Armoury Tavern, Easton, Bristol

Now re-opened, this is a small, street corner boozer that despite it’s outward appearance has a has a surprisingly traditional pub interior with quite a genteel feel to it. At first we weren’t quite sure if it was open as all the windows have been obscured with heavy drape, or even blackout curtains, but fortunately it was. It’s a single room bar with the back end having dark wood panelling on the walls making it somewhat reminiscent of an old hotel drawing room. The ceiling has quite a sag to it in places, and there are plenty of old wooden beams. At one end there is a fireplace with an exposed brickwork chimney breast and elsewhere is a dart board and small TV set. High backed wooden pews provide the seating and the music choice was reggae, no doubt chosen by the dreadlocked landlord. One of the punters in a wide brimmed, cowboy style hat was wandering around handing out small lollipops. The solitary beer on tap was Doom Bar, and the only cider was Thatcher’s Gold.