Pubs and Bars / Pub of the Week
Pub of the Week: Kings Head
It may not be Bristol’s oldest pub, it might not even be the oldest on Victoria Street – but the Kings Head is still a relic of days gone by.
Venturing inside is a little like stepping back in time: black and white photos adorn wallpapered walls, tankards hang from the ceiling and the main talking point – the tramcar style seating area – has proudly withstood generations of drinkers.
Indeed, the interior is so well preserved that has been included on CAMRA’s National Inventory as being of ‘outstanding historic importance’.
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The trappings of a proper, traditional pub continue with pickled eggs available behind the bar, along with an assortment of crisps and snacks, and many real ale and cider pumps – all well-worn from use.
Don’t be fooled by first impressions though, this may be a boozer proud of its longstanding history, but it is also one that caters for a diverse clientele, as indicated by a blackboard advertising Prosecco by the glass, half or full bottle.
Another blackboard promotes four-pint jugs at 25p a pint off all ales and cider, while a third lists the guest ales (Exmoor Fox now and Tim Taylor’s Golden Best coming up next).
Service is unhurried, the barman doesn’t bat an eyelid at taking card payment for one bottle of water and a packet of crisps (£3.30) – indeed he has an air that suggests it would take a lot to ruffle his feathers.
There is already a buzz about the place at 5.30pm on a Thursday evening, with all bar stools occupied by a group, pints in hand, engrossed in conversation, while a couple sit quietly supping their drinks.
Inside the ‘tram carriage’ that makes up the main seating area in the heart of the Grade-II listed historic building, gin and slim-line tonics are flowing among a group of post-work drinkers.
Every nook and cranny is crammed with intriguing relics – antique artefacts, photos and Pukka Pies promotions. Brass signs inscribed with ‘Cordials’, ‘London Gin’, ‘Jamaica Rum’ and ‘Irish and Scotch Whiskeys’ look like they’ve been there for centuries – indeed, probably have.
“We made it to the West Country,” exclaims one member of a jubilant group, crowding into the small seating area and clashing their glasses in celebration.
There’s a little something for everyone in this treasure trove of a pub, just a stone’s throw from Temple Meads, that has been watching drinkers come and go for centuries – and long shall it continue to.
Kings Head, 60 Victoria Street, Bristol, BS1 6DE
0117 929 2338
Read more: Pub of the Week: The Knowle
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