Bag of Nails — Restaurant in Bristol

Firstly, this is a PUB not a tourist attraction. Treat it as such. This is not a place for children, they do not serve food and it's not a place to come and just look at.

The only difference being this one has furry companions who might join you while you have a drink! Bonus in my eyes.

I've seen in other reviews that people think the landlord is mean, this is so far from true. We spoke to them a fair amount and it's clear they're very passionate and opinionated about beer, pubs and the general craft. Ghis may come across as rude to some but it was clear to us this was a man who truly loved pubs and beer!

The drinks selection was fantastic, plenty of ciders and beers on tap. The friendly staff always there to advise on what drinks are and aren't available, what you might like and offering samples if you want too! Try the mulled cider though, it was served warm and tasted well spiced with an intense (but great) orange taste! Really helped warm me up!

The staff themselves were friendly and knowledgeable, always happy to have a chat and answer questions as well as recommend drinks. It's clear they love working there and are so friendly and personable.

The pub itself is super cosy, we managed to get 2 seats at the bar but I can imagine it being difficult to find a seat at peak times. The staff are really friendly and do their best to accomodate this however, often by rapidly turning tables over and helping bring a sense of order to the place!

The atmosphere is great, no blaring music you can't hear each other over. I mentioned earlier it's not for children, there are stickers and signs around the place that you wouldn't want your children seeing. Again, its a pub. Don't bring your kids to a pub. The decor is that of a well loved pub!

Ultimately I wish I was a local as I'd be coming here more frequently if I was, it's such a good vibe that I'd highly...

Although I cannot deny there are some very fine cat's indeed at this small pub. Sadly the welcome from the bar staff was less than warm.

On entering there were 2 gorgeous cats on the bar. I asked the bar man for a Vodka and Diet coke. I was informed they do not do vodka. Not deterred i asked for a dark rum and diet coke. I was told they didn't really have dark rum.

Realising this is not a normally stocked pub and possibly not quite with today's time. I thought i would check if they take payment to card. Sadly the answer was also no.

Still hoping for the best and having spent the time to find the pub slightly off the beaten track. I asked if there were any cash point nearby at this point the bar man did seem to have some knowledge, however none of which was useful as all the cash machine he know of are in local shops...... Which were shut by the time we got there. 8pm'ish on Thursday night.

Being that the bar staff offered no other alternative, we had no choice but to leave with just a couple of strokes of a beautiful kitten on the bar. Sadly still thirsty. So we moved onto another bar to wet our whistles.

The lessons here (if you plan to visit this pub): 1.BRING CASH. . Do not expect them to the drink of your choice or 2nd choice, who knows about 3rd choice .Maybe that could be something you could discover.

My drinking buddy I will not...

I was recommended this pub because of their good selection fine ales so when my two cousins were visiting from New Zealand I thought it would be a good place to take them for a traditional beer. Unfortunately this wasn't the case! The publican pretty much pounced on us just as we were setting foot in the door claiming he didn't take large groups of males and that his pub wouldn't suit us (there we only three of us??). One of my cousins doesn't even drink, I was driving so we weren't exactly an intimidating presence. We tried reasoning with him but he dug his heels in a made a fuss (arms crossed "its my pub and you're not coming in"!!) - What great Bristol hospitality! Unfortunately, unless you live in Clifton and wear baggy jumpers, sandals and own a large big beard (women obviously excluded) you're simply not welcome.

However, if you would like a nice welcoming smile with an ample selection of beverages, a vibrant atmosphere and view to die for please head 100 yard up the road to the Grain Barge - Lovely. Bag of Nails..... more like Bag of...