Old Bank, Keynshamback to pub details please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Unfortunately the stench from the toilets which fills this place makes me avoid. Very basic pub and flat cider. 1/10.
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Recommended to me by word of mouth by Bristolians in the past, and currently the Good Beer Guide 2013, as we'd stopped for an overnight mooring on the nearby Kennet & Avon Canal at Keynsham, it would've been rude not to have sampled what the town has to offer pub and ale-wise. This was the first port-of-call in the actual place itself (we'd dropped in to the Lock Keeper but that's a little but further out).
This was a basic, earthy but friendly and enduring experience when we visited last week. The pub appears to be located in what I presume was an 'old bank', although its barrack-room layout and large windows suggest more of an ex-post office. In any case, it doesn't have the greatest of natural comforts and without many customers atmosphere can be hard to build. We pitched up in the leather sofas in order for some of our number to 'enjoy' the England footer match being shown. For all my indifference to the game it did help build something of a bond with a few locals, who also took the trouble to recommend and direct us to our next stop (the Ship - see separate review!).
Not only were the regulars affable, but so were the bar staff. The barmaid gladly served up several pints - 3 cask ales were offered including Cotleigh Barn Owl, and after a quick barrel-swap, the rather tasty Plain Ales Arty Farty. At only �2.90 a pint this was good value boozing indeed.
On a more lively night, perhaps the Old Bank would've kept us interested enough for another; as it was we moved on so as to get a broader measure of the area, but if in these parts again (usually I'll be in either Bristol or Bath but you never know), I'd certainly drop in here for a pint or two. There isn't much competition locally for ale lovers, so with repeated visits, I imagine this could be a grower.
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Generally comfortable but don't let the toilets put you off. The management are friendly and obliging and will put on a barrel of something nice if you ring in advance (but be specific about your ETA because on our lunchtime visit they were expecting us in the evening!) The quiz on Monday nights is definitely worth the trip.
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Visited before football yesterday.
Well kept Exmoor Gold and Sharps Doom Bar, friendly locals who remembered us from our last and only previous visit in August 2010.
Good selection of ciders albeit mainly bottled that kept my mate happy too.
If in Keynsham, well worth a visit.
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just saying hi to all the staff and regulars. dont drink too much people!!!!! especially you, one of them!!!!!
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Opened(re-opened?) about 6 years ago in a blaze of publicity,mostly due to it being brewery tap for the adventurous but now defunct Nursery Brewery. Stocked a good array of guest ales and some interesting foreign beers at the time.
However in recent years the place has diminished somewhat but is still good for a reasonably priced and usually fair quality pint. Pretty Slovak staff and moderately friendly regulars. Spartan decor but not the worst pub in Keynsham by any manner of means. Easy for buses and few minutes walk to the railway station.
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