Publican Local Focus: Bristol boom
Bristol is one of those places that appears to be held in very high regard by all those who have a link with it.
Just mentioning the fact I was off to sample some of its finest watering holes was met with a sentimental response by those remembering great nights out in the West Country.
It's understandable too - the city has an infectious laid-back vibe which permeates through a host of welcoming pubs.
Just a quick glance at the lengthy listings in the Good Pub Guide reveals how highly rated the area's pub scene is.
Of course, Bristol has been hit by the familiar factors such as the recession and supermarket pricing like everywhere else, and pubs have closed. But there are also many that are thriving against the odds.
Pubs on the up
Take the Cornubia, a (pretty hefty, admittedly) stone's throw from Temple Meads station. The last 18th century building standing in an area caught up in bombing during the Second World War might be tucked away, but the regulars certainly know how to find it.
As The Publican turns up just before opening time a queue is literally forming outside the door. Once the pub is open the seats fill rapidly, despite this supposedly being the quietest trading period of the year.
According to licensee Phil Bennett this is typical in a number of real ale pubs that the city is becoming famed for.
"Some pubs in Bristol are closing, which is a pity, but we are also seeing the good ones get better and better," he says.
"We need good pubs in this country and we have got that here in Bristol. Bristol is thriving, there is loads of development going on and there is work out there. I think it is bucking the trend."
Famed for its eclectic music and arts scene, Bristol genuinely seems to offer something for everyone, and this is reflected in the city's pubs.
Real ale houses dominate the Temple Meads area, while the main drag is full of the familiar branded chains. Head up the hill to Clifton and you find a combination of traditional pubs, cider houses and bars dotted among the leafy streets.
Real result
But it is the cask ale side of things that really seems to be growing, something which obviously delights Peter Bridle, of the Bristol CAMRA branch.
He said: "There has been tremendous interest in recent times and a lot more young people - and women - are drinking real ale. There are a lot of young people in Bristol so that goes together well."
And young people are running pubs as well, such as Paul Wratten at the Seven Stars, the area's CAMRA pub of the year.
He believes success in the city is due to a collective spirit between licensees.
"Licensees genuinely work together to help each other out and keep the real ale scene alive," he says. "There are a lot of pubs doing well in Bristol and it is great to be part of that."
Next stop is Sunderland. If you would like us to visit your pub email: news@thepublican.com
Phil Bennett runs freehouse the Cornubia with partner Jacki Hall. The 18th century real ale haven is located in the city's Temple Meads area.
How much will a drink cost me?
We do seven real ales, those below five per cent ABV are £2.90, those above are £3.05. CAMRA members get a discount. Thatchers Gold cider is £2.90. A pint of Budvar is £3.25 and a 175ml glass of wine is £3.15.
Do you do food?
We are very much wet-led but we do pork pies at £1.50 each as well as some chutneys and bar snacks.
Who are your customers?
We are in the middle of a big office area so we get a lot of people in from there during the day. At night we're on a circuit of real ale pubs. Our staff all know the next person that walks through the door is the most important person they are going to meet.
What attracts people?
We are a friendly, traditional pub - I like to think we are Bristol's best kept secret. We also do a Blues jam night which has proved popular. But the most important thing is our ever-changing array of beers.
What are the issues affecting trade in Bristol?
If anything, trade is getting better, the last six months saw big increases for us. Bristol is a really cosmopolitan place so there is something for everyone here. More people are drinking real ale and there is a good scene in the area.
Ben Webb is manager at city centre freehouse the Bank, which prides itself on being a home for people from all walks of life.
How much will a drink cost me?
Ales and ciders are our best sellers. Ales are £3 a pint. It is £3.20 for a premium lager, £2.95 for cider and £2.30 for a pint of Coke.
Do you do food?
We are wet-led, the overall split is 70/30. On Sundays we do about 50 roasts and we also do a busy weekday lunch trade. You can get a meal and a pint for £5.95.
Who are your customers?
The staff are aged between 20 and 60 and that is also reflected in the customer base. A lot of banter goes back and forth over the bar so people need to 'get' the pub. We get a lot of students and a lot of regulars as well.
What attracts people?
I think it is the good relationship between the staff and customers. There is the banter but there are also great debates and times when we have had to stop everything and have a vote on an issue. We also do events in both summer and winter and really get into the spirit of things.
What are the issues affecting trade in Bristol?
Ale is a real growth area and there are lots of 18 to 35-year-olds here trying it. A lot of pubs are closing but in some ways this is separating the wheat from the chaff. It's sad but there's a reason for it. The ones that have closed tend to be in more suburban areas.
Elinor Purvis is the manager at the Clifton in the area of the same name. The pub is owned by a multiple operator.
How much will a drink cost me?
A pint of Doom Bar is £2.90, Tribute is £3.30. We also do seven lagers, it is £3.05 for Carling and £3.90 for a pint of Peroni. Wine is £4 for a 250ml and £2.95 for a 175ml. Soft drinks such as Fentimans are £2.60.
Do you do food?
Our split is 65/35. We do classic pub food with a modern twist. Our handmade burgers are popular and cost between £7.50 and £10.50.
Who are your customers?
The main group is 25 to 35-year-olds. We get students but we are a little more expensive so they are not our main customers. But we get all sorts, including mothers' groups and slightly older customers too.
What attracts people?
Clifton is an area that has loads of places to go out. We have a pub quiz, the Clifton Factor, which raises lots for charity. On Wednesdays we do our 'Grab My Magical Grapes' which is wine tasting while a magician - Kieran the Mighty - does close-up magic. We also have a DJ on a Sunday.
What are the issues affecting trade in Bristol?
Trade is good but the general economic climate doesn't help and the weather in the run-up to Christmas wasn't great. We had a lot of snow which affected our trade.
Amanda Yaxley is lessee at the Enterprise Inns-owned Lansdown in Clifton. It benefits from a large covered outdoor area ideal for screening sport.
How much will a drink cost me?
Ales and ciders are £3.50 a pint, premium lager is £3.70. Wine is £3.40 for a 175ml and £4.45 for a 250ml. If you want a Coke it will be £1.25 for a half.
Do you do food?
We do classic pub dishes,
