Pubs and Bars / A-Z Bristol pub crawl
A-Z Bristol Pub Crawl: The Packhorse, Lawrence Hill
To a passer-by the exterior of this pub might be scary with The Hells Angels’ logo the “death’s head” plastered across the outside the The Packhorse Pub, set against a crisp white paint job with red details, but to those who don’t judge a book by the cover will be rewarded.
For a brief second the sign on the entrance that says “these toilets are for customers use only use” has you questioning if that is the entrance at all, and then having established it is and you’ve fought with the stiff door enough that you’ve caused a racket that draws the rooms eyes onto you, you shuffle in, reassuringly greeted by the friendly barkeep.
“Nobody leaves sober,” at their low prices it would certainly be rude not to – photo: Hannah Massoudi
There is barely a blank space on the walls or ceilings, flags of different countries, as well as a skull and crossbones hang from above.
is needed now More than ever
Metal prints of a bygone era line the top of the bar, with various articles of a vintage style or western theme to them such as the handmade bench and barrel accessorise the room.
Biker memorabilia including bike parts and pictures of visiting two wheeled travellers. The photos also pay homage to locals who are or were a significant part in the community here, with one photo accompanied by a poem titled a ‘Moment in Time.’
This is a community that makes individuals feel like family – photo: Hannah Massoudi
There are no bikers in today, or at least judging from their casual attire they haven’t rode in on a motorcycle.
Around half a dozen regulars are sat together, discussing the days events, even those not sat together seem to know each other by name.
A family are chatting with their teenage son, who decides to get up a have a go on the pool table on his own.
Classic pub amenities fill the room, a pool table, jukebox, gambling machine and a plasma flatscreen tv – photo: Hannah Massoudi
A pair who just walked in seemingly flustered by the bitingly cold wind outside glance around for a seat, attempting to get their bearings.
The bartender brings give them their pints and a bowl of chips and curry sauce each, a man across the bar eyes up their food, the smell draws out an envious look as he enthunsiastically informs them The Packhorse does the best food around.
They settle into the place, until a squark startles the pair and they spin around to see the source of the commotion in the corner of the room.
It appears the only one with a fearsome reputation is the feathered fiend sitting unassumingly in the corner.
A plaque next to the cage warns visitors to not pet the feathered fiend in the cage – photo: Hannah Massoudi
The exterior of The Packhorse pub – photo: Hannah Massoudi
166-168 Lawrence Hill, Bristol BS5 0DN
Main photo: Hannah Massoudi
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