The Hollow Tree, Bradley Stoke, Bristol

Originally The Bradley Stoke, this modern estate pub is part of a shopping centre in an urban sprawl with no character. The pub is currently operated by Marston’s. There’s an outside seating area which falls short of being a garden, while the car park is shared with other businesses. The staff were overworked, and waiting times to be served were long. There were two ales on, Hobgoblin and Pedigree, both in sub-optimal condition. I’ll leave this one to the locals.

A typical modern, purpose built pub on the edge of a small retail park, it has little in the way of any character, but does no doubt serve a purpose, and the patio area at the front and garden to the side is a pleasant enough sort of spot in the sunny weather. Inside it follows the familiar generic, identikit look and is no doubt identical to hundreds of other similar establishments up and down the country. Flooring is mostly carpet with some slate tiling around the bar area, whilst the paintwork is a mixture of dark grey and, oddly, bright green with cream wooden boards on much of the ceiling. Wooden partitions and shelving broke up the space somewhat, and many of these had various vases and such like displayed on them. A chimney breast built of slate tiles was at each end with an inset gas fire. A plasma was showing terrestrial TV, but the volume was muted so this was not too intrusive. The menu looked to be a mass produced, laminated affair and offered an extensive selection of pub grub food, divided in to sections such as burgers, grills, sharing and pies. Main courses included lasagne, chicken tikka masala, scampi, curry etc. All main courses are offered as part of a “2 for 1” deal at all times, which is one of my pet hates. Clearly the prices have been artificially inflated in the first place, with fish & chips at £12.20 being a good example of this. Despite five hand pumps on the bar, two were doubled up and two were unused, so the only beers on tap were Hobgoblin and Pedigree. Ciders fared slightly better with Thatcher’s Gold, Strongbow and Addlestones being available. Drinks prices seemed expensive with a small orange juice and lemonade coming in at £2.50.