Allstars, Clifton, Bristol

Recently opened in a large unit above Wetherspoon’s, this has had various incarnations over the years including an American diner called Tin Pan Louie’s at one time if memory serves me correctly, although I think it has been vacant for some time before the present incumbents moved in. As it’s name suggests, this is very much a sports bar, and there were in excess of 20 pool and snooker tables, as well as several darts boards, card tables and numerous TV screens showing several different sports channels and a large projector screen. Décor wise it’s quite stark with white paintwork on the walls and a pale wood strip floor. The only architectural features of any note were the large arched windows running along the front of the pub and some elaborate cornice work on the ceiling, although unfortunately this was largely obscured by light fittings and in shadow, so it’s certainly not something that they have chosen to make a feature off. Elsewhere a lower suspended ceiling had been installed. Seating was mostly chocolate brown padded benches around the perimeter, with the bulk of the floor area being taken up by the pool tables. A quick glance at the menu showed a selection of burgers, combos, baguettes and pizzas. The burgers had all been give sports themed names such as Beckham, Bruno or Big Daddy burgers, and these were mostly priced around the £6 - £8 mark. Surprisingly for a venue such as this, there were a number of real ales available which on this occasion were Pedigree New World, Doom Bar, Old Speckled Hen, Sharps Atlantic and Exmoor Gold. Ciders were also well represented with Cornish Rattler, Thatcher’s Gold, Thatcher’s Haze and Stowford Press. We were asked if we were members when ordering, and whilst this is not obligatory it does appear that there may be cheaper prices in effect if you are. This is a tricky one to mark; it’s really not my sort of place, but no doubt it serves it’s target demographic well, and was surprisingly busy even on our Monday evening visit, so they must be doing something right.

Official site of Allstars Sports Bar - www.allstarssportsbars.co.uk

Official site of Allstars Sports Bar - www.allstarssportsbars.co.uk

Situated above The Berkeley JDW this potentially seems a membership based pool/snooker/sports bar which it isn't although from my previous visit to W-S-M it was hence my reluctance to go in until a friend who plays County Pool confirmed it's a non-membership bar. Anyone can walk in and order a drink. As you enter there are a number of pool tables and a mass of TV screens. As you turn left towards the bar there is a raised seating area to the right with a number of sheltered darts booths. On passing this area and passing the bar there are more pool tables and to the right a couple of snooker tables. This place will not be to everybody's desire but it did have Doombar available and is a perfect place 2 watch potentially 9 different sports channels and a music channel on the plethora of screens. It wasn't cheap for a Carling considering the place I'd just come from where I'd expect it to be ~£9.00 for two lagers but the floor space of this place is massive so guess they need to pay the rent.