V-Shed (Lloyds No. 1), Bristol

The only time I am likely to venture in to this establishment is for an organised work do with my young at heart colleagues. We found a quiet spot to enjoy our curry deal (£5.59 for a meal and a drink) which wasn't too bad really for the price. OK, so the Balti was probably a bit hot for my taste, but that was entirely my fault, I should have taken more notice of the four chillies on the menu (Balti's never used to be that hot in Wetherspoon's though!). I asked for a Blackthorn as part of the meal deal, but was told that the only cider it came with was Strongbow. I asked if I could pay a little extra to have the Blackthorn, but either this was too complicated or his good nature prevailed – I got the Blackthorn anyway. From around 7:30 onwards the volume of music gradually increased and by 8:30 you couldn't hear yourself talk. Now call me old fashioned, but when I go out for a beer I like to converse with my colleagues or friends. If I can't hear what they're saying, then what's the point? I might as well stay at home and watch the TV. To cap it all there was some idiot DJ babbling on, even though there was not a single person on the dance floor the whole time we were there. On the plus side, I suppose the actual establishment is not too bad, being quite well presented and with a selection of different areas with the dance floor, tables, leather bench seating and three different levels. Having been forced to drink Blackthorn all night as the only apparent alternative was Strongbow, I was highly distressed when eventually taking the long hike up to the loos to find that they serve Ashton Press in the top bar. Why on earth don't they have a consistent range across all of them, or at least let you know downstairs what alternatives are available upstairs? Perhaps the top bar is for more discerning clientele? I was most upset as I'd already ordered my last pint at this point. Good choice of beers on tap, namely Abbot Ale, Black Chalice, Ruddles Best, Phoenix Double Gold, Leeds Midnight Bell and Marston's Dragon's Tale Ale. I can't comment on the quality, although my learned friend who knows about these things informs me that they're much better kept in the Commercial Rooms and The Knight's Templar as this place is for “young people”.