The Railway Inn, Bristol

Much as described by Blackthorn, we went into the public bar and found it unfriendly, unwelcoming and more like a village club than a local pub. The young barman definitely had an attitude about him, while the local lads were sullen, bordering on rude. The TV was mute, while dire 1970s pop music polluted the airwaves. There were two real ales on draft, Funky Monkey and Proper Drop from Frome, both past their best and not that enjoyable. There were 2 boxed ciders from Stan, which were a much better bet. Also available were Atlantic Pale Ale, Orchard Pig Reveller, 5 premium lagers and stuff from a cocktail fountain, which just sounds dire. Maybe we caught it on a bad day but it hasn’t inclined me to return.

In many ways this is a pub of two halves. Whilst many establishments have a separate lounge bar and public bar, here they are two wings of an L-shape building each presenting a different facade and with their own entrance. From the outside the lounge bar looks to be the quintessential attractive country pub with a few tables in the garden outside. The public bar looks to be more utilitarian facing on to the car park. Inside the separate themes continue. The public bar looks perhaps a little drab, but it’s not unpleasant. The floor’s carpeted, there’s drape curtains by the large dual aspect windows and the wood panelled bar has plenty of hops adjoining the facade above. There’s several sports photographs on the wall, a dart board in one corner, a wood burning stove, a plasma discreetly tucked away that was not in use, and a quiz machine and a juke box and a mixture of seating, much of it a mixture of high and low bar stools. It had a lively atmosphere and was busy with lots of locals on a recent Friday evening. The lounge bar is a much cosier affair with lower ceilings and sandy coloured walls with some light wood panelling, and a fireplace at one end. I didn’t try the food on this occasion, but a friend who lives in the village tells me it’s middle of the road, neither cheap nor expensive and good quality. They also have a small take-away menu and have live music occasionally. The landlady seemed friendly. Beers on this occasion were Butcombe, Doom Bar and Gem. Ciders were Thatcher’s Gold and Stowford Press.