Portcullis Inn, Bristolback to pub details please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
What a little 'gem'. Frienly staff (he's a Yeovil FC supporter!). Great selection of ales and ciders. Also a good range of bottled beers. This pub ticks all the boxes for me. 9/10.
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Absolutely excellent: great beer range, friendly atmosphere, warm fire on a cold night - what more do you want?
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Enjoyed a pint of Goff Jouster on saturday afternoon, this is without doubt one of the most consistently excellent pubs I've ever been to. Nice to see Nat back too.
Shame the Victoria isn't a little closer as I could enjoy both in the same evening. (too tight to pay for a taxi)
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This pub has a delightfully quirky interior...but, the real delight is the range of draught ales available..
The surprisingly youthful manager has a very firm grasp of what cutting edge Ales are being produced, both locally, and in the beer world, generally...
Expect to see Dawkins, Arbor Ales, Brew Dog Brews, and there was talk of an influx of American Craft Brewery Bottled treats in the near future...
This is well worth incorporating on your Clifton Pub Crawl, especially if you are a serious Beer Enthusiast, or someone curious to try some more unusual & fulsome flavoured Ales....even though it is a slight detour to reach, from the main bulk of Clifton Village boozers...
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What a great find. I have lived in Bristol for many years but only visited this pub recently since its change of management. Its a fantastic place with a tasty range of well-kept beers. Helpful staff, and a perfect local location. Its on two levels with a beer garden out back, and on average there are 6-8 beers on tap. Will definitely return.
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had put off visiting this establishment for far far too long,the choice of 8 ales was exceptionally good and the pint of keystone gold spice was a totally divine 10/10 pint,only thing that slightly let it down was the �3.20tag,8/10 a real must if in the area
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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.
Unusually the pub has entrances on two levels, one from the lower pavement and one from the upper pavement. There were a couple of bench seats outside the upper entrance, and these were popular with punters getting some evening sun on a recent visit. 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. There�s a long bar with a wide range of beers, a basic pub grub menu including various Pie Minister pies and a friendly dog.
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 Arbor Ales Mild West, Acorn Brewery�s Darkness, GWB Classic Gold, RCH East Street Cream, Dawkins own Bob Wall, Brassknocker Blond and 66 and the rather intriguing Chocolate Marble. Ciders were Dawkin�s Sunshine which was perhaps a little sweet for my taste, and the 8% Old Bristolian served straight from the barrel.
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Narrowly missed out being bristol camra pub of the year . great choice of ales ,and friendly young manager.
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Absolute beer heaven. A great little pub on two levels (the bar is downstairs). Unbelievable range, superbly served by good staff. My only fault is that I only had time for one.
Guaranteed to go back if in Clifton.
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Absolutely amazing little pub - very friendly and a good stock of well-kepy local ales! Been there a few times with some friends who call it their local, and always felt like I've been at home.
Even better if you're in when Daisy is in. Daisy being the lovely Jack Russell who kips in front of the fire and fishes for compliments until 10:50pm, when she earns her living, jumps onto the bar and rings the bell for last orders.....without prompting!
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We (R.A.T.S.) called into the 'Portcullis' yesterday (12th Dec '09) for their 'Christmas Beer Festival' ... and what a CRACKER it was too ! I went through the whole of the downstairs Bar offerings and also tasted 4 from the upstairs 'gravity dispense' Bar. I only found one Beer that was "not to my taste", the rest being in excellent condition, and at the perfect temperature (as they always are in fact !)
We have always received a very warm welcome each time we arrive from S. Wales, and this pub is on the top of our 'Must Visit' list when we're over in Bristol.
Regarding the "expensive" comments ... not as expensive as some of the Bristol pubs we've been in this year ... �4.20p a pint I recall in one well known pub !
In response to the other posters here regarding Ned's "demeanour" ... I'm mystified as to what you guys are on about ??? We've always found Ned to be a very interesting, informative and friendly person, and 'yes' ... he does get excited about his Beers ... it is his job after all ! It's a refreshing change to see someone with such enthusiasm, caring about both the Beers and the Customer, not like some miserable sods we've seen on our travels !
We also feel that Glen Dawkins has has made a sound choice in employing both Ned and the lovely 'Natz', and that you guys who think otherwise should really learn to lighten up a bit and maybe while supping one of their excellent Beers, join in with the banter that comes from *both* sides of the Bar !
Since we 'found' the 'Portcullis' we have come to regard Ned & Natz as friends. They do what they do well ...no, *extremely* well, and long may they continue to do so.
10 /10 all round ... it's a pity about 'some' of the negative client�le though !
Cheers all, and apologies for the lengthy write-up, but I just had to respond to the comments below.
Dave : The Sec-RAT-ary
Real Ale Tasting Society - R.A.T.S. �
Llantrisant Old Town,
Mid Glamorgan
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hello, just to let you know that the christmas beer festival is now in full swing... heres the list:
Beartown - Ginger Bear 4%
Box Steam - Light Box
Cotleigh - 25 4%
Hopback - Spring Zing 4.2%
RCH - Steaming Santa 4.5%
Amber/Copper
Brains - Party Popper 3.7%
Bridgetown - Albert Ale 3.8%
Bridgetown - Realaleativity 4.8%
Cotleigh - Red Nose Reinbeer 5%
O'Hanlon's - Firefly 3.7%
Sarah Hughes - Snowflake 8%
Darker Brown
Blindmans - Bah Humbug 4.5%
Exmoor Ales - Exmoor Antler 4%
Nethergate - Essex Beast 6.2%
Sarah Hughes - Ruby Mild 6%
Dark
Bath Ales - Festivity 5%
Boggart - Rum Porter 4.6%
Box Steam - Dark Box 5%
Dorset Brewing - Portland Porter 4.7%
Hesket New Market - Great Cockup Porter 3%
Purple Moose - Dark Side of the Moose 4.6%
thanx again to all those who have taken the time to comment. apologies to the gent who found me a bit pushy, i just get very excited about ale when talking to people.... can't blame me really- lovely stuff :-)
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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 (see photo above). 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�
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Came to shelter from the torrential rain to be greeted by a yapping dog, but a very enjoyable selection of broadly local ales. A nice find. It's Clifton so of course it is expensive, but a good spot.
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Been in a few times now and beer is good but thought the LL / bar bloke a bit patronising, what with nearly telling me what to drink and how knowledgeable he is about real ale. Yes, I've neen a CAMRA member for a few years n all. There is a good choice though and never had a bad pint (a bit pricey)
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thankx again for more lovely comments... here's a quick update...
Rare Ales Night is on Friday 18th September 2009. Following on from our march night and in full support of CAMRA's BADRAG team.
The Champions Beer Festival will be from 1-5th sept 2009 and we are going to try to get all 24 award winning beers from the Great British Beer Festival.
We are muchly looking forward to our second christmas season and hope to see you soon for a drinky :-)
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YES but i'm not gonna do an essay like the previous review , excellent beer both choice ,and quality . very attentative service . VERY GOOD
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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 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).
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). I found the service fine, though I was served by a friendly barmaid as opposed to whom I presume to be the landlord who has generated so much recent debate�
A_E_M I'm surprised you didn't like the Bontempi Joy Division tribute act, I thought their rendition of Isolation was particularly good, given that three of the keys didn't work properly�good to hear that Vince Clarke�s bin is being raided for extra instruments in the near future, perhaps they can branch out into Rick Wakeman tunes fairly soon.
Anyways, yes I think 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.
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This place is a few minutes from my brother's house, so we tend to pop in whenever i'm over, and i 've grown very fond - excellent array of guest ales that change regularly, a cosy layout, and cheery service. There's plenty of pubs in the clifton area, but this is the one that's worth the most effort to get to, my brother was a committed lager drinker until he stumbled upon it but he's now getting into his ales and being made to feel a welcome regular by Ned, by the way make sure you seek out its sister pub the Victoria as well.
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thankyou all for your lovely comments. We have been at the PC for nearly 18 months now and things have gone brilliantly. Just to let you all know that we have a cider festival coming up (24th July) with nearly 40 ciders from around the country (and its neighbours).
The beer garden should be open soon too !
We are also building an exciting collection of vintage synthesizers for the upstairs room (thats right.... the FUN room) This will be for your amusement and the almost definate irritation of Mr ec. (see post below).
Sexytime :-)
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Funny experience here. Lifted (TEMPORARILY!) my self embargo of Dawkins Taverns to meet a pal here. Walked in and a little pleasant barwoman was beavering away,it was my turn but a pompous "regular" demanded service,and being the amiable bloke I am I left him go ahead given his importance. The girl somewhat embarrassedly served him and then served me with apologies. The Matthews Brassknocker was excellent,as was the Yeovil ale had,though both were over (or on) the �3 mark. Nobody knew who spiderpig was. The blokes playing the mini organ upstairs were a pain in the hole. Enough said.
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Land people Ned and Natz do a brilliant job running this pub. I've seen the Portcullis open and close three or four times over the past decade or so. So, opening and running a successful (and pricey) real drink pub in the midst of the most serious recession since the 30s is highly commendable.
This tiny pub might just turn over one of the highest guest lists in Bristol. Also sells very rare and unusual lagers on tap and have bravely eschewed Guinness in favour of more cellar space for a worthier brew. It's a shame I live no where near it.
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Cosy traditional pub, just off the main drag of Clifton Village. Living locally, the pub offers a wide range of very well kept beers that is not easy to find an area generally serviced by overpriced gastro-pubs and generic wine bars. I have lived in the area for a few years and have seen the Portcullis go through a number of guises; each time never quite managing to work out what it is. In its latest guise I think that the pub has managed to finally find its mojo. The range of beers on offer is impressive taking into account the pubs diminutive size. All of the beer is very very well kept by a landlord who is genuinely passionate about real ales. A little surprised to read the negative comments about customer service posted by a member as this is certainy not my experience. Each time I have visited I have always found the staff to be friendly and accomodating. There aren't many real pubs left in Clifton Village but I'm glad to say that this is one of them and well worth a visit.
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Sausage & mash was great value for a fiver. Enjoyed my Gwynt y Ddraig cider (a huge improvement on Westons). Barman was friendly and efficient.
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Excellent beer range and good honest nosh (mainly pies). Ned and Nat know their stuff when it comes to beer and the Portcullis stands out from the blander and more pretentious establishments of Clifton. The unusual layout over two floors makes it interesting too.
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Dandillus, may i avert your attention to 'saxon_scoopers' review. This is one of the customers you talk about in your first review. Ned and the R.A.T.S. (Real Ale Tasting Society) are good friends and enjoy banter. i apologise that you were offended by the banter, but they were just having a bit of fun! It's great to feel like you can talk to customers like they are good friends, which we do a lot. The only pity is that you aren't one of them!
Natalie, Landlady. Portcullis
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nice little cosy pub this with upstairs , permanent beer matthews , which tastes a little too medicinal for me , this is not a critiscism , as this is obviously a personal preference , a pint of one of their organic beer's was more to my liking , the manager/manageress seemed pleasant enough , and the dog seemed to like me.
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In regard to the responses from my previous post, well I do understand the differences between a dry sense of humour and having a bit of banter with your customers, to the service and demeanour of said landlord on my last visit (and mmm, isn't it "interesting" that 'shooter mcgavin' and 'barbudette' have only just registered on this site and have only left positive comments for this pub - surely not what I'm suspecting?) My companions also found it embarrassing, and no sir you were not joking nor was there a smile on your face. I thoroughly appreciate Mr Dawkins' pubs and enjoy visiting to try the ales. However, he does not, unfortunately, seem to have a sound choice when seeking people to run 'em who seem to be sarcastic, know it alls. and make you feel as though they are doing you a favour by serving you.(and I refer people to other comments for The Victoria and the Miners Arms on this site), A pity.
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I stumbled upon this pub through sheer luck and word of mouth - a handful of my friends found the pub and highly recommended it. I have attended two beer festivals so far, and both have been a thoroughly enjoyable experience! Top, well kept beers, fantastic food and an amazing atmosphere.
I am now lucky enough to have landed the odd shift in this pub, so I'm getting to know the regulars and locals. Waiting in anticipation for the next beer festival!
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A great pub with great beer and lots of other interesting drinks. There is currently a beer festival so lots of lovely ales to try.
It's a really friendly place so I think the person below who complained must not have understood the landlord's dry sense of humour in the way that the regulars do. Anyone who has ever attended the pub quiz will know what I mean!
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oh deary me. i was very embarressed to read the below review this morning. i think, however you may be being a touch unfair. I know the people i was talking to well enough to be able to joke around with them, and them me. I am very sorry if you were not aware that i was joking. i believe you may have missed the broad smile on my face.
I pride myself on having a good service manner and friendly relationship with all of my customers. Its one of the reasons ive managed to make a success of a failing pub. Please do not be too offended by a bit of bar banter, sir. Im sure your next visit will leave you happy and refreshed. Thanks for your trade, see you soon. Ned, Landlord.
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Ok, there are a lot of good things about this pub, the interesting range of well kept real ales being already well documented. Beer festival also on this weekend with wide range of interesting beverages from near and far. HOWEVER, I am afraid to say not made welcome by landlord upon arrival who seemed highly put out at having to serve us. The chap later went on to shout out to his punters 'do they want a job' and moaning about having to work '80 hours a week', while people looked on embarrassedly. I thought punters go into pubs to have a pint, prop up the bar and complain about their lot, not the other way round. Very, very poor idea of not only how to treat your customers, but how to generally behave in public. A shame.
9 for the beer, 0 for the service
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Mid 19th century Georgian terraced building with unusual 2 levels of pavement entrances. A pub for over 150 years and recently refurbished tastefully by Dawkins Taverns who change the face of The PubCo as we know it, Jim! 7 real ales from West Country micros all in excellent condition, great range of Malt Whisky and a warm friendly welcome from Landlord Ned. Excellent value meals: Chilli �4, Bangers+Mash or Pieminster Pie with mash �5. This is a great, not to be missed town pub. Today was their Beer Festival with 12 extra beers on upstairs. Well done Ned!
Reviewed 13/12/08 by SADCATS on Tour! SCORE- 9.
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Great little boozer with very good but pricey(�3+) beer.
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was in there on a friday night.chedar-gorge best and harvisetoun-666 number of the beast were excellent.good range of local beer and a knowledgable landlord who knew his stuff.definite visit again
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Since this outlet was last reviewed, changes have been afoot, and happily, I'm able to report that they are positive, for the Portcullis has been given the Glen Dawkins treatment, which has worked successfully on a number of levels in 3 other Bristolian pubs to date.
The pub has seen frequent changes of licensee, and sadly none has really been able to harness its potential as what could be one of Clifton's best-kept secrets. The Dawkins concept is mercifully unbranded (apart from some subtle fake breweriana woven into the scenery!), and the focus is on a wide range of excellently-kept, predominantly South-West, cask beers, including offerings from Cheddar, Matthews etc (all of which was excellent when sampled recently), which come courtesy of the canny free-of-tie leases that Glen brokers with the owner (in this case, Pubfolio).
He has installed the confident and determined Ned and demure Natalie (whom I believe were previously at the Hillgrove) to get things up and running, and whilst it is early days, it is clear that they have some winning formulae and can only restore the pub's fortunes as a smart local bolthole in the months yet to unfold. Friendly, open, and encouraging, I think this is another likely success story; watch this space.
Steer clear of the gross Avon Gorge Bar and slip over for a sanity injection at the Portcullis instead!
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Dropped in for a quick pint the other day, the first time I'd been here. Tiny little bar (though I think maybe there's another one on the upper level?) full of entirely male clientele, doing what you go to the pub for: ie drinking and talking. Though it's obviously very much a locals' pub, it wasn't in the least intimidating, and the guy behind the bar (the landlord, I suspect) was friendly and chatty. Good beer, as you'd expect in a place like this. Worth a visit, if there's room inside.
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