The Dark Horse, Bedminster, Bristol

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Blackthorn _ left this review about The Ropewalk

This is a Young's pub according to the sign above the door. I would have thought though that unless they're going to tidy it up a bit they would have preferred to keep it more anonymous. The place clearly needs a bit of TLC. It looks tatty from the outside and doesn't get much better inside. For example, there's a small courtyard out the back with a tall lamp in the centre that must at one time have been a reasonably attractive feature. Now it's rusty and snapped in half with the top lamp part dragging on the floor. The only thing holding it together is the cable, and someone could easily trip over it. Even if they're not going to replace it, couldn't it at least be removed?

A pool table dominates the left hand bar, and there's also a fruit machine. The landlord was talking very loudly to another customer about the barmaid (who was also present) while I was waiting to get served. His conversation went along the lines of “She's f***ing useless she is, no f***ing good behind the bar, I only employ her because she's so f***ing fit”. Whilst I would concur with his last point, she also seemed more than capable of performing her barmaid duties. No doubt that was just his way of having a bit of a joke, but it's not really appropriate when a new punter walks in to the bar.

Beers on tap were Codrington's Codger and Best. Ciders were Blackthorn and Natch. The latter was priced at a very reasonable £2.20.

On 11^th June 2010 - rating: 4
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