The Thunderbolt is a 150 capacity venue situated on the busy Bath Road in Totterdown. Since the owners took it over a couple of years ago it has undergone a massive transformation, and has very much earned its place within the Bristol music scene. It is difficult to imagine that this beautifully painted building with artfully created interiors and well furnished garden used to be a iniquitous dive frequented by the kind of people that you would go out of your way to avoid. These days the friendly staff are more accustomed to serving young families in the afternoons, particularly at the weekends when excellent food is in offer, and a devoted music crowd by night, when this local pub opens its doors to some heavyweight performers, often of international acclaim.
A good selection of fine ales and ciders at reasonable prices keep the locals coming back. Dave, the owner, is more partial to a glass of wine, and so there's a decent selection of wine by the glass or bottle as well. The place is run in a very hands-on fashion, lending the place a very definite fraternal feel, but is in no way exclusive. All-comers are made to feel very welcome in this genuinely relaxed and friendly pub where traditional values are preserved.
I called in fr a quick drink and a chat a week or so ago and noticed that Babel, my favourite Bristol band, are playing The Thunderbolt on the 15th May. Tickets are £5adv... a bargain! So, it looks like I'll be back pretty soon! read more