Racks, Clifton, Bristol

Whilst technically part of a hotel, this is a bar that has very much got it’s own identify and is a popular spot for many local people, much like Channings around the corner. It’s a good size place, presumably occupying the entire basement of the hotel and there is also an outside patio/terrace with several more tables. Being in a basement, much of the architecture is arched brickwork as you might expect in a cellar. This is particularly noticeable behind the bar counter, where arched tunnels disappear in to the distance. This, together with the fairly lights around the bar area, make for an attractive setting. Apart from that, besides a couple of stone archways that lead to this rear, the rest of the decor is quite contemporary. There are three smallish bars that look to be multi-purpose drinking or eating areas. All have reclaimed wooden floor boards and cream painted wood panelling half way up the walls. The main bar by the bar counter is finished in a curious salmon colour above this, with a similar hue on the ceiling. The bar opposite has a floral wallpaper instead. Most of the furniture is large wooden tables with chairs or benches. Tables for just a couple of people seem to be in short supply. There are also some leather sofas around. There was a larger room at the rear that may be more geared up for dining, although this was deserted on a recent Sunday afternoon visit so we didn’t investigate this further. I did notice however some more sofa’s out here and several shelves filled with books. Unfortunately all three of the main bars had plasmas on showing the football with rather spoilt what is otherwise a decent enough place. We didn’t try it on this occasion, but there is certainly some sort of food offering here. I noticed a board detailing several pies available during the day, and there were roasts available on Sunday. A number of bottled beers were listed on a board next to the bar, along with a choice of eight different champagnes, some at £130 a bottle! Beers on tap were Doom Bar, Butcombe and Gem. Ciders were Ashton Press and Addlestones. Drinks seemed expensive though at over £8 for two pints.

Official site of Racks, contains menus - www.racks-bristol.co.uk

Official site of Racks, contains menus - www.racks-bristol.co.uk