A Bristol Geek

A good pint of beer is the best way to finish a long week!

It will be no great surprise to those of you that know me when I say that I can often be found in a good Pub. The definition of a ‘Good Pub’ can cause as much controversy as a banker’s bonus and as much argument as a discussion on who’s turn it is to do the dishes! We all have our own opinions but something that I hope we can all agree on is that Bristol has a great range of Pubs, many of which have been featured in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide.

Two of my regular pubs feature highly in the Good Beer Guide, the nearest to my home and work is the ‘Severn Stars’. The ‘Severn Stars’ has been voted as ‘Pub of the Year’ in Bristol two years running, and even gives us CAMRA members a discount! The stars isn’t to everyone’s taste, there is no food (unless you count pickled eggs) and the floors could do with a bit of a mop! But for a good pint of ale straight after work it can be hard to beat. The stars changes it’s range of beers almost daily and the barman can always suggest one if you aren’t sure.

My other regular is the one that I call my local pub, although not geographically local it is my most frequented. The Victoria Inn in Westbury-on-Trym is still my favourite pub; it has consistently served great beer and good food as long as I can remember (well beer since I was eighteen anyway). The Victoria is a Wadsworth pub so it mostly serves their beers, not that I am complaining as I am a lover of Henry’s IPA, however it has both cider and a few lighter options on tap. The pub has stared in the Guide for many years and also holds the ‘Cask Marque‘. The food is cooked fresh to order on the premises (no microwave lasagna there!) by their chief with everything from a gigantic mixed grill to various fish products, they even have a range of Pie Minister Pies. The pub’s food even landed it runners-up in the Observer Food Awards this year. Every other week they hold a Pub Quiz (sometimes hosted by me if they are short-handed) aimed more at fun than head scratching.

Guerilla Gardening at the Victoria

The Victoria is not only helping to bring back real ale, but it has also been working on bringing back a bit of community spirit! They recently took over a piece of scrub land alongside the pavement opposite the pub. The community came together in an act of ‘Guerilla Gardening’ and ripped out weeds and roots before planting hundreds of spring bulbs. All this was rewarded by a free dinner at the pub and a few pints!

Back to the subject of what makes a good pub, to me it is important that they serve proper beer and that the environment is right. When I go to a pub to share a jug with my friends I intend not only to share a drink with them but to share conversation; as such a pub with blaring music or sport on TV is a definite no. When a quick drinking session drags on, food becomes important (regardless of whether you think “eating’s cheating”) so a decent range of good food is a benefit to any ale house. All of those things are what attracts me to the Victoria Inn, I really would recommend a visit!

Related posts:

1. Danbo enjoys a Beer whilst listening to a concert at Bristol Zoo
2. The Good, The Bad and the Ugly
3. A Spooky Pub Quiz

It will be no great surprise to those of you that know me when I say that I can often be found in a good Pub. The definition of a...