The Victoria Park, Bedminster, Bristol

Down an unassuming back street close to the eponymous park, this is a rather basic pub with a stripped back interior and impressive beer garden. You enter through a porch into the front seating area – a relatively smart space which extends a little to the left and offers basic tables and chairs in what is arguably the most pleasant indoor spot. The room runs to the rear down the right hand side, with the servery along the left hand wall in this part of the room. The bar has a modern, unattractive counter and white tile bar back, which gives the place a modern feel and the impression of having been lifted from a craft beer bar. The room has scuffed floorboards and a striking lilac colour scheme that is easier on the eye than you might think. Various sized tables with mismatched chairs fill the space opposite the bar, with an uncomfortable looking bench booth at the far end. Lots of brightly coloured modern paintings, mainly depicting seascapes or gardens, fill the wall space and the radio was playing during my stay, at a sensible volume. The pub’s main asset has to be its remarkable garden – a tiered affair set across at least six levels as the rear of the pub plunges down into the valley below. The top level affords some terrific views of the surrounding area and has a drinking ledge at the very top with high stools along it, ideal for you to take in the view over a pint or two. Picnic benches on decking , patio and grass can be found, in that order, as you descend through the garden – be prepared for a lung busting trek back to the bar if you decide to sit on the lowest level though. There were three beers on handpull when I arrived – Ringwood Razor Back, St Erik’s Midnight Sun and Fuller’s Fruit Loop. The latter set me back a rather pricey £4.30 but was in good nick and served to me by a friendly barmaid. I thought the character of this classic back street boozer had been lost somewhat to a modernised interior that felt a bit bland and featureless, but the amazing views from the garden more than compensated for this loss. It’s a shame that the beer prices were steeper than the garden path, as this could be a great summer destination venue – I enjoyed my visit and saw enough to make me consider popping back if in the area again.

Official site of The Victoria Park - www.thevictoriapark.co.uk

Official site of The Victoria Park - www.thevictoriapark.co.uk