Fogg's Bar, Bristol

This pub is actually the bar for the adjoining Ibis hotel, but is nonetheless open to the public and blends in well with many other similar establishments nearby. The large dual aspect windows and outside seating make the most of the views over Millennium square and the mirrored dome. Inside it’s all one large, open plan room and the hotel reception desk is off to one side. It’s a rather unusual décor with a black tiled ceiling and a generic grey patterned carpet on the floor. Chairs were of the plastic variety and came in a number of colour shades such as white, red and a wood effect. Some were even mounted on rockers rather than conventional legs and there were also some dumpy wooden stools which were quite difficult to move due to their heavy weight and curved top. The free-standing central bar counter had some unusual drawings on it as well as a large coffee machine. Unfortunately there were no real ales on tap, just keg Gem which was served rather too cold for my liking. The solitary cider was also from Bath Ales with their Bounders. Prices seemed expensive with 2½ pints and a diet Coke coming in at £12.50. This is, I suppose, better than many hotel bars and they have at least made an effort to stock some local drinks, but it’s not going to be a destination of choice for someone after a decent pub.