There is nothing more Christmassy then sitting in front of a warm fire. Christmas would be rubbish without fireplaces; nowhere to hang stockings, no place for milk and cookies and it’s Santa’s only way in! Here are some of the best fireplaces in Bristol for indulging in that Christmas spirit.

The King William Pub, King Street
As you step off the cobbled street, there’s the choice of three fireplaces all roaring your welcome. This pub is spectacularly cosy with its wooden fireplace, surrounded by brass plates and gas lamps glowing with light. Wooden beams stripe the ceiling, making you feel that you have just stepped back in time to meet the ghosts of Christmas past.

The Rummer Hotel, All Saints Lane
The stone fireplace here is so big that Santa and his sled could shimmy down with no problem at all. Choose from their huge variety of whisky or rum, fall back into a great leather chair, breath in the burning wood, hear the Grandfather clock chime behind you and watch the candles drip beside the fire. Pure bliss.

Chief Trading Post Garden Centre, Oldland Common
This place is another world; one where bronzed statues become an everyday occurrence. Their cafe is delightful; sit on the devil-headed thrones next to the fire, grab a cuppa and toast your toes. Towering above you on the fireplace, sits a deer with other strange ornaments, perhaps potential presents for those quirky relatives.

The Full Moon, Stokes Croft
The red-brick fireplace crackles away, tempting you in with the smell of food and drink. The light wood, soft lighting and wooden pews bring a cheerful atmosphere that even scrooge himself couldn’t resist.

The Cadbury House, Montpelier
Very much like the Prancing Pony from The Lord of the Rings but now with a brand new paint job, the Cadbury invites all walks of life into its small abode. Warm your hands next to their fireplace and watch the buzz around you. Don’t worry, no ringwraiths with be found here.

Freya Morris
Photo: Ryan Mahle