Last Updated on 14 January 2026 by Vanessa
Think cat cafés are the pinnacle of feline-themed hangouts? Think again! The “cat pub” is a new trend where you can kick back with your favorite beer and cuddle a bunch of cats.
The first-ever cat pub, Bag O’ Nails, has recently opened its doors in Bristol, South West England. While most cat cafés focus on providing coffee and cake, Bag O’ Nails takes it up a notch by offering a selection of beers and other drinks, making your feline-filled hangout a little more… spirited.
Introducing Bristol’s first-ever cat pub: Bag O’ Nails
The Bag O’ Nails pub in Bristol is nothing like a regular pub. Even before you go inside, you’ll probably spot a few cats curled up on the windowsill, giving you a hint of the cuteness inside.
A big sign lets you know dogs aren’t allowed because they have “pub kittens in training.”
Inside, cats are just doing their thing. One strolls along the bar, another curls up in an empty tonic box, and a couple more hang out on a bench and chair.
Related: Camden’s best-kept secret: The Old Eagle Pub and its adorable feline mascot.
Bag O’ Nails: just a pub… with cats
People often call Bag O’ Nails “Bristol’s Cat Pub,” but landlord Luke Daniels is quick to set the record straight. It’s a regular pub with cats, not a cat pub.
Unlike trendy cat cafés where the cats steal the spotlight, Luke says the real draw here is the pints, the vinyl record collection, and the board games. The cats just happen to live there.
Luke himself perfectly matches the vibe of the pub—outspoken, unique, very Bristol, and with a beard to rival his pub’s personality.
That personality even shows up on one of the columns, which sports a famous handwritten sign with rules like “Racists, etc. can just sod off!” and “If you don’t like Johnny Cash, shut up or go away.”
The pub also won “Beard Friendly Pub of the Year” in 2016—just one more reason it’s impossible not to love this place.
The pub cats
The Bag O’ Nails cat pub is home to a charming bunch of 15 cats.
Funny enough, every single one was born right in the pub. Their family tree goes back to Malcolm, a distinguished silver tabby, and Beresford, a black cat.
Their ancestry might not stretch far, but their personalities are a huge part of the pub’s charm. Malcolm, the nine-year-old patriarch, seems often completely unfazed if you try to get his attention.
Back in 2011, when Luke first took over, the pub was crawling with 24 cats, including six mischievous kittens. As much as he loved them, it got a bit too chaotic, so he found homes for some of them. All the cats are now spayed and neutered.
Related: Meet Lily, the beloved pub cat of Anglesea Arms in London.
Cat café vibe with pub flair
Luke jokingly complains that his pub might be better known for its cats than its beer.
It’s easy to see why people think that. Fifteen cats is a lot. The cats roam freely, doing their own thing.
Some love curling up on a guest’s lap and soaking up attention, while others couldn’t care less if you try to pet them.
The shy ones head upstairs, where Luke lives. This gives them a quiet spot to chill.
Oh, and the pub doesn’t serve food or have a kitchen, so it stays on the right side of health regulations.
Related: An afternoon at Shakespaw Cat Café in Stratford-Upon-Avon.
Responsible cat care and the RSPCA’s warnings
With the cats’ wellbeing in mind, the RSPCA warns that alcohol is dangerous for cats. Bag O’ Nails takes that warning seriously—no kitty drinks allowed.
Honestly, the cats wouldn’t touch alcohol anyway. But they’d do anything for a saucer of cat milk.
Related: Meet the cats who’ve made the Acqua Alta bookstore in Venice their playground.
Practical information
Address
Bag O’ Nails, 141 St George’s Rd, Hotwells, Bristol BS1 5UW, United Kingdom.
How to get there
The closest train station is Bristol Temple Meads, which is about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from the pub.
If you’re taking the bus, several stops are nearby. Cumberland Basin Stop B and Stop C are both just a short stroll from the pub.
Opening hours
- Monday: 04:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- Tuesday: 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- Wednesday: 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- Thursday: 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- Friday: 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- Saturday: 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- Sunday: 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Related: I tried Whiskers & Cream cat café in London—here’s what I thought.
Final thoughts
Even though Luke was a bit hesitant at first, word about Bristol’s Cat Pub has spread far and wide. People come from all over, drawn by the irresistible mix of whiskers and whisky. The cats have become a big part of the pub’s charm, making it a special place for anyone who loves good company—both two-legged and four-legged—and a great drink.
Have you visited a cat pub before? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Related: Top hotels in the UK with resident cats.
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Sources: Daily Mail and Telegraph
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