Dirty Martini, Bristol

This has now changed name yet again, and is now a branch of the Dirty Martini cocktail chain. I suppose it just barely qualifies as a pub since they had one lager on tap, but that’s the lot, the focus here is very much on cocktails. Although the layout is largely unchanged with a large bar counter running the length of the left-hand wall, it’s all been blinged up a bit with jazzy orange lighting, a glitter ball or two on the ceiling and bright blue illumination above the bar. A small marble island in the middle of the pub broke up the space a little and provided somewhere for vertical drinking, whilst the rest of the seating was a mixture of padded banquettes around the permitter and padded armchairs with brass topped tables. A neon sign on the wall proclaimed “Talk Dirty To Me” whilst the music was really far too loud for easy conversation. On the plus side, the large, arched windows let in plenty of light, and the colour scheme worked reasonably well I suppose. Although we were seated and brought a menu promptly enough, after that we seemed to be forgotten about, and after some time gave up waiting and went elsewhere. Perhaps they didn’t really want to serve us, we’re obviously not their target demographic with everyone else in there being at least thirty years younger than us. As mentioned, no ales of any description on tap unfortunately, with the sole draught offering being Peroni. I really can see no reason to visit here – it’s clearly not a pub, and even if you want a cocktail there are far, far better options just a short stroll away.

Official site of Dirty Martini - dirtymartini.uk.com

Official site of Dirty Martini - dirtymartini.uk.com

Since my previous review, this has changed name a couple of times, being The Vault Room for a while before becoming The Bristologist. I had seen a notice outside recently advertising a selection of craft beers and so thought I’d give it another try. Unfortunately though, there was no sign of any on the bar, and upon enquiring I was directed to a few bottles from Bath Ales in the ‘fridge. Apparently they used to have more of a range, but that’s it now. In terms of layout it’s largely unchanged, and most of the tables appear to be geared up for dining. A rather unpleasant smell assailed us as soon as we entered – whether there was a plumbing problem I’m not sure, but it certainly wasn’t very nice and we were tempted to turn on our heels and leave. Besides that, it has a slightly shabby appearance and last orders were called at 10:15, so all in all I really didn’t warm to the place. Unfortunately there were no real ales on tap, just a keg pale ale of some description whose name escapes me. Although there were quite a number of hand pumps on the bar, these were predominantly premium lagers. The solitary cider meanwhile was Aspall’s Suffolk.