Watershed, Bristol

Watershed oficial site - www.watershed.co.uk

Watershed oficial site - www.watershed.co.uk

Large café bar housed in an old dockside warehouse which is pat of the arts complex. It’s been there a while now and it was quite ahead of its time back in the mid-90’s when I used to decamp there before an evening’s frivolities at the Thekla – it was no-smoking ahead of the ban, for example. The bar hasn’t really changed much in that time beyond cosmetic maintenance. It’s a pretty large place with plenty of seating over a couple of rooms. It caters to a wide-ranging clientele which noticeably changes throughout the day/week - students, beardies, office workers and trendies. There are now up to four ales available, usually from Bath and Arbor. Quality is usually fairly good though they’re not beyond the odd stinker. A couple of real ciders are on, along with Bath Organic lager. There’s also some interesting bottles in the fridge. The windows along the side allow for good views of The Cut on a summers day. It’s a good place for people watching and at times on a lively Friday and Saturday there’s a palpable air of sexual frisson between some of the punters. During the more civilized hours, daily papers are available. Food is also served. Whilst not everyone’s cup of tea, I’ve always liked this place and try and make a point of popping in when in Bristol with a few hours to spare.

Large popular venue on the waterfront, much better than most of the bars nearby. More of a cafe/bar than a pub, but some decent beers on. Several different bar areas, the main central area being open and spacious with exposed brickwork and a high vaulted ceiling. Some large floor to ceiling windows giving a great view across the river. Decent looking food menu chalked up on the blackboards behind the bar. Three pumps on, all offering Arbor Ales - Oyster Stout, Brigstowe Bitter and Hunny Beer. There was a large advert behid the bar for Bath Ales beers, but none of these were on. There was a fourth pump not in use, so maybe that has them on sometimes. Ciders were Bath Ales Bounders, and the rare Orchard Pig. Also a few continental lagers such as Budvar, San Miguel, etc.