Coates House, Bristol

Since my previous review this has changed hands a number of times, and had several name changes along the way as well, with nobody seeming to be able to make a success of it. Since then it has re-opened with yet another name change and the most extensive refurbishment so far (the new name is a nod to the former Coates cider factory that was based in Nailsea). The beer garden has gone and been replaced with a long extension to the pub which is used as a restaurant, with a semi-open kitchen beyond. There is still a small patio area at both the front and rear for alfresco drinking, and there are plans to open a roof terrace for the summer. In many ways it’s one of those all day cafe/bar type places as much as your regular pub, but there are nonetheless a good selection of beers on tap and I’m sure that it will be well used by drinkers as well as diners. The front part of the pub houses the bar counter and the more informal lounge area. This is fairly contemporary with a laminate wood floor, pale grey paintwork on much of the walls along with some khaki green wood panelling and a small amount of exposed brickwork as well as a couple of old fire-places. Various chests were dotted around as well as a few other bits and pieces, and there were a few old black and white portrait photographs on the walls, although it was not clear who these were. Seating in this area is perhaps a little limited, with a shelf and some bar stools running around the perimeter, a couple of tables and some Chesterfield arm chairs, but on both of our visits so far we have been unable to get a seat here. Once we ended up standing, the other time we sat at the rear as we were eating. The food menu offers something to suit most tastes such as mains, burgers, tapas and brunch (served until 10:00pm!). Most of the mains were somewhere around the £10 - £12 mark, and included options such as crumbed chicken fillet, chilli and pistachio salmon or steak and eggs. We were only there for breakfast and went for the “dirty one pan wonder” and eggs Benedict. Both were decent dishes and generous portions, and good value at around the £7 mark. Beers on tap were Bespoke’s Golden Rule, Cottage Brewing Figgy Pudding and Cheddar Ales Totty Pot. Ciders meanwhile were Stowford Press and Orchard Pig Explorer.

Official site of Coates House - www.coateshouse.co.uk

Official site of Coates House - www.coateshouse.co.uk