The Blue Bowl, Bristol

Large attractive looking pub, on the main road just along from the lake. Good to see that it's back to it's proper name, it went through a phase a few years back of being called The Tickled Trout which I always thought was rather daft. The pub's a mix of several different areas, with a decent sized bar area at the front with a suitably “country pub” feel to it with some comfy leather sofa's, smaller bar area off to the right and a large restaurant area overlooking the garden. The garden itself is a good size, and a popular spot on a nice summer's day. Good choice on the menu, with quite a few specials on the board as well. Food was a bit of a mixed bag really – nothing particularly wrong with it, but nothing very memorable either. Portions were generous, but the meatballs and pasta came with a salad which seemed odd, and Mrs. Blackthorn was none too impressed with the garlic bread. Most of the mains hovered around the £9 and this seemed a bit expensive for the food that we got. Beers on this occasion were London Pride and Wickwar's BOB. I walked out of this pub many years ago as the only cider they had on was Strongbow – it was good to see that they took my objections on board, and they now have a wider, if slightly uninspiring choice, namely Blackthorn, Olde English, Gaymer's Original & Gaymer's Pear.

Official site of the Blue Bowl Inn, contains menus - www.thebluebowl.co.uk

Official site of the Blue Bowl Inn, contains menus - www.thebluebowl.co.uk