Mickey Zoggs, Bristol

Renamed since my previous visit, besides being a pub this is also now home to the Noods radio station and this was operating from a soundproofed booth in the corner of the pub, and the majority of the punters appeared to be involved with this. Décor wise it’s rather shabby and nondescript with some sort of wood strip on the floor and predominantly tatty cream paintwork on the walls, with some contrasting deep green in places and a paler khaki green around the bar counter. Dark blue wood panelling was on the lower part of the walls, and a few random bits and pieces were affixed to them including some pictures, a barometer, a stag’s head and various flyers. A projector screen in the main room was showing what looked to be an old black and white film from the 1920’s, whilst a smaller flat screen TV at the rear was not in use. The soundtrack though was presumably from the radio station, and was a very strange mix of electronic, techno and dance. The barmaid was friendly enough and was wearing something that appeared very similar to the Swedish national costume. Perhaps she was Swedish, I couldn’t quite place her accent. Unfortunately there were no real ales available, just Meantime Cutty Haze on keg. The solitary cider meanwhile was Cornish Orchards. Overall, this was a very strange, almost surreal experience. Not anywhere I’ll be rushing back to.

A pleasant pub in a somewhat unexpected location, it’s now almost back to it’s original name (it was the Surrey Wine Vaults) after a brief stint as the Bristol Cider House. Located just a couple of minutes walk from the Cabot Circus shopping centre, along with a couple of other nearby pubs it provides a much better alternatives to the bland, chain establishments available there. It’s split over two levels, although the upstairs room is invariably in darkness when I visit. I believe live music is staged on occasions, so perhaps that is where the bands go. The main bar downstairs is reasonably compact and has wooden boards on the floor along with black timberwork and a black iron staircase to the upper level. Paintwork was a mixture of cream, khaki green and aqua blue and there were a few arty black and white photos on the walls. Seating to the left was segmented in to booths with more black wooden partitioning. Beers on tap were Jurassic Portland and Arbor Triple Hop, whilst a third pump appeared unused. The cider on tap was Thatcher’s Gold, although this was somewhat past it’s best unfortunately and this was joined by Black Rat and Sampford Courtenay in boxes on the end of the bar.