The Kings Head, Bristol

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Blackthorn _ left this review about The Kings Head

A substantial looking pub, probably built in the 1930’s or thereabouts, it no doubt attracts a lot of trade both from the Computershare offices opposite and traffic going to the airport, which is just as well really as I can’t imagine too many people would make a habit of going there if they had any other option.

The pub consists of a lounge to the right and a public bar to the left. From previous visits many years ago there was also a skittle alley/function room at the rear, although whether that’s still in use I’m not sure. The lounge bar had a fairly nondescript feel to it, with little of any note or architectural significance. Flooring was a mixture of wood laminate by the bar, slate style tiles in the central part of the room and carpet elsewhere. Paintwork was a mixture of cream and maroon, and there was some pale wood panelling on the ceiling. There a couple of supporting pillars in exposed brickwork, as well as a brick partition wall opposite the bar counter which featured a large archway. Leaded windows looked out to both the front of the pub and to the side. The bar counter area looked a little rustic I suppose, with a brick backdrop and wood panelling both on the bar counter itself and up above.

We didn’t study the menu, but it looked to be a mass produced laminated affair and all the main meals were offered as part of a “2 for 1” deal, all day every day. This is a pet hate of mine. Clearly no business can sustain itself my permanently giving away half it’s stock for free, so you know that the meals are in reality only worth of half of what’s being charged. We also noticed what looked like a portable carvery counter containing a ham slicer and soup terrine, although this was not in use on our visit. It was simply left abandoned in the middle of the pub.

Despite three hand pumps on the bar, only one was in use dispensing Doom Bar. A second had it’s pump clip reversed, whilst a third appeared unused. Mrs. B was similarly nonplussed by the lager selection, with the only half-decent offering being off leaving just Carling and Fosters. Ciders fared slightly better with a trio from Thatcher’s – Gold, Dry and Haze. Prices seemed quite ridiculous with a small orange juice and lemonade coming in at £3.80 – after some discussion, the barmaid, who did at least seem friendly enough, said she “might be able to do something” and then charged us £2.60. Best avoided.

On 2^nd February 2018 - rating: 4
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