White Lion, Bristol

A pretty pub that is smaller inside than the exterior suggests – in fact it really is quite tiny. This little ale house is run by Wickwar brewery with an enviable position overlooking the green (well, more of a square these days) towards the Hippodrome. The interior is illuminated well thanks to some large windows which have a ledge with stools allowing one to gaze out and take in the city centre bustle. A TV on the wall is usually tuned to a rolling news channel and there are some daily papers to peruse. Proper entertainment is provided by the tight spiral staircase that leads down to the subterranean gents; basically, don’t attempt it if you’re pissed or porky (or both). The ales are usually all Wickwar though I have seen Bass Red Triangle in here on occasion. I don’t much care for Wickwar ales as they are often flat and fairly tasteless guff which makes the pub less of an attraction than perhaps it might be otherwise. A saving grace are the reasonable prices charged for them. If I was allowed to rate a pub 6.5, then this would get it.