Bristol:
Unexpectedly nice for a Brewer’s Fayre, this is an old pub, and downstairs it’s traditional pub; there’s dining upstairs. Quite a nice atmosphere, considering, beer OK. Way, way better than a Brewer’s Fayre usually is.
Tag Archives: further afield
The Shakespeare Tavern
Bristol:
We were tired, and needed lunch, and this just hoved into view at exactly the right time as we crossed the river: everywhere the other side had been rammed, and here there were seats, decent food, and beer that wasn’t at all bad (considering it was Greene King). Friendly welcome too, and the pub is nicely traditional, so GK didn’t fuck this one up at all.
The Bag of Nails
Bristol:
A small, proper, traditional pub just a short walk from the centre of the city. There’s so much to like here- the atmosphere is laid back and friendly, there’s board games, and music that customers can choose from the stack of vinyl, that you can hear but talk comfortably over. The beer is an ever-changing mix of cask and keg, the cask being in great condition. No food, except crisps & pork pies.
Oh yes: there’s cats too. 14, apparently, of which we saw about 7 or 8. They wander about at times, but often just sleep contentedly in cardboard boxes on the bar top, happy to let customers and bar staff fuss them- and just to be clear, I’ve rarely seen cats more content or happy, despite the customers, and they’re free to come and go as they please.
So generally, it’s wonderful.
Winston’s Bar & Restaurant
Seaton:
Odd place this: outside looks like it might be slightly posh, inside it’s an odd-feeling place: first impressions are of an ordinary food-biased pub, after a while, it started to feel like a hotel bar in a hotel with coach parties, but that may have been the clientele- we were the youngest non-staff, despite being soundly middle-aged. Beer was fine though, staff were pleasant, the food looked good, and while there was karaoke on, you could still hold a conversation.
PJ’s Social Club Bar
Seaton:
Right on the seafront, and a striking building, this was a disappointment for us, but it seemed popular with the locals. The sign outside states “Bar and Restaurant”, but google has it as a social club, and that’s what it felt like to us, full of locals, with a raffle draw going on, noisily, and the decor was like that. The locals were friend;y enough, and the beer was fine, though.
The Malt House
Seaton:
Near to the Eyre Court, this was quite slick, modern food pub looking outside, and inside there was a a bit of Victoriana, and bit of old traditional pub, and a bit of modern food pub that didn’t quite sit right, but the staff were great, the beer was great too, and the food was decent and reasonably priced, so it seems churlish to complain about what was, realistically, a very nice pub.
The Eyre Court Hotel
Seaton:
It’s a hotel, but the bar feels like a pub, so it’s included, especially as this was our favourite Seaton hostelery- it feels more like pub-with-rooms than hotel- and I mean that as a complement- it’s a relaxed drinking environment, with a dining room behind (with excellent food), and an outside terrace. Great beer and staff, and good prices too.
The Vault Bar
Seaton, Devon:
We called in here a few times as we were staying nearby. It’s a nice place; traditional pub inside, some outside space on the Esplanade. No food, but plenty of places nearby for that. Real ale in good condition, reasonable prices, and friendly staff.
The Ferry Tap
South Queensferry:
Almost in the shadow of both the road and rail Firth of Forth crossings, South Queensferry is a peasant little place. Sadly, we were in the car, but found parking nearby and stopped for lunch. Food was a bit mixed; my burger was fine, but stymistress’s baguette was a bit below par. Real ale on offer, but not tried (due to presence of car), and a large slection of whisky. Pleasant, helpful staff, and nice, traditional interior only marred by the large TV (thankfully muted).
The Star and Garter Hotel
Linlithgow:
At one end of the main street. It’s a hotel, but the bar feels pub-like. It is a little modern and stripped out, but there’s a real fire and while there is food there’s a good area for just drinking. Good choice of beer including real ale, and pleasant staff. We returned another day for food, which was fine too.