The Bay Horse, Bristol

Well described by others, below, this refurbished and remodelled pub has the feel of a subterranean bowling alley. Ales on were GWB Maiden Voyage, GK IPA, Abbott and Old Speckled Hen, plus there was Lilley’s Sunshine Mango Cider on draft. Sadly the ales were in poor condition. I’m not inclined to revisit on a regular basis, given that there is better ale to be had nearby.

Somewhere I somehow never visited in my youth despite its location, so decided to put that right. A large and prominent pub in the city centre which abuts a busy junction. This would, I imagine, have been a multi-roomer with a bit of atmosphere years ago but sadly has been made-over multiple times. Now there are a mix of areas where even modern technology can't overcome the need for structural supports but fortunately the large arched windows from many moons ago remain. Is presently owned by Greene King, so connoisseurs of their managed estate will recognise the corporate catalogue interior decor though at least they've made the effort to source some old black and white prints of the city centre. Three ales over five pumps; GK IPA, Abbot and a fair St Austell Tribute. It serves a purpose but could be much better with a bit of imagination.

Official site of The Bay Horse - www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk

Official site of The Bay Horse - www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk

The Bay Horse is situated in the middle of Bristol and has lots of traffic going by if you want to watch it. Once inside there is a largish oblong shaped room which runs to the rear where the bar is,the room is divided into different areas,there is a raise area to the rear right,the room is bare boarded and the seating mainly normal tables and chairs with a few settees. I took this pub to be a Geeene King tied house with what real ales were on the bar and by looking at the menus,there were two real ales on the bar with a few unclipped pumps,i had a drink of GK London Glory which was a decent drink,the other beer was Old Speckled Hen. The pub was packed on my Saturday afternoon visit with both drinkers and people having meals. I found this to be a decent enough pub for a quick half. I still have my doubts about this being a John Barras house. Pub visited 25/6/2016