Cotham Porter Stores, Kingsdown, Bristol

Pretty much as described by Blackthorn, below, this traditional town pub seemed a bit chaotic at first, but it turned out to be a friendly local with a bit of an emphasis on younger, less mainstream locals and the more extrovert students. Indeed, they offer discount to students but not to CAMRA members. The TV was mute, the gap in the soundscape filled with modern soft rock music. Ales on were Wickwar Bob and Hop Union Whakapapa, both in good condition. Real ciders were Harry’s Haymaker and Scrummage. Also available were Neck Oil and Gamma Ray from Beavertown, Moretti, Murphy’s, Orchard Thieves, Amstel, Heineken, Guinness and Brixton Coldharbour. Well worth a visit for their ale, and I’d include in a crawl.

Official site of Cotham Porter Stores - wickwarbrewing.com

Official site of Cotham Porter Stores - wickwarbrewing.com

Compact local boozer round the back of the university, comprising two small refurbished rooms. The front bar and rear seating area are separated by a large drawing in blackboard paint supposedly done by John Lennon in 1963. Apart from that, this is now a Wickwar house, with the regular Bob (£3.20) supplemented by Falling Star and the seasonal A Christmas Tall Tale.