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Detail Pages
Smoke & Mirrors, Bristol
Bristol
BS1 5DQ
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 6 of 10) 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 1949 recommendations about 1862 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 1949 recommendations about 1862 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
john mcgraw left this review about Bunch of Grapes
Great narrow single bar pub with a seperate seating area at the back.Has four real ales on which mostly come from small independent breweries.Well worth a visit when in Bristol.
On 22nd October 2007
- rating: 10
[User has posted 2044 recommendations about 2025 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Dave McNally left this review about Bunch of Grapes
A rather nice cosy pub that I should've tried years ago, good selection of real ales and will be a really nice place once the smoking ban comes into effect.
On 4th June 2007
- rating: 8
[User has posted 17 recommendations about 17 pubs]