Timbrell's Yard, Bradford-On-Avon

Upmarket joint on the waterside, not immediately obvious from the bridge. Plenty of coin has been spent here on the conversion, a combo of rustic and upmarket industrial over a long and narrow front-facer presumably converted from an old mill or store. There’s a reclaimed tile servery of interest but otherwise it’s a ‘multiple shades of grey’ interior and as you get your eye in the minimalist distressed look starts to grate a bit. The main selling point on a sunny day is the pleasant front garden. Four pumps with two cask on, Otter Bitter and a middling Kettlesmith Fault Line (NBSS 2.5) which didn't fully clear. Worth a shout on a sunny day – a bit more care in the cellar would elevate this a notch. 5.5

Almost 10 years since my last visit to Bradford-on-Avon, we were back in the town. Having paid for parking, I was looking forward to starting at Timbrell's Yard. Unfortunately, this place has become another victim of the Covid pandemic. They no longer allow drinkers, unless they are dining, as they have been unable to recruit enough staff. There did appear to be 3 real ales on and there were plenty of free tables, but the waitress "greeting" us could only tell us that they couldn't accommodate drinkers as they had too many tables booked for that evening. Even a swift half was not possible. I'll try again one day to see if their policies have changed, but for now it is advisable to book ahead if eating and to call ahead to check if casual drinkers are being re-admitted.

An imposing pub in the centre of Bradford-on-Avon, it was probably an old mill at one time and re-opened around a year ago having had considerable investment and an extensive refurbishment. It’s located immediately adjacent to the river, although this is not actually visible from the pub. A patio area at the front of the pub was a pleasant spot on a recent sunny afternoon visit. Décor wise it’s quite contemporary but in a rustic sort of way. The main bar area had a wood strip floor, further rough wooden boards mounted at a 45º angle behind the bar and driftwood style wooden boards mounted on the lower part of the walls. Befitting it’s riverside location, there were a few nautical touches such as thick ship’s ropes used as hand rails and a few oars fixed to the wall. A single very large table ran along in front of the white tiled bar counter, and the bench seating had a number of scatter cushions around. Beyond this towards the hotel reception was a massive stone fire-place with a wood burning stove and some comfy arm-chairs. The restaurant area at the front of the pub was a bright an airy room with a high vaulted ceiling and open kitchen. The menu was quite confusing and indeed there was some confusion from the bar staff in terms of whether the all-day bar menu or evening menu were currently in effect. Prices were considerably more than your normal pub grub, with many of the main courses nudging the £20 mark. I opted for the fish and chips with a coronation slaw, which was I suppose decent enough, but £14.50 seems a ridiculous price. A caramelised onion and driftwood tart with a choice of three salads was also well received, but again seemed expensive at £12, especially given the portion size. Beers on tap were Kettlesmith’s Faultline, Blindman’s Mine Beer, Cheddar’s Pot Holer and Gem. There also looked to be a few craft ales on keg, including something from Meantime. Ciders meanwhile were Orchard Pig Reveller and Honey & Daughter’s Midford cider served up from a barrel at the end of the bar. Drink prices too were expensive with an orange juice and lemonade and a shandy coming in at well over £8.

Timbrells Yard caters for all. Great food, rooms and craft drinks. Check out the inside: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mp5ubnoch4k