluten free options, along with smoothies, cakes and breakfast options.

It even provides a made-to-go service so you can enjoy breakfast in the park.

Honorable mentions

While your whistle-stop tour around the sixth coolest neighbourhood in the entire world may be complete, we’d be remiss not to leave you with some honourable mentions.

First up is The Big Issue’s Jeff. He’s apparently become somewhat of a local celebrity and is the city’s legendary Big Issue seller.

Branded an ‘all round friendly face’ he’s reportedly trying to obtain character references to fight his deportation and he’s lived in the UK for more than 20 years.

Loved by the city, he even has his own mural, so make sure to say hello if you see him about – apparently he favours a fist bump.

The farm in the middle of the city is also a cute little detour you can make. St Werburghs City Farm is great for kids and adults and you can expect to see some piggies and goats.

The urban oasis had been going strong for more than 40 years, so go and support it on your next visit.

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