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Submitted on Monday, 27^th January 2020
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King William, Bristol

20 King Street
Bristol
BS1 4EF

Correct details

Served areas

Bristol Central

Reviews of King William (Average Rating: 7 of 10) Add Review see review guidelines

E TA left this review about King William

As described by others, below, this was to some extent a bit of an oasis and was certainly more comfortable than some of the other local establishments. It’s still operated by Sam Smith. It was interesting to explore the rambling interior, and we settled on the comfy sofas by the open fireplace in the front room. Disappointment came, though, when we found there was no cask ale available – we should have checked. The young barmaid was friendly enough but didn’t seem very well informed. Expensive craft beers and no cask option means I’m unlikely to return to it in its current guise, given the availability of more traditional beer choices elsewhere in the City.

On 16^th March 2026 - rating: 5
[User has posted 3717 recommendations about 3678 pubs]

Please Note: This review is over a year old.

Quinno _ left this review about King William

Timeless. Whilst the rest of King Street was a squalling murmuration of drunken students, Guardianistas and coked-up posers, this place had a quiet laid-back atmosphere that was perhaps approaching a mild hubbub. Sadly the cask OBB has departed but my Extra Stout was delicious. As I’ve got older and embraced the joys peace and quiet I’ve become to fully appreciate these kind of places.

Feb 2019
Classic Sam Smith’s pub that fits perfectly into its location – it looks a treat from outside and doesn't disappoint much within. The main bar has pretty much the full array of Sam's produce and the cask OBB was in good shape. There are some booths here with a spur off left. Further back is a carpeted seating area. Decor consists of black painted beans and salmon shade painted walls. A quiet pub, with customer chatter making the atmosphere and there were a pleasingly broad range of punters in situ. All rather enjoyable and a wonderful respite from the beer bores and powder puff students that frequent many of the other bars in this famous Bristol street nowadays. Rated 8

On 5^th May 2024 - rating: 8
[User has posted 5992 recommendations about 5971 pubs]

Please Note: This review is over a year old.

Graham Coombs left this review about King William Ale House

Despite the lure of 'Ale House' in the name, this a Sam Smith's pub with an aged, historic interior featuring lots of dark wood panelling, a couple of nice open fires and some interesting booths opposite the bar. The front room features some comfy sofas and a pool room is signed upstairs. A nice escape from the various 'nitespots' in the street.

On 27^th January 2020 - rating: 7
[User has posted 3900 recommendations about 3832 pubs]

View more reviews of King William (8)

This pub features in the following crawls:
Nick's off!! by soph bradders

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