Beese's, Bristol

Note this shuts in the Winter and reopens on 18th April (Good Friday)

This is an unusual pub in an idyllic spot beside the River Avon. As others have said, it can be tricky to get to down a steep lane from Brislington, although they also have their own ferry and many boat cruises from the centre stop here (which was how we arrived). The “pub” itself is an unusual building and clearly shows it’s provenance as tea rooms rather than a bar, although there is an attractive slate tiled floor. One end has a fairly unattractive uPVC ceiling, the other an all together better arched roof. A large plasma dominates this end which spoils the ambience somewhat, although fortunately this was off on our visit. Let’s face it though, most people who come here are going to sit outside and admire the views across the river, so let’s not worry too much about any lack of atmosphere in the bar. There’s good sized gardens on both sides, and a terrace with wooden decking adjacent to the bar. There were a couple of marquee’s erected on our visit to keep out any inclement weather, although these may well have been for the beer festival that was in progress. I guess they’re probably not a permanent fixture. Most people who were eating seemed to be enjoying the cream tea and scones. Obviously as it’s name suggests this is still very much a tea room, although happily one that also serves beer. There were also some decent looking burgers getting served up, although again, I’m not sure if that’s usually the case or just because the beer festival was on. The regular beers on tap in the bar were Butcombe Blond and Gem. There were also three barrels racked up behind the bar (this was not part of the festival which was in a separate tent) although the barmaid said that they only beer from them was Butcombe. So whether the other two barrels had been used up, or were more of the same, I’m not sure. Ciders were Ashton Press and the new Ashton Still, straight from a barrel.