Tucked away in a relatively residential area, the Hope & Anchor doesn't exactly advertise its…read morepresence. The fact that is has a diehard clientele of regulars testifies to a delightful locals' pub boasting a charming, candle-lit atmosphere and a large 'n' leafy outdoor seating area. The one and only downside is the extortionate prices of some of the drinks. I seem to remember a pint of Heineken clocking in at £3.90...thanks, but no thanks. The house wine selection is much better value at £12.50 and they seem to have put some effort into selecting decent bottles. I'd heard such great things about the food as well that I decided to sample a burger a couple of weeks ago. Freshly made with good quality meat, it was as good as I'd hope(d and anchored) for. (You'll have to forgive me for that)

Well known enough to have a rude rhyming nickname (I'll leave that to your imagination), the Hope…read moreand Anchor sits, looking slightly lonely, on Jacobs Wells Road at the base of Brandon Hill. It's neatly turned out with its gold lettering and wood panelling. Unfortunately there are prices too match, with the three pound barrier being broken a long time ago. Never dead but occasionally a touch too busy. A gastropub (what pubs aren't these days?), the food on offer is mostly traditional pub fare and is served quite late (available after nine when I went). Good sized portions and a particularly good sunday lunch service. There's a big focus on ales, with options changing all the time and plenty I hadn't seen before, again not fantastically cheap. Lovely beer garden though very much a smokers retreat until the summer months. The Hope and Anchor is a nice stop off before a hike over Brandon Hill or a good somewhere to get a filling meal.

Nice food pub, delicious mussels, lovely staff, cool interior, would recommend the oystersread more

This is a pub with a brilliant selection of drinks. They have a huge range of Whiskies (try the…read moreTalisker or Glenlivet) and rums. They have a local guest ale every week, usually over from Bath. They also have some really great beer & lager, like Fruli (strawberry beer) from Belgium and other white beers like Hoegaarden and Erdinger. I know the company who owns this venue are very conscious that each of their pubs or bars has its own identity that reflects its location, and this certainly does that. They are also very music conscious and you can often here some of the newest up and coming bands being circulated on their playlist. The old manager (Rich) did an amazing job of giving the place an eccentric, unique and bold style ('it's like a normal pub but frilly' some people have said). There's really interesting local art and one-off pieces of furniture everywhere. The Clifton really is perfect in the winter. You can snuggle up on one of the many sofas that stretch out into the huge back section of the pub and hide away from the miserable weather outside. The staff are always cool and fun. If you see Andy tell him to eat some dinner, he's too skinny. Make sure you try the chilli puffs & wasabi peas: the ultimate in bar snacking.

When visiting a new city you don't always know where to go. And apparently not making a reservation…read morea Saturday night in Bristol wasn't the best idea! After walking around for 20-30 mins and getting a few rejections we found Graze, which from the outside looks way to modern for my taste. But the closer we got the better we liked it (it has a statuette of a bull on top of the door - love it!!!) Anyways we got charcuterie as a starter with Aperol Spritz, which was delicious - really good meat! And nicely served! As a main cause we got a chicken roast and lamb chops, and a bottle of wine, they had a great wine card by the way! We both wanted to finish - but that wasn't possible - cause we also need room for a little dessert! It was a good evening! The service was really good, We loved the food, and the interior was very non British! (Win!) ;) I would have loved to try a Sunday roast at Graze! Next time for sure!

We came here following a recommendation from a friend who lives in Bristol. We went for a late…read morelunch after my husband's interview so wanted to celebrate it being over and enjoy some time together. This place was perfect. Because it was about 3pm by the time we got there, it was pretty quiet (only two other customers) but we quite liked that and despite being worried they might not be serving food since it was between lunch and dinner (and Valentines day which they were clearly getting ready for that evening) we were warmly welcomed and told we could sit anywhere. The whole place smelled like leather which I suppose might be off putting for some but I loved it. It was nice and bright with leather seating (hence the smell) and smart decor. We were brought a lunch menu as well as the a la carte and drinks. I decided to have a cocktail since we were officially on holiday now the interview was over ;) The cucumber collins (£6.50) was delicious! We also shared a 500ml carafe of pinot noir (£12) which was lovely. We ordered bread & olives (£3.50) to start which were very nice, I liked the addition of thyme to the butter. For our mains, Nik chose the burger which was tasty but a bit dry and could have had a bit more seasoning. The chips were fantastic! I opted for the duck leg confit with dauphinoise (£11.95) which was definitely the best choice - SO delicious and melt in the mouth duck with crispy skin. The jus was very tasty too and great for dipping Nik's chips! ;) I was surprised that Nik's burger cost more than my duck which was a decent size and mine definitely seemed better quality. £12.95 for a burger is pretty pricey too! When mine came I decided I needed some veg with it so ordered the winter greens which came quickly and smothered in butter. A bit too much really as I actually love kale & savoy cabbage (which is what came) and it was literally dripping in butter which wasn't needed and so not quite as healthy as expected but I enjoyed it all the same. Although, again it was quite expensive at £3.50 for a small bowl of cabbage. Considering how quiet the restaurant was (a few more customers had come in for drinks by the time we finished but no other diners), we had to sit with our empty plates for a VERY long time as the waitress was busy lighting candles and setting tables for dinner. She did seem to be the only member of staff at this point but we were ignored for a bit too long. Service was friendly throughout though and we soon got the bill and were thanked as we left. The toilets were clean and again, nicely decorated with nice touches like the lovely smelling White Company soap & hand lotion. We'd probably go back for another visit next time we're in Bristol.

With time to kill before a gig at the 02 Academy (previously the Carling Academy) I headed up Park…read moreStreet in search of somewhere to wet my whistle. With plenty of pubs and bars to choose from, it wasn't long before I stumbled across Bristol Ram. In a lot of ways, The Ram is a breath of fresh air on Park Street amongst the shiny, sexy bars and the garish, sleek clubs as it is just a regular, old fashioned pub. The service isn't particularly friend, and the atmosphere can be a little stale but they serve a descent pint at a reasonable price. I don't make a habit of coming to The Ram often, but if you're looking for a simple drink in simple surroundings - this is the place for you.

This pub is strange to me. I don't quite understand what their entire theme is; it isn't a…read moretraditional pub, and it isn't a flashy bar either. If they are trying to be somewhere in the middle, maybe it isn't portrayed very well. The food is pricey for what it is; for example a Pieminister pie that only costs £5 from the actual Pieminister shop not too far away costs £9.50 here, which I think is a complete rip off! There is live music here every Friday and Saturday evenings, which is always fully packed, but unfortunately the vibes here just aren't for me. This place is a big pub, suitable for those who want a pint when walking down Park Street, but I personally don't think I will come here again anytime soon.

Joe good. Hold in the Wall (HitW) good…read more Other bartenders bad. Other pubs bad. thank you

We came here on Father's Day during our vacation to the UK. They offered a special menu and we all…read morechose the Sunday Roast. It was a phenomenal meal with beautiful presentations. Each course was amazing and we felt so honored to be there. Our servers were friendly, helpful, and accommodating. We sat upstairs and enjoyed the quieter space. They also have dining downstairs and outside. The kitchen was on our level so the servers get plenty of exercise! I'd definitely return in a heart beat and would recommend you try it as well! Thanks, THITW!

So after visiting Tinto Lounge on Gloucester Rd. we were ok visiting the original place in North…read moreSt. But what a let down. Coming here on a Thursday mid afternoon we experienced the SLOWEST kitchen in all of Bristol. The burger was ok but the fries were not great; the tapas looked pretty burnt up to me; and my appetizing sounding lasagne was served on a plate swimming in liquid cheesy sauce. Despite the poor presentation and long wait to eat we carried on with or late lunch. Only when we were told there were no boxes or foil to wrap up food to take away did we realize this place was poorly run and had to complain. After talking with the manager some money was refunded. Was it the time of day or the staff in general that makes this place come off like the management are focused elsewhere? The limited number of power sockets could be a good thing, but for mobile office folks there are more convenient places to settle in. Summary: C-grade, could do better.

Lounge is the kind of place that looks and feels as though it's always been here. It's a seasoned…read moreprotagonist of the North Street rear guard that paved the way for the regeneration of the area, showing that it was possible for more upmarket establishments to thrive in this formerly dilapidated and neglected district. Having weathered the gentrification of the area it has proven to have lasting appeal in an increasingly faddy world. Even the recession doesn't appear to be putting too much of a dent in their popularity. Minor modifications keep things fresh, Tapas is now responsible for much of the food sales, where a few years ago it was bistro fare, and since the smoking ban, the back yard has been converted into a small enclosed garden. Lounge is the first in a long line of Lounges that have been replicated throughout the city, and more lately have gone national. New branches have recently opened in Reading and Plymouth. It is the only one of the Lounges that offers a private garden as well as outside seating along the pavement in front of the establishment.

The traditional pub is relaxed and friendly in the lovely location of Clifton. We were seated…read moreoutside in the heated marquee and I was a bit concerned we'd be chilly but it was really cosy and toasty in there. We were late for our booking and the staff were really nice and said the table's yours for as long as you want it, so don't worry. I had a tough decision to make between the beef and the lamb and the decider was whether they'd let me have a Yorkshire pudding - and they did! It also came with swede mash, red cabbage, green cabbage, carrots, roast potatoes and mint and cranberry jelly. You can pay for cauliflower cheese too so of course I went for that! The gravy is different depending on which meat you have, and that's a big tick for me - in the words of a Bristolian, proper job! The owners were in there getting stuck in with the work and the landlord was a real character. He said "the world needs more chaos" and he stood behind the bar (but the Sunday dining experience was far from chaotic and one of the most relaxed I've endured). We could see there was a projector and screen and I'd like to go back to watch a film out there. I think I suffered from a huge case of someone-bigged-this-up-too-much when visiting for an infamous Sunday roast yesterday. Everything was really lovely but I left feeling a bit disappointed and I can't put my finger on why.

This is my local and the best pub in Bristol. Fact. The Landlord makes the best Bloody Mary you…read morewill have ever tasted. They do my favourite Sunday roast in town (and there are plenty of great ones around) with sweet red cabbage, loads of juicy beef with horseradish and better roast potatoes than my Granny's (sorry Gran). And if you get there early enough they have every single Sunday paper for you to choose from (dam I have given away my secret). So you can sit reading the Sunday papers, drinking bitter (shandy) and eating an amazing roast dinner, followed up by their homemade desserts. I recommend the beef roast, but I've heard good things about the chicken. It is a popular pub for good reason, because that's just what it is, a very decent, honest pub with good food and drink and the best atmosphere around. They haven't had to become a Gastropub just to do great food; they just got a brilliant chef. You will always find a table outside; just make sure you huddle up under the heat lamps in the colder months. The garden is beautifully lit and you can smoke in it. But most people don't realise they have a huge area upstairs, where you can sit, eat, drink, sing & dance, which is usually a little bit warmer, unless this section is being used by local performers who put on shows here, which are open to the public. This is a pub unlike any other and an important part of Bristol's history, I would recommend it to anyone who wants to experience what a real pub should be like.

Clearly a popular restaurant and is successful in its own right. I wish I had caught it on one of…read morethose days. I ordered the French onion soup which had to sit so it could cool off (8min). The salmon and béarnaise sauce was a clever twist. Salmon wasn't perfect, veggies were on point. Service wasn't quite to the level that aligns with its prices and the large table to my right was loud, and disruptive. The server was preoccupied.

Loves everything about it. Restaurant provide serious service without taking themselves too…read moreseriously. Had anchovy flatbread. Excellent. Crab mayonnaise app which was solid. Someone else had fried calamari. Liked it. Calamari has no chewiness at all which makes me wonder why they fried it. Had some wonderful warm bread. For dinner (which I didn't need), had fish parmentier. Essentially some fish/seafood baked into a white wine/Gruyere/mashed potato concoction. Really tasty. For dessert their chocolate mousse was world class. Also tasted their creme caramel (flan). Excellent. Someone else had some chocolate fondant with ice cream (think molten lava cake in U.S.). Top notch. Everything was strong and the service was really good. Had some peppermint tea after dinner to top it. Absolutely worth it.

This pub evokes very old memories. My dad's local when I was growing up. Saturday afternoons were…read morespent accompanying him and joining two or three other men for a few hours as the only customers. There we would see, he with his beer and me with my Coke. Things were quiet, sometimes I got to play on the pinball machine. It's changed hands a few times since then and things have livened up a bit. Down in Clifton Wood it can be a bit difficult to find if you're not from round here. The students seem to have managed it though. They have moved away from the old men sitting stoically at a bar feel to a more convivial atmosphere. Innovations include fair lights and cooked food. Everything has got a bit friendlier and brighter and I'm not sure if I like it. It's still something of a locals pub and certainly much more down to earth than some of the gastropub places up in Clifton Village. The Lions taken steps to being a bit more of a pub for the whole family but hasn't gone too far, fortunately.

Just for the ability to bump into Bill Maryon and David Gilroy I will give this 3 rather than 4…read morestars but make up an extra one for having great food and beer, plus a playground next door. I think 4 stars is a decent return. Expect lots of parents of Hotwells School Children to be here most of late afternoon and early evening on a Friday. Proper community pub. Very recommended. Unless you drive there, which is not recommended.

This pub has a prime location on Bristol harbourside between a dinghy park and a housing estate…read more Probably as a result of this it's often busy, tourists and locals alike enjoying being able to sit out by the water, and you'll get a crowd of people spilling out of the front garden on a fine evening. It helps that it's a good pub too, though, I'm sure. I've come here a few times for the food. It's standard pub grub; fat chips and questionable side salads. You'll have to go and fetch your on knife and fork - it's not trying to be a gastropub. The food comes quickly and the servings are healthy, nonetheless. They're definitely a pub but they don't mess up doing food, basically. The Cottage is a good pub in a nice spot. Go for a walk round Bristol docks and stop here for lunch.

Another of the pubs located on the water in this area, the cottage is perhaps in the best position…read morecompared to the other two waterfront pubs. It's nicely tucked away around the corner from most of the traffic that speeds past on the dual carraigeway just across the water. With an excellent outdoor seating area, this is an ideal summers day haunt. They've recently been taken over by Butcombe brewery but still have a range of other bitters from the local Bristol Beer factory and bath ales. They've got a pretty standard menu, but they make no apologies for this - they're not trying to be something that they're not. It's hearty food at a good price nonetheless, and fits in well with it's Cottage theme.