Pubs and Bars / A-Z Bristol pub crawl
A-Z Bristol Pub Crawl: The Bridge Inn, Passage Street
The Bridge Inn is the sort of pub one stumbles upon rather than seeks out, a snug haven that feels simultaneously on the edge of town and at its heart.
After a stroll across St Philip’s Bridge, a striking black and white mural of Jimi Hendrix by David Blatch on the side of the pub catches the eye.
Like the area itself, the Bridge Inn is a fusion of old and new, traditional and urban.
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Upon entering, a sign in the bar area greets patrons: “Fancy a rich, strong Belgian?”
However, one visitor settles for a Czech pilsner, which pushes him back £5.10.
The St Austell Brewery-run establishment exudes warmth – photo: Milan Perera
Despite the post-work time slot on a recent evening, the pub is surprisingly quiet, perfect for a peaceful pint and a midweek reflection.
The interior is adorned with numerous posters and stickers of a myriad of musical acts.
Among the prized posters are those featuring the likes of Blondie, Led Zeppelin and David Bowie, offering a glimpse into Bristol’s vibrant gig history.
There is a hint of a music aficionado’s bedroom, adorned with numerous posters and stickers of a myriad of musical acts – photo: Milan Perera
The few patrons present are friendly and welcoming, greeting the visitor with a simple nod of acknowledgment and allowing him to enjoy his drink undisturbed.
The St Austell Brewery-run establishment exudes a comfortable warmth, where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
In many respects, it is the type of place that the late AA Gill might have admired for its complete lack of self-consciousness – neither striving to be fashionable nor burdened by affectations.
The selection includes locally brewed beers and continental counterparts – photo: Milan Perera
The selection of drinks is impressive, featuring a wide variety of locally brewed beers such as Gem, as well as continental counterparts including Bavarian lagers and Belgian bottled varieties.
The reading material is carefully curated, featuring only three publications, unlike the countless lifestyle magazines one normally finds in a public house.
One particular publication stands out for its lack of a glossy cover or colour photos. Yet, its content is anything but dull, taking aim at local politicians of all persuasions and even offering a quasi-helpline to report sightings of them.
As dusk settles, the historic Cheese Lane Shot Tower, just a stone’s throw away from the pub, looms large like a beacon. The benches outside are bathed in the warm glow of street lamps, piercing through the thick fog. There is a lugubrious solemnity to the whole spectacle.
As the visitor is about to discreetly leave after finishing his pint, the friendly barman expresses surprise. “Another one?” he asks.
The visitor obliges, opting for one for the road before walking into the night.
The mammoth mural of Jimi Hendrix on the pub wall sets the tone for the interior of the pub – photo: Milan Perera
The Bridge Inn, 16 Passage Street, Bristol BS2 0JF
Main photo: Milan Perera
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