Junction, Bristol

Renamed and re-opened under new ownership since my previous review, this has now been taken on by Bristol Beer Factory following Wild Beer falling in to administration. The layout is unchanged from previous reviews, with just the addition of some patterned wallpaper and deep blue paintwork on much of the walling in an attempt to soften the space somewhat and make it a bit more pub like. The far wall was entirely covered in a map of the local area to highlight the community that they serve, apparently. Beers on tap are now predominantly from BBF as would be expected, with their Symphony, Fortitude and Notorious and these were joined by Wiper & True’s Gadds Best Bitter, whilst a fifth pump appeared to have run out. The solitary cider meanwhile was North Street.

Official site of Junction - www.bristolbeerfactory.co.uk

Official site of Junction - www.bristolbeerfactory.co.uk

This is a very modern feeling bar run by Shepton Mallet’s Wild Beer Co in a rather trendy, redeveloped part of the city. A small, fenced-off outdoor seating area leads you into a bright, L-shaped, tile floored room. The area directly in front on entry is the main bar space, with the servery to the left boasting an unusual counter front with a ‘fish-scales’ design and a rather plain by comparison bar back which houses the long row of beer taps. Long canteen-style benches and tables run through the space directly opposite the bar whilst and equally long drinking ledge with high stools serves the entire right hand side of the room under the large windows that dominate this side of the pub and have metal framed shelves above them packed full with green potted plants. Elsewhere, some limited banquette and chair seating can be found to the front and rear, but the room extends to the left, before you reach the bar, into a raised seating area with a nice parquet floor, banquette booths down one side and an open kitchen along the other. The pub has lots of exposed pipes, cable trays and the like running around the ceiling, which is very much a craft beer bar cliché and something I still find off-putting for a bar that has obviously taken a lot of care with other aspects of its appearance. A large and extremely surreal mural on the end wall depicts a sloth riding a giant fish whilst holding a trident with an octopus wrapped around it, followed by an airborne, hook-winged rooster flying the Wild Beer Co flag, as you do! There was something in the range of around 16 taps on the bar back, all of which seemed to be dispensing keg beer from what I could tell – if they did have any cask ale, then it wasn’t clearly promoted as such. I asked the very friendly barman to recommend me something and after being offered a few tasters, ended up with something called Fresh, which was really tasty, if perhaps a little too cold. I found this place to be a little to clinical in its presentation for my liking, but can imagine it will have more mass-appeal than your average craft beer bar. The service was a real high point and the beer was a lot nicer than I’d anticipated, so should you find yourself out in this part of town, it’s probably worth popping in to sample one of their many beers.