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Detail Pages
The Portcullis, Clifton Village, Bristol
Bristol
BS8 4LE
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 7½ of 10) see review guidelines
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Peter Jillings left this review about The Portcullis
My first visit to this pub was confusing. I went into the front door on the top deck, to find no bar, customers, or staff! Not knowing where to go, I left. Walking back on the other side of the road, I saw a lower entrance - ah ha!
It's a good job I persevered, as I found the bar with a good selection of Dawkins beers.
On 21st October 2014
- rating: 8
[User has posted 59 recommendations about 54 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Blackthorn _ left this review about The Portcullis
A popular Dawkins pub located just far enough out of the centre of Clifton village so that it doesn't get quite as rammed as some venues. In the past this has worked against it and it's been very quiet, but after a it's refurbishment and new ownership it now seems to have found a new lease of life. It used to be rather down at heel, and the makeover has improved it no end, without losing any of it's charm and appeal. It seems a popular community pub, and a notice advertised a regular Thursday cinema night. Food appears to be limited to a few tapas style dishes priced at £1, £1.50 or £2.50.
Unusually the pub has entrances on two levels, one from the lower pavement and one from the upper pavement. In the summer months there are usually a couple of bench seats outside the upper entrance which are a popular spot for getting the evening sun. The upper bar has less atmosphere, but besides the outside seating there's a large pile of board games to keep you amused. Downstairs is where most people gather though. The barmaid seemed a bit ditzy as Mrs. B. ordered a “red wine, perhaps a Shiraz” and got given a (white) Pinot Grigio !
It's difficult to give a definitive list of the beers on offer, as they seem to be continually changing. Even in the short while that we were there, one ran out and another promptly replaced it. However, I managed to note several from Dawkins with their Ho Ho Ho, Green Barrel, Bristol Best and Brass Knocker. These were joined by Ashley Down Vanguard, Tiny Rebel Urban IPA and Dorset Knob. There were also a couple of boards behind the bar listing the “coming soon” options as well as 20+ bottled beers. After the somewhat eclectic beer selection, cider was a little disappointing with just Black Dragon from Gwynt Y Ddraig and another of their offerings from a box on the end of the bar.
On 28th January 2013
- rating: 7
[User has posted 1948 recommendations about 1861 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
train man left this review about The Portcullis
Goffs Jouster, Arbor Ales Brizzale Student Special (limited edition), Matthews Brassknocker, Thornbridge Jaipur IPA & Kipling, Dawkins Green Barrel (Organic by Matthews, named after owner – Dawkins Taverns), Cheddar Potholer (golden, surprisingly). Prices from £3.00 to £3.30(!), except Brizzale at £2.50. Chalkboards announce ‘present' & ‘future' ales. Cosy, low-ceilinged downstairs (ground level) bar, small seating area wrapped around the bar, faux fire to right. Upstairs room has bench & stool seating to new wood tables & door/window to walkway above street level. Stack of board games here, and very nice smell emanating from upstairs kitchen led to our pal Two-Pies-Chas purchasing, well, two pies – to take out. I made a note of ‘unfortunate schmooze soundtrack'. Ned, known to Luke at Cornubia, was suspicious on our arrival & actually asked ‘Are you trouble?'. Nope, we are seven casketeers (40-60yrs) seeking further beery goodness stout yeoman. It was fine – 7 pints, 2 pies, & we'll be on our way…
On 22nd November 2009
- rating: 7
[User has posted 412 recommendations about 411 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Quinno _ left this review about The Portcullis
An unusual two-level pub situated along one of the old Georgian terraces that feature prominently in this part of Bristol. It's a small, narrow place inside so be prepared to get cosy (and to attempt to shift barflys blocking your way to service) downstairs; make your way upstairs for another fairly small room which offers a number of board games and amusements (usually with a piece missing). My friend and I decided to spontaneously set up a Bontempi Joy Division tribute act; our rendition of Isolation was particularly good, given that three of the keys didn't work properly.
It's a Dawkins pub, so no surprise to find that it stocks a good range of real ale (a little expensive for Bristol - though not Clifton - at around £3) plus a cider (Gwynt y Ddraig I think). My Cheddar Gorge was nice, as was the Yeovil ale on offer (I forget the name). Service was fine and I'd recommend a beer or two up here if you can bag a seat - I imagine it fills up during term-time at the Uni, so be warned.
On 1st August 2009
- rating: 8
[User has posted 5081 recommendations about 5064 pubs]