The Grace, Bishopston, Bristol

This is a pub that was very firmly in the gastro-pub genre until recently with renowned local chef Nathan Muir at the helm and there are still plenty of Michelin and other food guide stickers in the window. I understand that he may have recently moved elsewhere though and the blackboard menu now appears to offer a selection of tapas and lunch dishes. Whilst the rear of the pub looks to be more geared up for dining, the front area is very much for drinking. It’s an L-shape pub with a curved, wood panelled bar counter in front of you as you go in and decor wise, it’s gastro-pub routes are clearly visible with the usual shades of green and cream paintwork, especially at the rear. Elsewhere though it’s a little more traditional, and there are even some old stained glass windows to one side. The flooring is a mixture of black and white chequered tiles to one side, parquet wood at the front and wood strip towards the rear. An old cast iron fire-place is off to one side and there are a couple of old leather sofa’s in front of the large windows which is a pleasant enough spot to sit and watch the world go by. There was a good choice of beers on tap with Wickwar’s BOB, London Glory, London Gold, Bath Ales Special (which is a new one on me), Jail Ale, Caledonian Passion Fruit Beer and Brewer’s Boy. Ciders were Addlestones and Stowford Press.