Yew Tree Inn, Bristol

A traditional country pub located in the back streets of Chew Stoke. Not somewhere that you’re going to stumble across by accident, but worth searching out if you value unspoilt, unpretentious local pubs. It’s a two room affair, with a public bar and a lounge, both on the small side. The public bar has a screed floor, red velvet seating around the perimeter and a few high bar stools, a table skittles game (a match against The Blue Flame was in progress on a recent Wednesday evening visit), a darts board and a TV up in the corner, although this was not turned on. The walls are a mixture of exposed stone and white painted wallpaper, there is an old brick fireplace and a wood panelled bar. Decor in the lounge is very similar, although this is carpeted and there are a few more tables and chairs. Outside there was a gazebo which seemed popular with the smokers. Years ago the garden used to have rabbits in a pen which was popular with the younger clientele, but whether that’s still the case I’m not sure. This doesn’t look to be the type of place that does much in the way of food, although there was a range of the excellent, local Pie Minister pies chalked up on a board, and these were reasonably priced at £6.50 which mash, peas and gravy. Bar staff seemed friendly enough. The solitary been on tap was Courage Best. Ciders were better represented with Blackthorn, Thatcher’s Dry and Thatcher’s Gold.