Ratepayers Arms, Filton, Bristol

A council owned pub, thought to be the only one of its kind, which feels exactly what it is – a bar in a community centre. The dated furniture, battered walls and industrial carpet give the single square bar the appearance of a 1970s NAAFI bar. It has a gaming machine, dartboard and a large tv screen, the latter switched off, music provided by local radio. There is, apparently, also a skittle alley and a function room, but these were not open. The outside is strewn with fag ends, the car park is shared with other elements of the leisure centre. The bar counter is a fairly amateurish pine-clad affair, and the staff, while pleasant, appear to be on some sort of work placement. A range of megakeg pumps adorn the bar, and there are 3 handpumps, two of them dry and unclipped. The one working pump had 6X on, not well kept and rather metallic in taste. There was also Thatchers Cheddar cider available. I don't see my rushing back.

Filton Town Council site, includes details about the Ratepayers Arms - www.filton-town-council.co.uk