Rocksalt is located at 34 Cotham Hill, Bristol, BS6 6LA — a quiet, residential part of north Bristol, roughly a mile from the city centre. It is an easy journey from most parts of the city, whether you are arriving by car, bus, or on foot. This guide covers everything you need to plan your visit.
The Address & What to Know Before You Go
Rocksalt Bristol is at 34 Cotham Hill, Bristol, BS6 6LA. The restaurant sits on Cotham Hill itself — a short, tree-lined street of independent businesses running between Whiteladies Road and Cotham Road South. It is easy to find on foot and straightforward to reach by bus.
The restaurant is open Tuesday to Sunday. Evening service runs from 5pm, with last orders at 10:45pm — later than most Bristol restaurants, making it a reliable choice for a post-cinema or post-event dinner. Reservations are recommended, particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Parking Near Rocksalt Bristol
Cotham Hill does not have its own dedicated car park, but there are several practical options within a short walk.
On-Street Parking
Cotham is covered by a Residents’ Parking Scheme (RPS), which operates Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. Outside those hours — including all evenings and weekends — on-street parking on Cotham Hill and the surrounding residential streets is free and generally available. For a weekday evening or weekend visit, street parking on Cotham Hill itself, Cotham Road South, or the surrounding side streets is often the simplest option.
Backfields Lane Car Park
Backfields Lane Car Park (BS2 8QP) is a Pay & Display car park located approximately a ten-minute walk from Rocksalt. It is a reliable option for those driving in from the east of the city. Charges apply — check current rates on arrival.
Whiteladies Road Area
The streets immediately off Whiteladies Road, which runs parallel to Cotham Hill a short distance to the west, often have on-street spaces available in the evening. The walk from Whiteladies Road to Rocksalt takes under five minutes.
Pre-Booking a Space
Apps such as JustPark and Parkopedia list private driveways and reserved spaces near Cotham Hill, often available from around £4–5 for an evening. Booking in advance through one of these apps is a good option on busy Friday and Saturday evenings when street spaces fill earlier.
Getting to Rocksalt by Bus
Cotham Hill is well served by Bristol’s bus network. The most direct route is the number 72, which connects Temple Meads Station with UWE Frenchay Campus, stopping directly on Cotham Hill in both directions. From Temple Meads, the journey takes approximately fifteen minutes. From the city centre, boarding on or near Whiteladies Road brings you within a two-minute walk of the restaurant.
The number 9 also serves Cotham and runs from the city centre. Both routes operate until late in the evening, making them a practical option for a night out without the need to drive.
For live departure times and journey planning, the First Bus app and the Traveline South West journey planner are the most reliable tools for Bristol bus services.
Walking & Cycling
Cotham Hill is an easy walk from several popular starting points across Bristol:
- From Whiteladies Road — 3 to 4 minutes on foot heading east along Cotham Hill
- From Clifton Down — approximately 10 minutes walking south through Redland
- From the university area (Tyndall’s Park) — around 12 minutes heading north on foot
- From Redland — 10 to 15 minutes depending on your starting point
Cotham Hill is a flat, well-lit street, making the walk straightforward at any time of evening. Bicycle parking is available on the street outside and on nearby roads.
Accessibility at Rocksalt
Rocksalt is located on the ground floor with level access from the street. The restaurant welcomes guests with mobility requirements and can accommodate wheelchairs and pushchairs. If you have specific accessibility requirements or would like to confirm arrangements before your visit, the team asks that you get in touch in advance when booking so they can ensure the best possible setup for your table.
You can view the Rocksalt menu in advance online, including all dietary labelling for vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and allergen information, so you can plan your order before you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there free parking near Rocksalt Bristol?
Yes. On-street parking on Cotham Hill and the surrounding residential streets is free outside of the Residents’ Parking Scheme hours, which operate Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm only. For evening and weekend visits, street parking in the area is generally free and usually available within a short walk of the restaurant.
Which bus goes to Cotham Hill Bristol?
The number 72 bus stops directly on Cotham Hill and runs between Temple Meads Station and UWE Frenchay Campus via the city centre. The number 9 also serves Cotham from the city centre. Both run into the evening, making them a practical choice for a night out.
How far is Rocksalt from Bristol city centre?
Rocksalt is located approximately one mile from Bristol city centre. By bus this takes around 10 to 15 minutes from the central stops. By car it is a straightforward drive north along Whiteladies Road or through Kingsdown and Cotham.
Is Rocksalt Bristol wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The restaurant is on the ground floor with level street access. Guests with specific mobility requirements are welcome to contact the restaurant when booking to confirm arrangements in advance.
What time does Rocksalt close?
Rocksalt takes last orders at 10:45pm, making it one of the later-closing restaurants on Cotham Hill. The restaurant is open Tuesday to Sunday from 5pm. You can check availability and Book a Table directly on the website.
Ready to Visit?
Whether you are driving in for a quiet dinner or hopping off the 72 for a Friday night out, Rocksalt is straightforward to reach from across Bristol. Book your table in advance to avoid disappointment, particularly on weekend evenings.
Reserve your table at Rocksalt — Book a Table