Venues & Accommodation: What’s new in Bristol in 2021 and beyond

After an incredibly tough year for the industry, it's exciting to see an array of new event spaces, accommodation and experiences on the horizon for Bristol. From glamping beside an inland surf lake to the third largest arena in the UK, here’s our round-up of what’s to come in 2021 and beyond.   

Meeting and events venues

The Clayton Hotel (2022) 

The former Edward Everard printworks in the centre of Bristol – an impressive example of Art Nouveau architecture and one of Bristol’s most distinctive buildings – will become a four-star Clayton Hotel courtesy of the Dalata group. 

Built around 1900, the printworks closed in 1967, and later became part of a complex of offices built by NatWest bank – only the original façade remains. It’s said that William Morris had some of his wallpapers and textiles printed here, including his familiar Strawberry Thief design.

The new hotel will provide 255 rooms and extensive meetings space as part of a mixed-use development in the heart of the city. The building’s exuberant Grade II* listed and Doulton-tiled exterior will form the entrance to the hotel, which is expected to open in 2022. 

YTL Arena Bristol (2023)

The birthplace of the Brabazon aircraft and supersonic Concorde will be repurposed into the YTL Arena Complex. The venue will consist of three interlinked arenas’ including a multi-purpose, flexible hall with 11,000sqm flat floor space for exhibitions, trade shows and conventions. A 17,080-seat arena will make it the third largest arena in the UK. An exciting new development for Bristol, majorly increasing the city’s conference and events capacity.

Ashton Gate Sporting Quarter Development (Date to be confirmed)

Ashton Gate Stadium are planning a new development of a state-of-the-art 4,000 capacity sports and convention centre, adjacent to their existing venue, which is currently the largest conference centre in Bristol and the surrounding areas. The development will include a 4-star hotel and a new urban village development.

• Ashton Gate Stadium: Adapting and supporting the community

Incentive travel and groups

The Camp at the Wave: glamping for inland surfers (Easter 2021)

The Wave, the 180-metre inland surf lake, is opening new glamping safari tent accommodation this spring. Creating a tropical paradise vibe, the safari tents will sleep groups of up to 8 people with comfortable beds, a kitchenette, toilet and private balcony area. 

The Wave’s 40-acre site in Almondsbury, north of Bristol, includes a sensory wave garden with inland ‘cove’, activity areas, peaceful hideaways and wildflower meadows, as well as a café, street food stalls, changing facilities, accommodation and retail experience.

Using the latest wave-making technology, up to 1000 waves are generated per hour. Heights start at 50cm and peak at almost 2m, providing an accessible surfing adventure for everyone including young beginners, surfers with disabilities and professional surfers. Lead in price for a safari tent will be £125 per night and will vary by season. 

Image - The Camp at The Wave

Thornbury Castle (Renovations unveiled Spring 2021)

Once owned by King Henry VIII and Queen Mary I, Thornbury Castle Hotel is a South Gloucestershire treasure. It’s been closed for a full multi-million pound refurbishment, due to be unveiled in phases in early 2021. The South Wing with the lounge, library, restaurants, twelve bedchambers, reception and events areas is due to re-open in spring. The North Wing, which houses the Tudor Hall and remaining bedchambers, is due to re-open in May.

Many of the bedchambers have been renamed to recognise the key historical figures from the castle’s Tudor history, including Henry VIII Suite (the exact bedchamber where the King himself and Anne Boleyn stayed for 10 nights in 1535), Jane Seymour Suite and Catherine of Aragon Tower Suite. Available for exclusive hire.

Accommodation

Artists Residence (Feb/March 2021) 

Housed in a former boot factory, adjoined to a Grade I listed townhouse in Portland Square (between St Pauls and Cabot Circus shopping centre in the heart of the city), this new hotel is a continuum of the bohemian Artist Residence style – an eclectic fusion of art and vintage chic.

When founders Charlie and Justin Sainsbury acquired the Georgian building in 2015 it was on the ‘At Risk’ register making it their largest and most challenging project yet. Bristol’s Artist Residence will join four sister hotels in Brighton, Pimlico, Penzance and Oxfordshire when it opens with 23 gorgeous bedrooms (choose from Shoe Box, Boot Room, Factory Loft or a vast Merchant’s Suite), a neighbourhood hangout with café and bar, and a garden and events space. Rates from £120 per night (room only).   

Moxy (2021) 

Part of the Marriott group, Moxy Hotel is currently under construction in Bristol and set to open in 2021 (date to be confirmed). This will be a 160-room boutique, affordable hotel, conveniently located at the end of the M32 in St Pauls. Ideal for visitors looking to stay close to the city centre and Bristol Shopping Quarter with accessible travel routes nearby and the vibrant area of St Pauls to explore on its doorstep.   

Leonardo (2021)

Leonardo Hotels is set to open its 13^th hotel in the UK in 2021 (date to be confirmed), with 197 bedrooms and a meeting room. It’s aiming to be a green, low energy hotel situated near Temple Meads train station, convenient for visitors travelling from London (the journey now takes just 1 hour 17 minutes from London Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads, thanks to the new faster train route from GWR). 

Coming soon!
We are delighted to announce the upcoming opening of our first Leonardo Hotel in Bristol. We look forward to being a part of this great city and can’t wait to start welcoming guests soon. pic.twitter.com/DChBGD54bv

— Leonardo Bristol Glassfields (@LeonardoBristol) February 4, 2021

• Check out GWR's discounted delegate rail fares

Mollie’s Motel and Diner (Summer 2021) 

Designed by the renowned Soho House & Co group, Mollie’s Motel and Diner is on track to open in north Bristol/South Gloucestershire in summer 2021. With 123 rooms, an American-style diner and a drive-thru, Mollie’s Motel and Diner promises to be an affordable, stylish place to stay.

It’s conveniently located for meeting venues in north Bristol including Aerospace Bristol, The Wave and the hotly anticipated YTL Arena. This will be the second Mollie’s Motel and Diner, the first in Oxfordshire having already featured in The Times’ Best Places to Stay.  

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