Bristol is a city bursting with art, history and culture, so finding a fun meeting venue that stands out from the crowd can be tricky. Especially when there are plenty of unique spots to choose from.

And just because you’re talking work doesn’t mean your meetings should be sensible or stiff, either. Smaller businesses or fresh start ups need to inject some fun into the working week, particularly if they want to attract and retain Gen Z workers.

So, put down the marker pen and step away from the board room. Here are our top three picks for the quirkiest business meeting locations in Bristol:

1. SS Great Britain

Did you know that Brunel’s great ship, now sitting in Bristol’s Great Western Dockyard, was far and away the largest in the world when she was launched in 1843? That’s no small feat of engineering in our humble little city. And good news for you, SS Great Britain is home to some unique conference and meeting spaces, too.

According to the website, SS Great Britain and the surrounding spaces in the dockyard can host everything from small meetings to large conferences, all with state-of-the-art facilities. And to add a touch of time travel to your event, give your delegates a chance to listen in on past conversations, or join talks about the living conditions on board 160 years ago.

These little snippets give a flavour of what life was *really* like for passengers and workers back then. Educational stuff for your youngest crew members, who probably take their home comforts and connected tech for granted.

2. Hotel du Vin

Forget those run-of-the-mill, clinical hotel conference rooms. Why not choose a grade II-listed warehouse hotel instead? Better still (yes, the clue’s in the name) this centrally located spot boasts a true gastronomical twist.

Hotel du Vin’s meeting and conference space offers a range of fully equipped, characterful rooms for all group sizes. After you’re done with work, the hotel’s sommeliers can walk your delegates through a virtual tour of the world’s best vineyards.

Or to really wet their whistles, you could arrange an informal private wine tasting, too. Who says meetings need to be boring? Chin-chin.

3. Escape Hunt

Have you ever locked your staff up in a room for an hour? Yes, really.

For the ultimate in unconventional yet impressive business meetings in Bristol, Escape Hunt’s executive lounge and escape rooms are a top choice. Found on the Glass Walk level of Cabot Circus shopping centre, nestled between Pizza Express and Costa Coffee, the location couldn’t be easier to find for your attendees.

Escape Hunt’s lounge can be hired exclusively, and it comes with all the top-class facilities that ensure your event is both professional and fun. And you guessed it; the little quizzical touches are entirely in keeping with their immersive games — just enough to keep your staff engaged and amused, without causing too many distractions. Or to really put them through their paces, you could bolt on an hour’s escape room experience, too.

Oh, and with all the silly props thrown in, the insta-opportunities for your staff are endless.