The Kensington Arms, Redland, Bristol

A few years ago this was a dingy back street boozer with sticky carpets. It was then rescued and given a full gastro makeover and now seems to be very popular with both diners and drinkers. It’s one of those places that probably has different clientele at different times of the day and with it’s free wi-fi, selection of papers and a brunch menu is no doubt popular with the local mum’s during the day. It’s an attractive pub with plenty of colourful hanging baskets, and there is a small patio area with heaters around the side which seems a popular spot. The front bar is the main drinking part of the pub, and this consists of a L-shape room around the bar counter with wood flooring, pale blue paintwork on the walls and a burgundy ceiling. There is some stained glass above the windows and some gilded mirrors on the walls. A large number of wine glasses hung from a rack above the bar. There was a plasma on the side wall but this was not in use. The rear room is more geared up for dining as I recall with a view in to the open kitchen although I didn’t investigate it on this occasion. When we have eaten here previously we found that the number of punters and harsh acoustics made for a somewhat noisy atmosphere, and that together with the rather large tables meant you had to shout to make yourself heard. Food wise the menu is very much of the gastro variety with main courses starting at £12.95 and going up to almost £20 for a whole crab, and that’s before you’ve added any side orders such as chips or a salad (another £3 each). There was a very small menu of bar snacks according to a board at the end of the bar and whilst these were more conventional pub grub, they were still at the top end of the pub food price range with Fish & Chips being £12 and a Burger and Triple Cooked Chips coming in at £10. After so much consideration and thought being given to the food, it was somewhat disappointing to find that all the beers on offer were from Greene King with their IPA, IPA Gold, Old Speckled Hen and Morland Original. Ciders were Stowford Press and Thatcher’s Gold. A couple of boards next to the bar offered a good choice of wines by the glass.

The Kensington Arms official site - www.thekensingtonarms.co.uk

The Kensington Arms official site - www.thekensingtonarms.co.uk