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Picture of Smoke & Mirrors
Image posted by Blackthorn _
Submitted on Friday, 7th December 2012
With picture contributions to 5138 other pubs
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Smoke & Mirrors, Bristol

8 Denmark Street
Bristol
BS1 5DQ
Correct details

Served areas

Reviews of Smoke & Mirrors (Average Rating: 6 of 10) Add Review see review guidelines

Please Note: This review is over a year old.


Blackthorn _ left this review about Smoke & Mirrors

Renamed to Smoke and Mirrors since my previous review, this is now a sister pub to the Illusions Magic Bar up on the triangle. Although the basic layout is unchanged since it’s Bunch of Grapes days, it’s had a bit of a makeover and what was the the rear band area is now curtained off when not in use for live magic acts, which are only a couple of times a month.

There’s a round bay window at the front, and a white grand piano has been installed here. The long wooden bar counter remains on the left, and some high tables and stools have been added opposite along with portraits of various magicians such as Houdini. Unfortunately whereas previously the whole wall was covered in a collage of posters showcasing many years of shows from the Hippodrome opposite, this has now been painted over in a rather depressing black paint. If the new owners want a new look, then fine, but why not just fix some plasterboard over the top so that the history of the place is at least preserved, if not on view, instead of just destroying part of Bristol’s theatrical heritage?

Beers on tap were Butcombe, Tribute and Flying Scotsman. Ciders were a slightly disappointing Strongbow and Scrumpy Jack. Unfortunately due to the cultural vandalism that has been perpetrated, I can do nothing other than award this the lowest possible mark, and I will not be visiting again.

On 14th January 2013 - rating: 1
[User has posted 1937 recommendations about 1850 pubs]


Please Note: This review is over a year old.


BobOs . left this review about Bunch of Grapes

On my last visit (admittedly just before the refurb) we had a warm welcome and decent pint but was amused by the sign "Hot food served here or bring in your own takeaway" - thinking it's not much of an advert for the chef. Then in walked half a dozen guys, all with takeaways. Chatting to one of them about the sign, he said "Food's bloody rubbish here, but the beer's bloody good". Just about sums it up!

On 11th July 2011 - rating: 5
[User has posted 370 recommendations about 355 pubs]


Please Note: This review is over a year old.


Blackthorn _ left this review about Bunch of Grapes

Recently refurbished, although nothing significant seems to have changed. The small bar at the rear still caters for bands on many nights, with an emphasis on blues/jazz. Much improved since the smoking ban; many of the clientele didn't just stick to tobacco. Quick and efficient service from the lone barman.

Beers on tap were Caledonian Chocolate Drop, London Pride, Old Speckled Hen, Doom Bar and Hobgoblin. Ciders were slightly disappointing with just Symonds Founders Reserve and Scrumpy Jack.

Overall I'd say room for improvement, but still vastly better than most of the bars nearby.

On 25th May 2011 - rating: 6
[User has posted 1937 recommendations about 1850 pubs]


View more reviews of Smoke & Mirrors (5)
This pub features in the following crawls:
Ship shape and Bristol fashion by john mcgraw
External web links for Smoke & Mirrors

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Pub location see interactive map of local area
Map location corrected by Jonathan Wilde
Bristol Temple Meads, 1.07 miles, 20 min walk (show)
Clifton Down, 1.16 miles, 22 min walk (show)
Bedminster, 1.32 miles, 25 min walk (show)
Latest updates View all updates for Smoke & Mirrors, Bristol
4th Sep 2014, 19:50
Picture submitted by Graham Mason approved
 
4th Sep 2014, 19:50
Picture submitted by Graham Mason approved

Pub Details

Pub details supplied by members of this site to the best of their knowledge. Please check with pub directly before making a special trip.

  • Accommodation : No last updated 01 July 2017 by ROB Camra
  • Beer Festivals : No last updated 01 July 2017 by ROB Camra
  • Beer Garden : No last updated 01 July 2017 by ROB Camra
  • CAMRA Discount : Yes - Discount amount not stated by Bristol CAMRA - last updated 01 July 2017 by ROB Camra
  • Hot Food : Yes - Evenings only - last updated 01 July 2017 by ROB Camra
  • Live Music : Yes last updated 01 July 2017 by ROB Camra
  • Micropub : No last updated 01 July 2017 by ROB Camra
  • Real Ale : Yes last updated 01 July 2017 by ROB Camra
  • Real Cider : No last updated 01 July 2017 by ROB Camra
  • WiFi : Yes last updated 01 July 2017 by ROB Camra
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