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Detail Pages
The Bristol Fringe, Clifton Village, Bristol
Bristol
BS8 4BZ
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 6 of 10) see review guidelines
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Blackthorn _ left this review about The Bristol Fringe Cafe Bar
Quite why this has been renamed to the Bristol Fringe Cafe Bar I’m not sure, but after being alerted to this by JW, I felt compelled to check it out and see what had changed. In short, nothing much. The landlady and decor are the same, the crepes have apparently been replaced by pies and Bath Ales Gem has been added to the line-up on the bar. Other than that, I did not notice any discernable difference, and the name even lives on as The Greyhound sign is now a fixture on the inside of the pub.
In addition to my previous notes, I would also add that there is a pile of board games on the window sill, a baby grand piano in the front part of the bar, a table football game in the rear, and there is an outside area which is unusual in this part of town. This consists of a small courtyard with decking, an old sofa besides the metal tables and chairs, and a barbeque. Being surrounded by tall buildings it’s not going to get too much in the way of sun, but does nonetheless offer the chance of some fresh air, unlike the front part of the pub which was somewhat smoky thanks to the smokers huddled in the doorway.
There were a number of posters up for the Edinburgh Fringe, so perhaps this has influenced the pub’s name in some way. There are also piano nights on Thursdays and live music nights on Saturdays.
On 28th August 2012
- rating: 6
[User has posted 1948 recommendations about 1861 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Blackthorn _ left this review about The Greyhound
Having been closed for a few months, it’s good to see this Clifton local re-open again at last. It’s had an extensive refurbishment, and feels quite different to how it did before. Whereas formerly there were separate rooms at the front and rear with a corridor joining the two, the corridor has gone and the front bar now extends right back to the rear bar, with now just a wall separating the two. This is at the expense of the loos which were off the corridor, and consequently the new ones are quite tiny, but they serve their purpose.
The front bar has an almost wine bar like feel to it rather than your traditional pub, and this is perhaps unsurprising as the new landlady is French. Flooring is rough wood boards and paintwork is mostly cream with some maroon detailing, and there is wooden cladding on the lower part of the walls, as well as some rough wood panels on the bar counter. An old beer barrel acts as a convenient place to rest your pint just inside the door, and elsewhere there are a few leather sofas. The rear bar is somewhat smaller and has a quite different character. At the back is a stage area with various drums and lights and consequently it would seem that music is to be a key feature here. The ceiling is black and the lighting is dozens of small yellow globe lights hanging from the ceiling at various heights.
Reflecting the landlady’s nationality perhaps, the menu consists of a selection of crepes, both savoury and sweet. These looked tempting, and whilst we didn’t indulge on this occasion, I’m sure we’ll pay a return visit. Beers on tap were Butcombe and Doom Bar. The solitary cider was Thatcher’s Gold.
Footnote - returned subsequently for some of the crepes, but was disappointed to find that they are now only served on Wednesday evenings. Apparently someone comes in to do them, and he is now concentrating on the festival circuit. The rear bar was closed off, but a four piece folk band were in the front bar and they were decent enough and most punters seemed to appreciate them.
On 10th April 2012
- rating: 7
[User has posted 1948 recommendations about 1861 pubs]