The Bank Tavern, Bristol

A decent, traditional boozer in a small back alleyway in stark contrast to most of the other establishments nearby. There’s some outside seating which is a pleasant enough spot despite the 60’s office block towering over you. There was some bunting stretched from the corner of the pub to a tree and back again to the other corner which was draped with fairy lights. Inside it’s a smallish, single L-shape room with some black , rather threadbare, vinyl bench seating around the perimeter and a few chunky wooden tables. The shorter leg of the “L” is more open and used as a stage area for various bands. There was a solo guitarist there on a recent Thursday night which made conversation difficult and we retreated outside. Decor wise there is dark wood panelling covering most of the walls, with some flock wallpaper up above. There are a number of pictures dotted around including a couple of prints of enlarged bank notes which seems appropriate given the pub’s name. The flooring is old and well worn boards and there is a fireplace at one end which although it contained a burner full of logs this was festooned with fairly lights. Maybe it gets lit in the winter. Up above the bar was a selection of board games, and various chalk boards displayed information regarding Phobia of the Month, Universal True of the Month, Chemical Reaction of the Month and even more bizarrely Kitchen Utensil of the Month. Some unusual beers on tap which on this occasion were Bath Ales Dark Hare, Otley, Illusion and Auburn. Good choice of ciders as well with Janet’s Jungle Juice, Thatcher’s Gold, Thatcher’s Dry and Cheddar Valley.

We started off a Bristol Pub Crawl here a couple of weeks ago and an excellent choice it was. It has a bit of a trendy gastro look to it from the outside but inside you'll find a proper pub with a friendly welcome and some excellent beers.

Small back street city pub worth seeking out god real ale and food