Channings, Cliftonback to pub details please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
A large hotel conveniently situated midway between Whiteladies Road and Clifton village, this is a popular spot with students and on previous visits has always been quite busy, although on a recent Saturday evening was surprisingly quiet, especially as it was just at the start of the academic year. Although attached to a hotel, the pub has a quite separate identity, and does not feel like a typical hotel bar. There is a good sized garden at the front with plenty of tables, and this must be a prime spot in the warmer weather, especially in this part of town where outside seating is at a premium.
Inside it�s a single, L-shape room which is looking a little dated. Bizarrely a low false ceiling, or maybe even a mezzanine floor has been built. Once you�re in there it�s not too bad, but looking in from outside with the full height windows clearly showing it, it all looks rather odd. The flooring is mostly carpet with some mosaic tiling in the centre, and the walls were oak panelling. There were some more oak beams on the ceiling, along with what looked to be painted wallpaper. A couple of plasmas were showing sports channels, and there was a good selection of board games piled on a shelf. Seating arrangements were several high stools at the front, tables and chairs up the side, and some brown leatherette sofa�s on the window, at least one of which had a large rip across the cushion.
Beers on tap were Doom Bar and Butcombe. A third pump was not in use, although on the mirror behind the bar someone had written �more guest ales to come�. When that would be, or what they were, it didn�t say. The solitary cider was Strongbow, unfortunately.
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good pub , roomy with large garden . friendly bar staff .downside limited real ale doombar , and butcome .Audience , largely the Tarquin's and Christabels of Clifton
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what a shame to see gary and claire leave. Beer quality is not quite the same. but some great staff.
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New management are very friendly and welcoming, the beer is always in top condition and the landlord isn't affraid to take on new and local ales. Has quickly become my hideaway, yet to try the food but looks great coming out. The comedy nights are a hoot and the garden is a haven for sun lovers. Well done Gary & Claire, keep up your hard work, it is appreciated.
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stylish hotel and bar away from the chaos of park street and the pretentiousness of clifton "village".
Nice garden, good service and thankfully free of the prats that seem to monopolise most of the other bars in this part of town.
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I liked it a lot. Comfortable and welcoming. Just try not to be too disgruntled when they're still serving people after time at the bar and not you. Hotel guests aren't tied down by the rules apparently!
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Apart from the garden absolutely nothing to shout about. Either packed or empty. No atmosphere when empty at all and the new manager does nothing to help this, and thats putting it mildly. Roll on the summer as at least then the packed garden has something to offer and you can avoid the bar (and the staff!)
Im wondering where the previous manager went because her lovely staff obviously followed her. If anyone knows let me know.
anonymous - 13 Feb 2007 23:06 |
The main reason to go here is to sit outside, it's one of the horrifyingly few bars or pubs in Bristol with a nice garden. Other than that it's fine, without being excitingly good in any way.
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The garden is the real winner, perfect for a sunny afternoon, with plenty of tables available. Inside nice though a bit shabby, beer also decent if not amazing.
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A smart, comfortable and friendly pub in a victorian building. With a huge garden which is fantastic in the summer and the newly opened Pembroke bar which is open late at weekends and shows major sporting events and has a livelier atmosphere than the more sedate upstairs bar. Good food and excellent real ales.
Tia Mabbs - 21 Feb 2006 19:27 |
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