The Coopers Arms, Bristol

A traditional pub located directly opposite the park. The layout is a U-shape wrapped around the L-shape bar. Most of the bar is a conventional mix of red velvet bench seating, tables and chairs although this gives way to a space with a pool table right at the back of the pub. The décor is a bit ‘70s with a deep red ceiling, the red velvet seating and some very stripy wallpaper. All in all it’s a pleasant enough place though. There’s a small courtyard off to the right, although this appeared to be packed up for the winter and not in use on our visit. There are a couple of plasma’s dotted around that were showing the darts, and a fruit machine and juke box. The locals all seemed friendly, although it was very male orientated. The whole pub was decked out in a tremendous variety of Christmas decorations, with rope lights along every surface, tinsel round all the doorways and several Father Christmas’s above the bar. All very festive. Beers on tape were Butcombe and Courage Best, whilst the solitary cider was Blackthorn.