Battleaxes, Wraxhallback to pub details please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Only had time for a quick pint of the excellent Flatcapper on a recent visit. Beautiful building, the interior reminds me of a hotel lounge bar from years ago, (and none the worse for that!). The sort of place you might take a foreign visitor to show them something a bit different. Reading about it's ups-and-downs I hope that this time it manages to prosper!
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It�s great to see this historic old pub being given a new lease of life and re-opening. Years ago it was renowned for it�s Sunday carvery, but since then has been on a long, slow decline. It was �rescued� a couple of years ago by an Indian couple who also ran a supermarket in Totterdown. Unfortunately it would seem that their business expertise didn�t extend to running country pubs, and the inexorable decline continued, followed by it�s inevitable closure. It�s now been bought by the guys behind the Lounge chain, plus the Castle at Bradford-on-Avon and another one that I haven�t visited in Frome.
It�s a big old pub, mostly open plan but with several different areas. The main bar area is a good size and extends around the L-shape bar. There�s dark wooden strip flooring, with a few areas of a natural slate type tile. It�s been painted in the (inevitable) gastro-pub green, and there�s plenty of mirrors and old photographs on the walls. Most of the seating is chunky tables and chairs giving a sort of farmhouse kitchen feel to the place, but there�s also a few comfy sofa�s dotted around as well and a selection of board games. The lighting could either be described as atmospheric or dark, depending on your point of view. With no ceiling lights, the only illumination was from a few wall lights and the church candles on each table. Whilst this created a pleasant effect, I saw at least two punters who had to go and stand in the doorway to read their menu!
There�s also a separate bar up a few steps which seems to be more geared up for eating. This has it�s own bar area, although this did not appear to be open on our visit. The menu itself is a decent mixture of main courses, sandwiches, tapas and breakfasts (they are open from 10:00). If you�re familiar with the Lounge bars, you�re certainly recognise the tapas menu. On the whole we thought that the food was pleasant enough, although nothing special. My Chicken & Ham pie could have been a slightly more generous portion, and Mrs. Blackthorn�s curry could have been a little tastier. At around �9 each, we felt it perhaps a tad expensive for what we got, but not enough to put us off returning and trying something else.
Besides the food from the menu there were a few snacks behind the bar such as picked eggs, onions, gherkins and shallots. Even piccalilli. I�m used to the concept of pickled eggs in a pub as you just pop it in your packet of crisps, but what are you supposed to do with piccalilli? There were also a couple of sponges on the bar, and even packets of home made fudge! Future plans apparently include re-opening the downstairs bar, which will be solely for drinking (i.e.; no food served) and developing B&B accommodation upstairs.
Unusual choice of beers on offer, namely their own Flatcapper�s Ale, Barbury Castle, Bristol Beer Factory�s Acer, Cheddar�s Bitter Bully and Yeovil�s Star Gazer. Ciders were Stowford Press and Orchard Pig.
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Massively improved pub. Just re-opened and what a change! Lovely redecoration job. Wooden floors, lots of mismatched furniture and scatter cushions for a homely effect. I particularly like the chunky candles on each table. We went on opening night and got free food and drink which was a bonus. Went back following Thursday and the place was pleasantly buzzing with happy people enjoying food and drink. Nice menu with old favourites and some slightly more adventurous items including their Grazing menu (basically tapas). Lots of car parking and plenty of staff. My new favourite pub.
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Now closed for refurbishment by CAMRA award-winning Bristol based Pub Co Flatcappers. Set to re-open July/Aug '10.
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Large sprawling building with equally large sprawling interior,Somewhat tired both in/out. Not much in the beer offerings and the real ale i had was on the cloudy side. The chef had been there some 29yrs,we tried the carvery as advertised for �4-95p, this is only for one meat selection though and, the choice was Pork/Beef/Turkey all were well cooked as was the veg these were spot on not under or over cooked liked most carveries. The hotplate was minimal but i suspect this was to reduce wastage and as we were the only ones in 1200 till 1310 probably a good move,Another plus was that although the building is large it was warm and inviting and the radiators were doing their part,unlike a few i could mention. A well cooked meal none the less.
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Don't be sucked in my the nice architecture outside. It's a food pub with no decent beers/ciders. Food OK though.
It's one of those pubs which could be great, but promises more than it delivers.
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