Bauhinia, Clifton Village, Bristol

This is not really a pub in the strictest sense, but more of a restaurant with a bar, however having said that there were a few punters in the bar area at the front who appeared to be just there for a drink. It’s a fairly compact establishment with the small bar area previously mentioned, a smallish dining area beyond this, and another small bar area and dining room downstairs which was very noisy on a recent Saturday evening visit. Decor wise, it’s quite contemporary with black tiling on the floor, pale cream plasterwork on the walls, a couple of large and colourful pictures at the front and elsewhere numerous illuminated twigs and a Buddha picture. Seating in the restaurant area is green leather armchairs which were too big to fit under the tables and a few bar stools at the front. The menu is Pan-Asian with the usual large selection of dishes from Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, etc. Overall the food was a bit of a mixed bag; starters of Tod Mun Pla (spicy fishcakes) and Chochok (chicken satay) were ok, but certainly nothing special, a little on the small side and the fishcakes had a curious rubber quality. A main course of Pad Thai (noodles with chicken, prawns and a peanut sauce) was again ok and a generous portion, but I’ve had tastier versions of the dish elsewhere. The most successful choice was Mee Goreng (noodles with chicken, prawns and a spicy chilli paste) with was again a generous portion and very tasty. Whilst the price of the main courses ranged from £9 - £14 or so, as we ordered before 7:00pm we were able to choose from a more limited menu that offered two courses for £8.90. At these prices it was really very good value and it would be churlish to complain, although I may have been a little disappointed had I paid the regular prices, particularly £4.50 for the starters. Beer choice was somewhat limited, in fact nonexistent if you take beer as meaning ale. The only draught options were Amstel or Tiger lager, and all the bottled “beers” consisted of Far Eastern lagers. That said, my Cambodian Kingdom was a new one on me, and was pleasant enough and a good match for the food.

Official site of Bauhinia Bar - www.bauhinia-bar.co.uk

Official site of Bauhinia Bar - www.bauhinia-bar.co.uk

Not sure if you could class this as a pub but it has a licence and serves lager on tap.