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Detail Pages
The Coconut Tree, Clifton, Bristol
Bristol
BS8 1JT
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 Coconut Tree
A relative recent opening on the site of the former Illusions magic bar, this is not a pub in the traditional sense but more of a bar / restaurant with an emphasis on Sri Lankan food.
There is a “Please wait here to be seated” sign as you enter the pub, but as we were not dining we ignored this and headed straight for the bar counter which was off to the right. The majority of the pub is given over to diners with chunky wooden tables that look as though they have just been nailed together from a few old planks. Nonetheless there were a few bar stools both at, and opposite, the bar counter for those who were not eating. The bar area has chequered tiling on the floor and a ceiling that was entirely covered in newspapers. Elsewhere there was dark wood strip on the floor with some exposed brickwork to the left which included copper piping that had been used as electrical conduit for the lighting. Other walling was a mix of either very dark grey or very pale grey plasterwork and there was also a colourful mural of a couple of tuk tuks. A semi open kitchen occupies the corner of the pub that was formerly the magic counter. As is de rigueur in any pub renovation these days, there were plenty of exposed filament light bulbs, this time connected to long cords which snaked across the ceiling like a spider’s web.
Unfortunately there were no real ales on tap, just a couple of pale ales on keg from Maltsmith’s and Caledonian. Ciders fared somewhat better though with Symonds Founders Reserve and Orchard Thieves. Overall, whilst this is certainly not a pub in the traditional sense, it had a nice vibe and the food certainly smelt very good, and I shall no doubt return to check this out.
On 26th May 2019
- rating: 6
[User has posted 1949 recommendations about 1862 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Blackthorn _ left this review about Illusions
A large single-room pub with a somewhat down at heel appearance. Clearly the major attraction here is the magic bar, as it’s name suggests. This is a small bar in the corner of the room where a magician does a number of card tricks. There’s limited seating in front of the bar and so it’s a little difficult to see what’s going on if there’s a few punters in front of you. As such, I didn’t take too much notice of proceedings, but the tricks that were being done seemed to be appreciated. The action was also relayed to a plasma screen, but that didn’t have enough detail to really see what was happening, and, rather oddly, was only in black and white.
There are lots of sofa’s around the place, some large windows at the front to watch the world go by, and a grand piano in one corner. As well as the more usual open mic night, they also have an open magic night. There were a number of pictures on one wall showing various illusionists and performers – Houdini, Barnum, etc. All in all it could really do with a bit of tidying up, but it scores a few points for being unusual.
Unfortunately there was no beer on tap at all. The solitary cider was Strongbow, which was very disappointing.
On 25th May 2011
- rating: 4
[User has posted 1949 recommendations about 1862 pubs]