Be.In Bristol, Clifton, Bristol

A large and recently re-opened bar on the Whiteladies Road strip, it had been closed and boarded up for some time and has previously operated under a number of different names including The Fine Line and The Ranch. Decor wise it’s all fairly industrial with services such as electrical cable trays and air conditioning ducting clearly on view and plain, whitewashed walls. Only the iron pillars supporting the roof offer any relief from the bland uniformity as these have been painted in various shades such as mustard and salmon. The floor is rough wood as are the tables, and the pub seems to have something of a botanical theme – not only was there a small pot plant on every table, but there were pots and trays of plants on bookshelves to one side of the pub and on metal shelving behind the bar. At the back was a vegetation screen made up of climbing plants of various types. There was a stage area to the right with several large speakers around, and the friendly barman informed us that there is live entertainment every night. There are large bi-folding windows across the entire front of the pub which are presumably opened up in the summer and must be a pleasant spot. On a cold December afternoon though, the place was distinctly chilly and I had no inclination to linger. I might have thought no more of this as it was virtually deserted, but Mrs. B. has been there previously of an evening when it’s been much busier and also remarked on how cold it was. Beers on tap were Tribute, Proper Job and BBF Number 7 and the guest ale was Butcombe dispensed directly from a barrel racked up behind the bar. I had heard that this was one of the burgeoning number of craft ale bars that were popping up and so had expected an extensive and eclectic selection, but as far as I could make out, that was it. Chalk boards next to the bar listed a good selection of teas and coffees, but no beer. Ciders meanwhile were Copper Press, Stowford Press and Cornish Pear Rattler.