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Detail Pages
The Avon Packet, Southville, Bristol
Southville
Bristol
BS3 1RF
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 8 of 10) see review guidelines
Blackthorn _ left this review about The Avon Packet
A traditional looking pub with glazed green tiling on the exterior, this is in many ways in a prime spot overlooking the river and being just a short stroll from the popular and trendy North Street, but at the same time seems to be out on a bit of a limb and was virtually deserted on our recent Monday evening visit.
Internally it consists of one quite long but narrow bar running along the front of the pub, with the bar counter off to the left. This takes up much of the available floor space, with the only seating in this part of the pub being a few bar stools at the counter, and a padded bench seat in the corner. Décor wise it’s either traditional or dated, depending on your point of view. There is some type of bare concrete screed on the floor, rough Artex style plastering on the walls and nasty polystyrene ceiling tiles in places, although elsewhere there are also black beams liberally adorned with glass tankards and a very large collection of key fobs. A few old pictures were dotted around the wall, many of old Bristol cars, as well as a few old photographs of the locale, particularly the river. A few nautical bits and bobs such as a model yacht, ship’s clock and lanterns were also dotted around. An old Victorian style fireplace was off to the right, and a large TV above this was showing some talent show or other, but fortunately the sound was off so this was not too intrusive. Further rooms were at the rear, similarly narrow and broadly the same in terms of décor. There was a darts board at one end, although it appeared that you’d have to stand extremely close to it to actually throw any.
Beers on tap were Courage Best and Doom Bar, but this is really more of a cider pub and the available options were Blackthorn, Natch, Cheddar Vally, Stan’s Traditional and a trio from Thatcher’s with their Gold, Haze and Dry.
On 19th April 2024
- rating: 6
[User has posted 1947 recommendations about 1860 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Cider Drinker left this review about The Avon Packet
Popped in for a half whilst on a wander. Looks very small when you walk in but opens out further back. Has a fab garden with a mixture of grassy and concrete seating areas including an enclosure with duck's and also has a pool table in a covered area in the garden. Great selection of ciders including Thatcher's Haze. Ales courage best and Doombar.
On 12th August 2017
- rating: 8
[User has posted 19 recommendations about 19 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Quinno _ left this review about Avon Packet
This is a very traditional boozer, you can leave most of you airs and graces at the door. Ladies may need a map to find the loos! One ale was on (I forget what, nothing special, maybe Courage) which was OK and there was also some interesting real cider available. Punters were obviously quite local and gave us a long hard look when we came in but in the end we were accepted with no problem.
The pub interior is a tight L-shape, with a toy car collection behind the bar, a key fob collection on the ceiling and a TV tuned to the football. Being not far from Ashton Gate, this is a Bristol City pub, with bits of Robins memorabilia dotted around. The exterior has some attractive old tile-work which has escaped the curse of modernisation. It's also decked out with fairy lights, which makes it look oddly quaint and welcoming, especially on dark winter's evening. Basic food looked to be available.
It isn't necessarily a place I'd recommend to most but would certainly say it's worth popping in for a pint for the novelty value if you haven't been before. A genuine local.
On 8th January 2009
- rating: 7
[User has posted 5072 recommendations about 5055 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Colin Coles left this review about Avon Packet
Has to be one of the last few genuine pubs in Bristol with old-fashioned values, friendly atmosphere, good value for money and a sense of community.
The quality of the food and drink is excellent at all times and there are plenty of things to do to keep you occupied if you don't just want to talk with the locals.
You can find out more by going to www.avonpacket.com.
On 22nd June 2005
- rating: 10
[User has posted 1 recommendations about 1 pubs]