The Kings Head, Salisbury

Had an overnight stay in 2007 (it's one of the Wetherspoon Lodges... good for 2 for 1 and 3 for 2 value breaks). Location is superb, straight on the river and a short stroll to the city centre and the cathedral.

Bar was a bit disappointing in that the choice was fairly limited compared with most Wetherspoon places I've visited. But, I must admit that the beers I tried were fine (can't remember what they were now) and the staff were as good as anywhere.

Food was excellent value for money... especially as we had some Wetherspoon vouchers which meant two steaks and a bottle of plonk for under �15 (now got similar ones for 2008)

14 Feb 2008 17:37

Kearneys Irish Bar, St Werburghs

Now knocked down and about to become a community centre.

At least that's more genuine than yet another faux 'Oirish pub!

14 Feb 2008 17:25

The John Cabot, Horfield

You may like to know that this was once called the Royal Oak. Then it had a sunday foorball team, a good crowd of regulars and N Bristols best family garden.

Refurbished and re-named a good 10+ years ago it started of pretty OK (tho' the beer was always far too cold). However, it went downhill and is now shut (I heard there was a lot of trouble).

Rumoured to be due to re-open Feb/march 2008.

14 Feb 2008 17:20

The Annexe Inn, Bristol

Moog and Webel MC have it about right but I would say that the ol' place is going downhill.

Now getting pretty shabby and, depending on who's behind the bar , the music can get over loud. TVs at both ends is also a bad idea (not everyone wants to watch sport). Also a large pool cage dominates the central area (and they took the dartboard down so the smokers could get out easier!)

Pity is that instead of being pretty unique (good beers, no jukebox, husband/wife run, TV but not dominating)it seems to have gone with the flow

Nevertheless, generally good beers, usually 5 + a guest but the cider is now down to just one. Also do excellent food (not just the Pizzas... they also serve lunch/early evening meals).

Roger RIP

14 Feb 2008 17:05

The Old Fox, Horfield

The Old Fox used to be a pretty unique place with two separate rooms and a traditional off sales hatch in the entrance. Rumour has it that the local prison officers used to go there just so they could breath beer fumes over the inmates.

However, it's since been opened up and can best be described as resembling a US road house. After serving a spell as a bikers' pub (you should see all the HDs on Bank Hol ride days... just like The Wild One)it's now settled down as a good alternative to the Gloucester Road Beer Palaces.

Beerwise nothing special in terms of range, but a very good pint of Butcombe and a traditionally flat Bristol Bass. Also unique in that it's one of the few places your likely to be served by the landlady instead of some casual bar-person.

14 Feb 2008 16:52

The Foresters Arms, Bristol

The Forresters is probably one of the last remaining true pubs in the area (I don't count the Gloucester Road drinking holes like the GL and A). Very much a working man's pub frequented by regulars yet welcoming to visitors. However, it's probably not the place to take a first date (or indeed any lady with sensitive ears).

The atmosphere varies night to night depending what's on. As Moog says, Celtic matches pack the place out, as do occasional live music sessions (Irish with a strong Republican flavour... sometimes offensive to English ears) and dodgy discos... usually 60/70s style. Rovers football matches also result in a pre-match scrum (as does the rugby).

The other variable is the bar staff. Most are fine, and very attentive... however some others seem to hang around with no particular aim in life, have no idea of "first come first served" and use the juke-box and TV to suit themselves, not the customers.

All in all, a good honest boozer that deserves more recognition from the beer-heads... just don't sit near the loos, there's a drainage problem!

14 Feb 2008 16:40