The Hatchet Inn, Bristol

Located in a quiet street to the rear of the Hippodrome area, this claims to be Bristol's oldest pub (circa C17th) though despite the impressive Tudor(esque?) exterior and rambling interior only a smattering of features really provide the promised ambience. There seems to be an alternative vibe here, with clientele veering towards the rock/emo crowd. ‘Welcome all’ it says on the door but I rather felt like I was intruding on certain punters, the people who had a particular section of the pub to themselves were obviously unhappy that I’d decided to take a vacant table there (the temerity!). There are various interesting things dotted around, such as an old cigarette machine and a high-ceilinged rear room with various Bristolania wall art (reproductions of a medieval map of ‘Bristow’ and a shipping adverts). This rear room leads to a sun-trap courtyard garden. Two ales available, Doom Bar (£1.60 a half) and Courage Best served by a perfunctory barman; my Doom Bar was pretty ropey and I decided to cut my losses 2/3 of the way down the glass. Given the pubs’ age there are various tales recounted including the faintly ludicrous yarn of human flesh being present under the layers of tar on the front door. This place should really do better given its location and backstory. Could be a destination pub waiting to happen…?