I’m no stranger to enjoying a drink; in my humble opinion there is nothing better after a hard day’s work than whiling away an hour in your local boozer with a pint in your hand. I’m an ale drinker, not your uptight-CAMRA-scrutnising-every-drop ale drinker, but someone who simply appreciates local pubs and small independent breweries and the morsels they have to offer.
Bristol, fortunately for me, as well as being the best city in the South West (probably the best city in the UK, soz London and Manchester), has a wealth of fantastic pubs in the vicinity offering up a warm welcome and a tasty pint. I’ve been collecting the names of these pubs along with my workmate Lee, and collating them onto one beautiful Pinterest map of alcoholic wonderment.
And so it is without further ado that I present (in no particular order) some of my favourite pubs in the Bristol area, where in my experience the beer always tastes good and you can happily while away an hour or two.
1. The Seven Stars
I’ve started with the best. The Seven Stars is located next to the Fleece, just off Victoria Street, not far from Temple Meads. If you are waiting for a train, I suggest walking here – I challenge you not to miss your train! There is simply nowhere else better for a fantastic range of beautifully kept real ales. There is at least 6 (if not 8) on at any given time, and the landlord and bar staff really know their thing, offering genuine advice on which beer will suit your tastes and preferences. It’s not fancy by any means – it looks like it was last decorated in the 80s, but what does that matter when they are serving the nectar of the gods?
2. The Looking Glass
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This, unfortunately, has just closed. I’ve included it, nonetheless, to serve a purpose, and demonstrate how something wonderful and organic can grow from an empty building and someone with the balls to take on the challenge. The Looking Glass began life as a derelict pub just off Wine Street in the centre, which had been empty for years. It was taken over by some brilliant soul about a year ago, and blossomed into the most amazing pub and arts venue, serving a fantastic range of bottled beers, well kept real ales, and even had Wiper and True (the most delicious thing you will ever taste) on draught for a very modest price, unlike some establishments in the city! Unfortunately it has now gone, having been bought out by the Rummer, which it backs on to. Let’s hope it doesn’t change too much!
3. The Spotted Cow
The tidiest place to drink in Bedminster! The Spotted Cow is located at the far end (Dean Lane end) of North Street, a short stroll from the equally excellent Old Bookshop, Cocktails at No 63 and The Hare. What the Spotted Cow offers which the others don’t however, and the reason it made this list, is the vast beer garden which serves as a giant sun trap and the most perfect summer cider-drinking environment. When I’m here I’m usually drinking Gem, as it is the best of their small-but-perfectly-formed beer selection.
4. Bag O’Nails
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What doesn’t this pub have to offer? The owner and landlord, Luke, is one of the loveliest men you could chat to, and he is also the proud owner of two equally lovely cats, Malcolm and Beresford (and kittens, apparently!). Everything he serves is by traditional hand pump, meaning if you are a lager-lout, you will simply not enjoy what this pub has to offer. His attempt to go as far off the beaten track means that this pub is sitting in the beery wilderness, and boy is it fun out here. Don’t expect anything ordinary at this pub, and I assure you, you will most certainly not be disappointed.
5. The Hare on the Hill
This is in the tried-and-tested camp as one of a ever-growing chain of Bath Ales branded pubs. I have a fondness for Bath Ales; Gem is probably one of my favourite beers, and way way back in first year of uni we were lucky enough to go on a brewery tour which was one of the funnest things I have ever done (it made for a pretty interesting bus journey home!). The Hare on the Hill sits on top of Nine Tree Hill, just off Stokes Croft. It is small but cosy and offers a range of interesting ales alongside the Bath Ales classics. It also does ‘dude food’ (burgers, hot dogs) on the weekend, if that’s not a winning combo, I don’t know what is.
6. Hope and Anchor
Yet another pub on my list which earned its place by the merit of its beer garden. Who knew?! This place is hiding a little (re: massive) gem outside in a beatiful and sun-trapped beer garden, and just off the Triangle, no less. We’ve had a bad pint here before, but the last time we went we stuck to old favourites (Butcombe, Gem) and they were great. Apparently the cheesy chips are good too.
7. The Old Duke
This beaten up little boozer is a Bristolian institution, being on the radar as the best jazz pub in the west for generations. They have live music on every single day of the week, and a brilliantly fun open mic night on a Tuesday. The beer is kept well, and you can always guarantee a friendly chat with a local. For non-Bristolians, or those not in the know, it is located a short stroll from the Bristol Old Vic, just off Queens Square – just follow the sound of the music!
8. The Lansdown
This is up there as one of the best places to drink in Clifton (it sits tucked away just up from Bristol Uni student union), again on the merit of its garden. It’s a pretty spectacular thing to behold – not a lot of greenery but what it does have is a giant marquee covering the entire area, and heaters so powerful you have to remove your jacket in the middle of winter. The beers good too, and they sell fancy spirits and mixers should the evening turn in that direction.
9. The Green Man
This adorable tiny little pub was one of our locals when we used to live in Kingsdown; it’s tucked away at the back of the ‘rabbit warren’ (High Kingsdown estate) and not too far from the BRI. It really is small – think someone’s living room size – but is beautifully decorated, and the tiny bar houses an interesting range of very local beers, all really well kept. They also have a very tasty-looking menu; we haven’t eaten here but it’s on my list to do pretty soon!
10. The Farm
I cannot tell you how much I love this pub. We used to live up the top of Gloucester Road, and this place was about a 20 mins walk away in St Werburghs, right next to the city farm. You can’t miss it – the whole exterior has been painted with the most cheerful and vibrant farmyard scene, with a little picket fence surrounding the massive beer garden at the front. This is positively idyllic in the summer months; there really is nothing better than making a pilgrimage up to the Farm and sipping cider in the sun all day. There is something really peaceful about it, you would never guess you were in the city – being next to the farm you’re more likely to hear a sheep than a siren!
11. The Victoria
This is another fab pub in the Clifton area, and also has the benefit (as does the Green Man) of being owned by Dawkins, which are always synonymous with quality pubs, IMO. It is tucked away on a back street just of Whiteladies Road, right next door to the very fancy-looking Lido. Again, it isn’t the largest of pubs – we have had the misfortune of walking down for a cheeky pint on quiz night, it was packed! – but it sure is cosy. They have always known their stuff and are quick to recommend beer whenever we have visited. Plus, they have a range of bar snacks to rival none.
Yes I know there isn’t a nice neat-and-tidy 10, but that’s not how I roll. Plus, I culled a lot of good pubs from that list to whittle it down to my absolute minimum.
We have a strong drinking tradition in this country, and long may it continue. I would probably say drinking is one of my favourite past times, if we are allowed to admit such a thing. Unfortunately, because of the effects of the recession and other social factors, people just aren’t drinking out anymore, and these local pubs are suffering. There are other factors too, such as the rise in trendy ‘craft-ale’ brewhouses, but that’s another story which I will waffle on about at another time.
So go forth, AND DRINK (responsibly).
