The Beaufort Arms, Stoke Gifford, Bristol

As described below, the original village pub has been extended, and it has now lost all its character and become a modern estate pub. It has a large car park with an original parking scheme – Audis park with their wheels either side of the lines rather than between them. There is plenty of outside seating at the front and side, mainly wooden tables and bench seats. Previously a Harvester, it is now run by Ember Inns and has their trademark scent of stale beer and sweat as you enter through the door from the car park. The single large bar, presumably formed from original rooms whose supporting walls are replaced with concrete beams, is a pretty standard chain-style bar and dining room, has gaming machines and is mainly laid to table. There was an interesting line-up of ales: Pedigree, Landlord, Pride, Ember (ie Black Sheep) Pale Ale, Butcombe Original, Bath Gem, Old Hookey and Peerless Ice Breaker, while there was an Estrella hydrant on the bar in addition to the megakeg offerings. The beers were not outstanding in terms of quality, but drinkable nonetheless. Food was the usual fodder for the lipovorous, explaining the larger than average waistlines present. This one doesn’t light my fire.

Much extended village pub, now an Ember Inn, located opposite the green and just a short walk from Parkway station. Variety of seating / dining areas plus wooden benches outside. Total of eight beers from the 11 handpumps, ranging from the house Ember Pale Ale through a variety of styles from a range of national and smaller breweries, with the pick being the 5.5% Bad Co Dazed & Confused milk stout (priced, as with the other real ales, at a bargain £2.49 on a Monday). Much better than I was expecting.