About BITSBITS (Bar in the Sun) Logo

Hi there!

BITS (Bar in the Sun) is a personal project born in Liverpool, out of a simple desire: to make it easier to find the perfect outdoor spot to enjoy a drink or a bite to eat, no matter the time of day or the (often unpredictable!) British weather.

I often found myself wondering which pubs or bars were currently bathed in sunshine or offering a welcome bit of shade. That's where the idea for BITS sparked - to take the guesswork out of finding those ideal venues.

A Little About Me (The Creator):

I'm David Parrish, a software engineer who moved to Liverpool for university and, like many, fell in love with the city and its vibrant social scene. BITS is a personal project, built in my spare time, driven by my own experiences and a desire to create something useful for the community. The recent increase in users has been incredibly encouraging, and I'm constantly working on improving BITS and adding new features.

What does BITS do?

BITS helps you seamlessly discover bars, pubs, restaurants, and other venues, providing you with real-time information on whether they are currently in the sun or offering shade. We aim to give you a sense of how long those conditions might last, helping you plan your visit just right.

More than just sun and shade:

While our name hints at our sunny focus, BITS is also about making the most of any outdoor experience. We help you find the perfect spot to enjoy the fresh air, whether you're seeking sunshine or a cool escape.

Our AI-Powered Planner:

For those who like to plan ahead or are looking for a curated day out, BITS also features an AI-powered planner. This tool can generate a route of venues based on your preferences, taking into account factors like sunshine, shade, and location, helping you create the perfect outdoor adventure. You can find the planner here.

Why BITS?

  • Takes the Guesswork Out: No more wandering around hoping to stumble upon a sunny beer garden or a shaded patio.
  • Real-Time Information: Get a sense of the current sun and shade conditions.
  • Plan Your Day: Our AI planner helps you create seamless outdoor routes.
  • Supports Local Businesses: Discover a wide range of fantastic venues.
  • It's a Passion Project: BITS is built with care and a genuine love for enjoying the outdoors in good company.

Keeping BITS Free:

My aim is to always keep BITS free for everyone to use. However, as the app has grown, so have the running costs. If you appreciate BITS and would like to support its ongoing development and maintenance, you can contribute via my Buy Me a Coffee page. Every little bit helps!

Thank you for using BITS! I hope it helps you find your perfect spot in the sun (or shade)!

Cheers 🥂,
David Parrish
Creator of BITS