Royal Oak, Clifton Village, Bristol

The layout remains as described by Blackthorn, though our experience was probably more pleasant than his as the bar wasn't too crowded during our afternoon visit. The barman was a bit dense, and the pub lacked any real character, but the ales were in good condition and there was plenty of room to sit and relax. The TV was showing live tennis. Ales on were Joy of Sesh, Warwick's BOB, Wiper and True Pale Ale and Bristol's My Citra Romance. The keg range included Guinness, Amstel and Inch's Cider. Food and drink prices were low for the area, so it was better value than many other nearby outlets. I'd be happy to come back in for a pint of two if passing.

Recently re-opened after a somewhat chequered history of late, this closed as a pub a few years ago and then went through spells as a couple of short-lived restaurants, so it’s good to see it now back to being a proper pub. Unfortunately, that’s where the good news ends though. Whereas before it was quite a traditional pub with some character, now it’s been completely stripped out and modernised and feels distinctly lacking in any character whatsoever. It's a good-sized pub split over a couple of different levels, as well as a further lounge and restaurant upstairs, although we did not investigate this. Décor wise there is much pale wood strip on the floor as well as some chequered tile style lino at the front. Paintwork is a mixture of salmon, aqua blue and pale blue whilst there were also some rough wooden planks affixed to the wall in places. Seating was a mixture of brown leather banquette seating affixed to the walls and high chunky wooden chairs elsewhere. Various reproduction period photographs were dotted around the walls, but these were rather overshadowed by multiple large TV screens showing various sports channels. The acoustics also seemed particularly noisy, even though it was relatively quiet on our Thursday evening visit. I hate to think what it must be like when it’s busy. Beers on tap were Star and Bob from Wickwar and Butcombe Gold, whilst a fourth pump appeared to have run out. Ciders meanwhile were Inch’s Medium, Old Mout Berry & Cherry and Blackthorn. Overall, whilst it’s good to see this back to being a proper pub, I was quite disappointed with it and would be unlikely to return with far better options just a stone’s throw away.

Official site of Royal Oak - cliftonroyaloak.com

Official site of Royal Oak - cliftonroyaloak.com

Facebook page of Royal Oak - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of Royal Oak - www.facebook.com