The Cross Hands, Bristol

Needing somewhere in a hurry to stay, we came across this place on a last minute cheapo hotels web site. We were not the first people to make a last minute booking. The Queen also turned up at the front door in 1981 whilst stuck in a blizzard, an occasion marked by a plaque in the hotel entrance. The building dates from the 14th Century and was a popular coaching inn in days gone by. These days the motorways steer everyone well clear of the town and everything appears to be a little more sedate. Whilst it is first and foremost a hotel, the bar is open to all comers and certainly has more of a pub feel than a hotel bar. The general ambience is very relaxed and peaceful with little nooks and bays and candles on the tables. You certainly won't find anything too boisterous going on here although they do have occasional theme nights. The carpeted main bar quite is very civilized with a modern wood bar but is fairly plain and unadventurous. Whilst it has been refurbished, there is at least an element of the character that you would expect from a building of its age and history. The beers are not exactly exciting – this is a Green King establishment so IPA & Abbot are the order of the day – nothing great but better than the proverbial poke. There is a large courtyard and gardens with a few benches for sunny days and a function room for weddings, conferences etc opposite. For what its worth on a beer website, the en suite room we had was comfy with Sky TV, stereo, complimentary fudge and all for less than £20. Bargain!

Did not go into this pub as all they had was Greene King although the pub did look nice inside, But beware of crossing the road it is on a very dangerous crossroads.The picture of the view is from the top of Hill Lane (opposite the Cross Hands pub)which is on the 20 minute walk to the Dog Inn where you can get a good selection of beers