The Crown, Bristol

Facebook page of The Crown - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of The Crown - www.facebook.com

The layout and concept is as described by others, below, but either I’ve been very unlucky or the business itself is very flaky. On three separate occasions I’ve come here to get a pint, given that it’s the closest thing to a pub in the immediate area, only to find that whilst open, it has been unable to serve anything on draft. On my latest attempt there was a bank of keg supplemented by two clipped handpumps, but when I asked for a pint of Tribute, I was told that they were unable to dispense any draft beer, and if I wanted beer it would have to be bottled at a ridiculous mark-up. The staff were less than friendly, the manager caustic, there was no pub atmosphere, the whole event was a frustrating waste of time. I’m unlikely to try again given the number of alternative outlets nearby.

The Crown is a split-level pub with small seating areas at the front and stairs up to the bar area and more seating beyond. The L-shaped serving counter supports four handpumps that were drawing St Austell’s Tribute and Proper Job alongside a couple of Weston’s Rosie’s Pig Ciders. Premium keg is also available and the food menu consists mainly of pizza. The main demographic during my recent midweek evening visit seemed to be students who had all congregated in the rear seating area for a quiz. I wouldn’t go out of my way to revisit, but I do like a pint of Proper Job so would be tempted back in if passing.

Located down a narrow street round the side of the Corn Exchange, a very Dickensian approach. An appealing exterior gives way to a surprisingly large interior with a number of old rooms over a number of levels. Traditional alehouse decor with black tar wood floor, flock embossed wallpaper, burgundy/cream colour scheme and muted lighting but as mentioned below, perhaps less cosy that you might have hoped for. Perhaps unfortunately the atmosphere was spoilt by the screens showing TV sport on mute whilst music plodded away in the background, alongside the thud and clink of the pool table. A good range at the bar, six pumps with five ales; St Austell Proper Job, Black Sheep Bitter, Arbor Blue Sky Drinking, Bath Gem and Bath Prophecy (fair). Friels, Skreach and Knights cider on pump plus 3 others chalked on a board. It's a decent stop overall and does enough to warrant a visit if you’re in the area. 6.5