FAQs About Visiting and Booking The Forge

Booking Enquiry

General Information

  • We host weddings, private parties, business meetings, photoshoots and filming, launches, workshops, day parties, baby showers and hen parties.

    The Forge is a flexible space that can be adapted to suit a wide range of events. We also have an additional space available to hire, offering even more options for your celebration or gathering.

    You can find out more about private hire here.

  • To begin your booking enquiry, simply fill out our enquiry form with your event details, preferred dates and any important information.

    We’ll review your request and get back to you within 48hrs.

  • Weddings : 40 seated | 70 standing

    Parties : Up to 70 standing

    Private Dining : 24 - 40

    Business Meetings : Up to 24

    Theatre Style : Up to 40

    Kitchen Studio : Varied

  • Viewings are available by appointment if you'd like to see the space in person. We’re also happy to share images, floorplans, or answer any questions to help you get a feel for the venue remotely.

  • The Forge, Colston Yard, off Colston Street, Bristol, BS1 5BD

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    We can be tricky to find so look for the lane between the Bike Workshop and Blaze at the top of Colston street

  • The Forge is open by appointment only. We’re available for pre-booked events and scheduled viewings.

    If you'd like to arrange a visit or have questions, please get in touch in advance.

  • The venue offers level access on the ground floor, including convenient access to standard toilet facilities. However, we do not currently have a fully accessible toilet on-site.

    If you’d like to visit the space in advance or discuss specific access needs, please feel free to contact us.

  • The yard at the front of the building has limited access and is primarily used for loading and drop-off. We recommend guests use nearby public parking such as Trenchard Street Car Park or local on-street parking.

  • We have space directly outside the building under our awnings, onto the private mews road. Guests often step out here during events, but as it’s shared with neighbouring businesses we ask everyone to be mindful of noise and to stay close to the front of the venue.

  • We request 50% of the venue hire as your deposit due upon booking. The remaining balance is due one month prior to your event, paid via bank transfer. Bar tabs can be paid on the day of the event using a card. 

  • No — The Forge is a card-only venue and we do not accept cash payments.

Weddings & Parties

  • Yes, live music and DJs are welcome at The Forge. To ensure the best experience for you and consideration for our surroundings, we have specific sound and timing guidelines in place. We’ll provide full details when you enquire or confirm your booking.

  • Yes - we have a great partner suppliers list including DJ’s & bands.

  • Yes — we love seeing the space personalised for each event. You’re very welcome to bring your own décor and florals. We just ask that nothing is fixed to walls, floors or surfaces in a way that could cause damage.

    All decorations must be removed at the end of your hire.

  • Access times for styling and set-up will be agreed in advance and will be within your hire period. We’ll confirm all timings with you prior to your event.

  • Yes we have a selection table and chairs that can be arranged as needed for your event.

  • Absolutely! We have a selection of real wedding photos in our gallery so you can see how couples have used The Forge.

  • Yes — you’re very welcome to use your own florist. We do have a selection of recommended florists we regularly work with and are happy to share their details if helpful.

    If you’re bringing in your own supplier, we simply ask that they liaise with us in advance regarding access and set-up times.

  • We provide tealights but additional candles are welcome as long as they are fully enclosed within glass cylinders. Open flames and freestanding candles are not permitted.

  • Confetti is not permitted inside the venue. Natural, biodegradable confetti may be used outside the building.

  • Smoke machines, dry ice and similar special effects are not permitted

  • We have a small selection of décor items available to hire, including napkins, candle holders, dinner candles and vases. Please get in touch for details and availability, and we’ll be happy to share what’s currently in stock.

  • Seated Dining : 40 Guests

    Standing Party : 70 Guests

  • 70 guests

  • The Forge is not licensed for legal wedding ceremonies. Many couples choose a celebrant-led ceremony in the space or opt to have the legal part at the registry office before celebrating with us.

  • Yes — we offer in-house catering and also work with a selection of approved partner caterers. Once your booking is confirmed, we’ll share our curated list of options so you can choose the style that best suits your event.

  • You’re welcome to provide your own cold buffet or nibbles for your event.

    For anything more substantial, external catering, or use of the kitchen facilities, please speak to us in advance. Full details are outlined in our terms and conditions.

  • We stock small batch beers, spirits, bubbles and wines from some of our favourite Bristol independents and we offer seasonal cocktails.

  • We are a licensed bar and don’t allow guests to bring their own drinks however if you have a special bottle of bubbly you’d like us to serve we’re happy to accommodate this, corkage fees apply.

Business & Corporate

  • The Forge is available for meetings, workshops, pitches, away days, presentations and informal gatherings for groups of colleagues or clients.

  • You can enquire or request a viewing through the booking form and our team will confirm availability and options for your preferred date.

  • The layout is flexible and can be arranged in boardroom, classroom, theatre or standing formats. See our Meeting Rooms website page for full capacity details.

  • Yes — we can provide refreshments throughout the day including tea, coffee, juice, water, biscuits, pastries and lunch options either in house or with local partners.

  • The venue includes a wall-mounted projector and screen, whiteboard and flip chart with pens, sound system and breakout areas.

  • Yes — high speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the venue as part of your hire.

  • Yes, we’d be delighted to show you around. You can book a viewing directly via our online calendar.

  • Access times for setup and breakout requirements can be arranged in advance — just let us know what you need.

  • Yes you can find more information on our rooms here.

  • Yes, The Forge is well suited to client entertainment and social business events. The space works beautifully for cocktail receptions, after work networking and more informal gatherings.

  • Yes, our licensed bar can be made available after your meeting, offering a relaxed space for post-event drinks - just let us know in advance if you’d like after work drinks!

  • Yes, we host Christmas parties at The Forge! The space can be tailored to suit your group, with catering and drinks options available. Find out more about our festive packages

Film & Photography

  • Yes — The Forge is available for photography, filming and creative projects. You can find more information about the space on our Photoshoots & Filming page

  • Please complete our enquiry form with a few details about your project and preferred dates, and we’ll get back to you with availability. You can also view our Film & Photography brochure for more information about the space and facilities.

  • Yes — you’re welcome to arrange a visit or recce before confirming your booking. You can book a viewing here or alternatively get in touch with a couple of preferred dates and we’ll confirm availability.

  • The space works well for editorial shoots, brand campaigns, product photography, food styling and small-scale filming.

  • Yes — the space benefits from large industrial windows and roof lights, providing plenty of natural light throughout the day.

  • Yes — The Kitchen Studio can be hired alongside the main space and works well for food shoots, additional filming locations or as a green room.

  • Yes — The Forge works well for small to medium sized crews and equipment setups. Please get in touch with details of your production so we can advise on the best setup.

  • Yes — there is single phase power throughout the building with multiple sockets available for lighting and equipment.

  • The Forge is set back from the main street and is generally a quiet space, which works well for filming.

  • Yes — there is access to the yard at the front of the building for unloading equipment. As access is one-way and can be busy, we ask that loading times are arranged with us in advance. There is parking for one vehicle only - alternative parking info can be found here.

  • Sometimes — depending on availability we can accommodate short notice shoots. Please get in touch with your preferred dates and a brief outline of the project.

  • Yes — we can arrange refreshments and simple catering for crews during shoot days. Please ask for details when enquiring.