Sidney & Eden, Portishead, Bristol

A recent opening in a prime spot at the end of the marina on the site of a former short-lived tapas bar, this is a second outlet from the team behind the pub of the same name on Bristol’s Gloucester Road which I was quite impressed with, so I had high expectations for this. Internally it’s not quite as spacious as you might expect, and the entranceway in particular is a fairly narrow space right opposite the bar counter, so can get quite congested with people coming and going, and others queueing to be served. Much of the available counter space is taken up with a coffee machine and other associated paraphernalia. There are no pumps on the bar, with all drinks dispensed from an array of taps on the back wall. Deep blue paintwork was on the walls, although there are also large wraparound windows to make the most of the views, whilst the flooring was dark parquet wood and most of the ceiling was suspended polystyrene tiles like you might get in an office which seemed rather out of place. There were a number of random pictures on the walls, many of a floral or nature theme, and the style rather reminded me of what you might expect in a Lounge bar. There was even a tasselled lampshade in the corner. Overall, whilst certainly not unpleasant, it somehow seemed to be lacking much in the way of real character, and there seemed to be far too many kids and dogs getting in the way. Although to be fair, I should mention the eponymous Eden, who although only about five years old, already seemed adept at wiping down tables. There was an extensive array of beers on tap, although all keg rather than cask, and nearly all pales. A bit more variety of styles would have been good. They were all listed on a large chalkboard opposite the bar and on this occasion consisted of Joy of Sesh from New Bristol Brewery; C-Bomb, My Little Sabrony and Nitro Stout from Arbor; Kaleidoscope, The Breeze, Too Much Fun and Citra & Rye from Wiper & True; Paulaner Weissbeer; Verdant Even Sharks Need Water; Kyra and Turning Fragile from Pollys and Radler Lemon, Grapefruit & Pineapple and Hot Cross Berry Buns from Vault City. Ciders meanwhile were New Bristol Cider, Lilley’s Bee Sting and Dudda’s Tun Blackcurrant.

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Facebook page of Sidney & Eden - www.facebook.com