News / Bristol
Pub of the Week: Punch Bowl
The air is hot and heavy, road rage seems to be rife and the Punch Bowl’s promise of a refreshing gin and tonic is as good an offer as any for a thirsty cyclist.
A longstanding Old Market staple, the historic pub has changed little from the outside, the familiar green tiles adorning the Grade II-listed drinking den still sport the words ‘Rogers Prize Medal Ales’ below the old, traditional signage.
It is only two new chalk boards advertising a beautiful garden and cold tipple that hint at the transformation within.
is needed now More than ever
The formerly closed pub has recently reopened under new ownership and a faint waft of fresh paint is still detectable as the door opens to reveal a vast interior of rustic wooden tables and chairs atop polished wood floors. The walls are artfully adorned with a collection of mirrors and pictures.
A bar that once doled out pints and the odd portion of cheesy chips is now laden with a vast display of spirits and ales and ciders on tap, while food offerings vary from home marinated olives, to roasted hake, or courgette with kale pesto and tempura battered courgette flowers.
There is the distinct aroma of fresh strawberries at the bar, coming – it turns out – from the gin and tonic ordered by the woman stood next to me. Pink in colour, served in a large glass with a generous portion of fruit, the drink was a sight to behold.
I’m in search of an altogether more bitter taste and the bar tender certainly knows her stuff as she talks through the options and eventually serves a gin with a perfectly tart taste and a few slices of grapefruit to complement it.
The Punch Bowl is quiet inside on this early Tuesday summer evening and it’s no wonder, as outside is clearly where the action is. Tables rapidly begin to fill with small groups and pairs enjoying an alfresco drink.
Always, a surprising delight, the garden has not been neglected in the pub’s transformation and a slate floored patio, adorned with pots of flowers and candles affords punters covered or open air seating options.
A collection of plates and pallets sprouting foliage decorate white walls and the overall ambience is one of tranquillity, a far cry from the dusty streets of Old Market outside.
The privilege of this little slice of calm doesn’t come particularly cheap and the gin with Fever Tree tonic cost £5.85.
New owners Wickwar Wessex Brewing & Pub Co. have added the Old Market venue to a Bristol portfolio that also includes the Cotham Porter Stores, Gloucester Road Ale House and the Jersey Lily.
It is fair to say they are offering more than the usual old pub fare and with main meal options hovering around the £13-£14 bracket, this is certainly a foodie destination, rather than stomach lining fodder.
A glimpse of some delicious-looking fresh bread loaves on the kitchen side is enough to get my mouth watering and the olives were certainly an enticing sight, but alas a quick pit stop is all time allows.
Outside, just opposite the Punch Bowl stands the sad relic that was once the popular Stag and Hounds pub and a large sign advertises a student show flat.
Certainly, the Punch Bowl’s transformation is a sign of the times in Old Market and as long as that means breathing new life into old institutions, that can only be a positive thing.
Punchbowl Alehouse and Kitchen
23 Old Market
BS2 0HB
www.wickwarbrewing.com/locations/punchbowl-alehouse-and-kitchen
Read more: Old Market pub set to be transformed
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