The Holly Bush, Bristol

Re-opened a year or so ago after a prolonged spell of closure, it has now had an extensive refurbishment and is quite a different venue to what it was many years ago. I remember going in here in my youth and it was almost like a mini-nightclub – pitch black except for the flashing lights and loud, pounding music. Quite unexpected for the area, and totally different to what it is now. Inside it consists of a central bar area with dining areas to either side. Décor is quite contemporary with a mixture of slate tiling and wood strip on the floor, pale green and cream paintwork and some white wood panelling along the front wall. The smaller dining area to the left was separated off from the bar with wooden balustrade, fashioned to make it look very old, and a wall with planks of wood affixed to it. A few artwork drawings were on the wall, mostly it would appear of animals related to food such as a pheasant, pig and rabbit. Elsewhere were a few old black and white photographs. The larger “garden restaurant” was off to the right and this looked to be in an extension to the original building with large, full height glass windows all along the front. The bar area was probably the cosiest part in a modern sort of way, and included a Chesterfield sofa as well as some exposed brickwork. There was also much use made of both white and green glazed tiling. Unusually there was a gecko, or some similar reptile, in a tank next to the bar which I suppose makes a change from the more usual tropical fish. The food menu offered a selection of dishes that were perhaps a step or two up from your normal pub grub, but still included options such as fish pie and a burger. Main courses were mostly in the £10 - £12 range and there was also a small specials board. My fish & chips was a decent portion and tasty enough, but the batter was rather greasy. Mrs B’s Moroccan lamb tagine with apricot cous cous though was really very good indeed; again, a generous portion, tender chunks of lamb and very tasty. Beers on tap were Severn Vale Nibley, Blindmans Buff, Gem and Moors Elmo’s Fire. Ciders meanwhile were Symonds Founders Reserve, Bounders and Orchard Pig Reveller, the latter of which went down a treat.

Official site of The Holly Bush - www.hollybushpubbristol.co.uk

Official site of The Holly Bush - www.hollybushpubbristol.co.uk