Merchants Arms, Hotwells, Bristol

A small but popular Bath Ales pub on the one-way system approaching the Cumberland Basin, this is also a useful waiting point for the bus stops opposite. It’s divided in to two rooms, with a narrowish bar along the front of the pub, and a smaller square room at the rear. The front bar has quite a dark feel with dark wood paint on the ceilings and a mustard colour elsewhere. There are a few wooden booths, wood panelling on the bar, and dark wooden boards on the floor. A large number of beer mats adorn the walls, presumably showcasing ales that have been served in the past. A small TV was showing some sport, but there was no volume. The rear bar is quite tiny, with only room for four or five tables. There is a fire-place here and a selection of games, including a Connect 4 which Mrs. B always seems to beat me at. Quiz nights seem to be a popular feature, and a notice board documented other pub events such as brewery tours. Beers on tap were all from the owner’s stable, namely Gem, Spa and Barnsey, although a fourth pump for McMullan IPA had apparently run out. The solitary cider was Bath’s Bounders.