This is such a lovely spot for a pub, and The Old Duke has been here for absolutely ages. They share an outside courtyard with the Llandoger Trow opposite, and I found it so cute when I saw that they identified their pubs glasses by allocated paint spots at the bottom of the glasses. The Old Duke is a jazz pub, and they have so many nights on every week with different live acts. You get the feel of this immediately when you walk in, with all the posters and newspaper cuttings stuck to the walls. Unfortunately I've never managed to catch a live act here - I've seen them set up enough times though, but seem to have always had to rush off before the band starts! This pub is great to hang out, whether it is in the courtyard in the afternoon or sitting snugly inside at night. read more

The Old Duke - Pubs Near Me - Bristol, BST

This pub gets crowded, hot, and loud - but, with very good reason: everyone wants to be here. Located down on the waterfront just along from the Old Vic Theare, it's a classic old pub that has become legendary among jazz and live music fans. Named after Duke Ellington, the pub lives and breathes jazz music which is on offer every evening during the week and on Sunday lunchtimes. Take a trip here for the atmosphere; sit and gaze up at the ceiling papered with old concert posters, grab a drink from the extremely friendly bar staff, and hear some of the best toe-tapping blues and jazz around - free of charge. Crowds tend to spill out onto the cobbles of King Street during the interval, especially in the summer months. It's an absolute must-visit for any fan of jazz and old traditional pubs. You'll soon forget the fact that you're jammed shoulder-to-shoulder with a hundred other people all trying to get to the bar; the live music and atmosphere more than make up for that. read more

The Old Duke - Code Red, who play regularly at The Duke. - Pubs Near Me - Bristol, BST

The Old Duke is a jazz pub located close to the docks in the centre of town. A bit of a celebrity in the world of the pubs of Bristol, this is rightly a popular place where you'll find a crowd at the bar every evening. Almost every time I've been in there there's been live music. Plus, it's always been pretty good, I think (I don't know too much about jazz, so I'll tread cautiously here). Located on a bit of pedestrianised road by the docks, you can sit outside if you just want to chat, rather than see the performance. It's worth keeping in mind that this isn't an option when its wet or cold - don't expect a quiet beer inside the bar itself. Seating is at a premium, so don't go there expecting a drink sitting down either The staff are very jolly, which is pretty impressive given that they don't seem to get much let up in custom. The other thing that struck me were the walls, which are covered in odd knick knacks and posters. This makes the place feel like its got some history, which I like. All the character seems to come at a cost to the pockets, it's a pretty pricey pub, so maybe drink somewhere else then sip lemonade here whilst you enjoy the jazz. read more

The Old Duke - From their website - Pubs Near Me - Bristol, BST

An absolute must visit if you're in Bristol, this is a legendary place - local rumour has it that the Duke gets a mention in Treasure Island, way back in the late 19th century. Indeed, it's hard to believe that the place has changed much since back then; the interior is a cracking little traditional pub with a small stage in the corner where borderline decrepit musos (many of which look like they might have been around when Robert Louis Stevenson's tome was first published) play live music seven days a week. Dixie, ragtime and all that jazz are very much the favoured styles, but if you want something a bit different, get down there on a Sunday night when Eddie Martin plays some stunning electric blues. read more

This pub is as old as they come and has a rich history for being the place to go for great live music, especially if you love Jazz. They hold the annual Bristol jazz festival and you can enjoy live music most nights of the week. For years Eddie Martin has rocked the Sunday nights with his fantastic blues band and I can't recommend it enough! There is outdoor seating and in the summer months you struggle to find a bench with any space on and during the winter months you may struggle to even get through the door due to the popularity of this place. They have a great selection of ales and a few ciders too. Yes the decor is old and shabby, yes the place isn't very comfortable and yes the music is very loud...but for me that's everything I'd expect from an amazing music venue. read more

This is truly one of Bristol real gems. As well as a good selection of beers and ciders, there is a reason this place is packed to the rafters on the weekends, the live music, blues, jazz, soul and funk will have you dancing the night away. The bar staff are friendly, and always smiling, welcoming you in, old band posters decorate the ceiling, and the outdoor area is a real sun trap. Highly recommended. read more

The Old Duke - The bar - Pubs Near Me - Bristol, BST

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This pub/gig venue was nice enough, but not particularly cosy..although is very old fashioned place (the building is listed). The music was too loud too, but at least it wasn't jazz (as it often is apparently) Can't grumble though when faced with 4 real ales and a couple of ciders to boot! My Gem was a decent pint. read more

Jazz, blues, acoustic and open mic are just a few of the different nights you'll find at The Old Duke. While the music may change, one thing that remains the same is the convivial atmosphere of high spirits and low lighting. The bar is always crowded, there's never ever a seat...but that just provides more incentive to get down to the front and dance for the crowd. The walls are plastered with vintage posters advertising jazz and blues nights from long, long ago which lend the establishment real character. It has a kind of Louisiana blues den vibe, artfully transpanted onto Bristol's harbourside. The music, of course, differs in quality and it does depend what you're in to as to how much you'll enjoy any given evening. Nevertheless, there's nothing quite like The Old Duke in Bristol and it's a pretty safe bet for an unexpectedly fun night out soundtracked by some seriously good jazz. read more

A Bristol legend on the pub and music scenes, the Old Juke is at the heart of every King Street based party. The pub holds a jazz festival every summer and over a weekend (either in July or possibly August) and the street comes alive with stalling selling food, clothes and of course music. The stage is set against the Welshback and the list of performers includes local and national jazz, blues and soul bands and singers. The pub itself is full of characters with live music on six nights a week. The location means the pubs in this area are very popular for after work drinks and when you combine that with live music and you have a pub that is jam-packed most nights of the week. As a result it can get pretty hot and stuffy if you do find a seat so (weather permitting) I prefer sitting outside on the numerous picnic tables scattered between the pubs. From these seats you can catch the breeze while still listening to the music inside. read more

This place is absolutely brilliant, and what makes it more than anything else is its location and buzzing atmosphere every night of the week! The pub itself is pretty small and fairly standard, and they also put on some open mic nights here every now and again. Drinks prices are fairly average for pubs, and perhaps slightly on the higher end. The Old Duke is located right on the waterfront, surrounded by a few other vibrant and buzzing bars. It really does have the best atmosphere of any pub in Bristol in my opinion, especially in the summer months. The outside seating area is massive, and is sprawled across the cobbled streets - seating area is shared with the pub opposite the Llandoger - and it is always busy, and can't be beaten! I actually can't say anything bad about this place, and it gets five stars from me. Definitely pop along for some evening drinks any day of the week and you are guaranteed to have a good experience - especially if it's a warm or at least dry evening! read more

The Old Duke is one of the best small live music venues in Bristol. I'm sure that it won't come as any great surprise, but the chap that owns The Old Duke, is the same person that owns The Golden Lion up on Gloucester Road. I've been to see quite a few bands here, but the best night of all has to be when Shelanagig take to the stage. You can practically feel the floorboards swaying beneath your feet as the place erupts into one unholy mosh pit, (but a pretty respectful one... there's no chance of sustaining any bruises or broken bones!). The drinks prices are reasonable, and the look of the place is just how I like it.. no nonsense, trad English, with no frills, and no screens! Great! read more

The Old Duke is one of my favourite Bristol pubs. The bar staff are really lovely, the walls are covered with old yellowing jazz posters, and there are loads of seats outside for smokers and people watchers. It's right next to the river, the roads around there are cobbled and the houses are old, so the area is really beautiful and a great place for a night out. The music is excellent and energetic, and even the open mic night is a good standard, and worth going to even if you don't want to take part. If you do however, they give you a free drink to steady first time nerves! read more

It's all about the music...if you judge a place on the state of their toilets, then this isn't for you, however, if you love live music, particularly jazz and blues, this will be one of your favourite pubs in Bristol. Live, traditional, New Orleans inspired jazz are a few of the straplines, however it has broadened out a bit. You will find something happening at the Old Duke every night of the week, including open mic night, with legendary Eddie Martin the 'house speciality'. Not only a feast for the ears, you will be drawn to the 'vintage' posters ands photos adorning the walls. And you can escape outside and be wowed, just as much as the music lovers indoors, by the beautiful old cobbled stone street setting, with Tudor fascade of the Llandoger Trow next door. read more

This place has real charm. Known for it's spectacular live jazz, the place is always busy with like minded individuals. Outside the front of the pub is a pedestrianised area enclosed by a couple of other pubs - a great place to meet friends or new people for a drink and a chat. There is very often a band on in the Old Duke, and to accompany the music they sell great beers and ciders and crisps! If you're visiting Bristol, you must check this place out! read more

The Old Duke is a really good live music pub in the heart of Bristols pub land. Its right next to the King Bill and the Apple boat. It has alot of really good music nights, the staff are friendly and the alcohol flows freely. However it can be a bit of a haven for underage drinkers, so look out! read more

It's obvious from the other comments that this place is popular, especially for live music enthusiasts. However, I find The Old Duke grotty and uninspiring. Twice I have been here, and twice I have been served drinks in dirty glasses! Despite the smattering of jazz posters the décor feels tatty, and the ambience draughty. They don't even have a particularly wide selection of drinks to choose from if, like me, you prefer alcopops such as WKD. In its favour is obviously the music and there is ample seating space on the wall-side benches for a large group if you're there even from 7 p.m. on a weekday. No doubt this place will appeal to hippies and dandies. However, if you want a drink and a chat in comfortable surroundings then there are far nicer watering holes on King Street than this! read more

I like the Duke because it's what pubs used to be like before they desperately needed to become bars and, with so many bars already in Bristol, there's no need for it to change. Yes, it's got broken furniture. Yes, the toilets stink. Yes, you can't move on a friday or saturday night. Yes, the jazz is sometimes impossibly loud. But, it's got character. You can't buy character. It is never full of w*nkers, because they can't buy WKD in there. It's serves massive plates of good food. Always a good atmosphere. read more

This place is legendary and one of the longest running music venues in the city. It caters mostly for jazz enthusiasts, but you can expect to hear an eclectic mix if you go often enough. The pub itself is small so it can get very, very busy. And from my own personal experience, uncomfortably so. There are hundreds of jazz posters all over the walls, so you really get a sense of the history of the place as you're listening to the music, and despite the sophisticated crowd it is very raucous at times. This is by no means a criticism as the intimate nature of the pub itself helps make the atmosphere electric. They also have a great bar with some traditional local ciders on tap and a fairly decent selection of real ales. This place is a must if you're looking to experience the Bristol music scene in all its glory. read more

It can be hard to pick which pub to go to along this quaint little cobbled stretch of road. I say go to them all, but if you can't then the Old Duke should be top of the list. It has plenty of outdoor seating for either sunny afternoons or late night shenanegans. The pub is staffed by down to earth, slightly alternative folk and the crowd follows suit. They sell a good range of ales and ciders and do a good selection of fruit juices for the tee totallers or the drivers. Perhaps the best thing about the Old Duke, and the reason it is well known not only in Bristol but across the Westcountry is the annual Jazz festival which it hosts in the Summer. The whole street turns into one big party with beer tents, burger stalls and a big stage showcasing not just Jazz music but funk, folk and anything that gets you moving. This is an absolute must for music, beer and cider lovers, especially if it's sunny. read more

The Old Duke - Old Duke Bristol - Pubs Near Me - Bristol, BST

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Live jazz (in a variety of styles plus the odd bit of blues) and cider= win! I like the decor too. Seating is at a premium hence the 4 instead of 5stars. read more

A really good live music pub featuring Jazz and Blues acts. Its a comfortable old pub with friendly staff.

Its all about the music first. It's cosy and get's packed but as I am a music junkie I am always there for a pint or 4. You get some really great live acts there and I have been introduced to some new amazing music just by chance. if you love a bit of Jazz, Blue Grass and other forms of music then head down. read more

A Jazz bar which hosts the best local talent in live jazz music. There is inside and outside seating, so bring the kids along. There's music played every night and they serve local ciders and well poured guinness. Located near the harbour, this bar appeals to a broad selection of folks, from budding young jazz enthusiasts to the laid back proficient. Video link: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=TSacBTZApeY&feature=related read more

The Old Duke is one of the Stalwarts of Bristol's music and socialising scene. They play live jazz most nights of the week and although the pub always gets packed to the rafters, there's a great atmosphere and everyone dances along together! They've still kept the atmosphere of a traditional pub, which is a welcome change from all the faceless bars that Bristol now unfortunately has to offer. There are some tables outside too so you can take a breather and chat (you've got no chance of chatting to your mates while the music is playing, understandably!). The Old Duke is a great night out! read more

The Old Duke is great because it feels authentic and is one of the few places to have live jazz. The jazz is old style of course and the place packs out whenever anything is on. The inside is very grotty and the toilets are awful. In summer the location is fantastic as everyone can lounge around outside on the wooden tables. The location is great, the drinks are ok priced, the music is fabulous but try not to sit inside. I hear they have food as well although I've never tried it. An old couple told me once that Duke Ellington (after whom the pub is named) pulled up in a limousine one time and went in to see what it was about. He didn't play there but he did visit. read more

I'm glad to see the Old Duke in the top 3 pubs in Bristol. Every time I go there the atmosphere is incredible. It's impossible for people not to appreciate jazz and/or blues music and when it's live, just try resisting the urge to get up and dance with everybody! The customers are always in such a good mood and you often find yourself in conversation with strangers! The bar staff are also very friendly. The toilets could probably do with an update but that is my only con to this place, full of pros :) read more

Really great place to chill and have a drink. Can get quite busy and there is not much space in the actual bar area. However there is alot of room outside and often have good bands playing great music. The price is not too bad either. Its definately a hit or miss place. Either your going to hate it or your going to want to spend every night there. read more

The Old Duke is one of the finest local and central pubs that offer atmospheric jazz and blues music every night of the week. An authentic pub with an authentic West Country feel, The Old Duke is a pub where those of all ages can mingle, dance and talk. The Old Duke is infamous for its dedicated jazz and blues talent, showcased every evening, providing a perfect accompaniment to a glass of wine. The pub resembles an old tavern, with a very welcoming and homely vibe. Live bands can be heard from outside as you approach The Old Duke doors. This pub can become very crowded, especially towards the stage, as many people gather to listen to some of the best local music Bristol has on offer. Located down on the waterfront, The Old Duke has an exceptional location, and attracts young and older musicians alike. Outside The Old Duke there is a vast seating area, with benches and a chance to mingle with some of the friendliest people you will meet in Bristol. The interior design of The Old Duke is conducted in true pub tradition, with a modern twist by plastering old music sheets to the ceilings and some of the walls and doors. The pricing is very reasonable, and there is no entrance fee to watch any of the talented musicians. The bar staff circle the pub with a hat for any of those wanting to contribute to the band, of which drinkers always give plenty. This approach to music is unique in Bristol, and really feels more intimate and personal. The Old Duke is one of the finest pubs, and is ideal for those who enjoy pub atmospheres, interesting live music and a nice outdoor area by the waterfront. read more

Charming old Bristolian place, one of Bristol's original music venues- it's covered in jazz posters and live jazz bands regularly pack the place out. The food is typical pub style, my gripe is that they used to do great cheesy chips at lunchtime but seem to have stopped! Like many places in Bristol's Old Town, it's great for summer evening drinking. The cobbles of King Street really get buzzing, with drinkers from all the pubs mingling and waiting for nightfall to pile in to the Duke for some jazz! read more

Absolutely love this place. When I go out with everyone from work we always end up here. Great live music, great atmosphere, friendly staff and it's situated in the vicinity of a number of other great places to drink. The cobbled area outside is a great place to congregate and everyone is so friendly you inevitably end up chatting to random strangers. If you're on a night out in the Centre and you fancy listening to some live music and having a top night, this is the place to come too. read more

A friendly and lively venue. Certainly in the top 10 places to have a sociable drink, especially in the nice weather-with their harbourside location with plenty of seating outside. Have heard some awesome music there and met some lovely people. Well worth a visit or two. read more

Great Place! Used to go for lovely summer nights out here in 1987/89. Sit and drink beer, listen to Jazz between The Old Duke and the Llandogger Trow. read more

Great Pub let down by some of the staff. The staff have a clicky crowd of friends and hangers on.Although a few are great and enjoy the job.Also it is about time they employed a window cleaner.The up stairs windows are filthy.The Pub will tempt me in to the horrid City Centre of Bristol if only for the music. read more

I'm in bristol regularly with work and i'll come to the old duke at least once each visit. The staff are nice and there's music every night of the week. Last week i saw The Severn Jazzmen play and they were great. Luckily i'm back in two weeks when they play again :-) read more

Very good live music but it is a little bit stinky place

Brilliant jazz on a friday night. Whenever I've been there its been busy and had a good atmosphere. If you like live music would definately recommend it. read more

The pub windows up stairs were filthy for years.seems like the pub is now being cleaned up.some of the staff are surly and ignorant only interested in serving there friends.plastic glasses and a town pub feel on weekends.only good thing is the music.feels like they don't need your money.there sister pub is much nicer. read more

A Bit of a Bristol institution, and firmly at the heart of the music scene, but severely below par in terms of pubs and drinks. The Duke probably holds the trophy for being the dirtiest pub in Bristol with the worst beer. If you like "Jazz" then save the duke for the summer months when you can sit outside away from the smell, and buy better beer from the Llandogger Trow across the road. read more

at its best when it hosts live music. a traditional and historic blues pub that has seen many bands pass across its (cosy!) stage. great location on King's Street and shares a courtyard area will Bristol's oldet and most famous pub (the Llandoger). Together they make this area a must visit on a night out. read more