The Christmas Steps — Restaurant in Bristol

If you’re feeling festive, merry, or even just vaguely amused by the word “Christmas,” then the Christmas Steps pub in Bristol is your natural December habitat. Nestled at the bottom of the ancient, winding steps from which it takes its name, this pub is the very embodiment of yuletide charm. It’s like stepping into a Christmas card, but with better booze and fewer smug robins.

The pub itself? Gorgeous. Think old-world Bristol—heavy beams, exposed brick, and a vibe so effortlessly cool it probably owns a record player. Yet it’s not pretentious; this is Bristol chic at its best. The sort of place where the craft beer crowd rubs shoulders with the mulled wine brigade, and nobody looks at you funny for ordering a Guinness. And trust me, you’ll want one—it’s poured so perfectly you’ll wonder why they don’t put this place on postcards.

What really sets the Christmas Steps apart, though, is the atmosphere. This isn’t just a pub; it’s an event. A buzz hums through the air like the low thrum of distant sleigh bells, and the crowd—beaming faces, flushed cheeks, oversized scarves—feels like a live-action Love Actually montage. People aren’t just drinking here; they’re celebrating. Even outside, under heaters that barely hold back the December chill, punters huddle together with their pints and look ridiculously happy about it.

If ever a pub was designed for the Christmas season, this is it. Go for a glass of wine, a pint, or just to soak up the festive cheer spilling out onto those historic cobbled streets. It’s not just a pub; it’s a December...

First impressions were pretty good having been here many years ago. A nice quirky pub with various areas and plenty of outside space dotted around.

The blonde lady behind the bar was very friendly and there was quite a good selection of beers on keg and cask plus ciders of course. It was a cool evening despite it being August so the open door didn’t help the tables nearby as it became necessary to wear coats indoors.

The downside was the food. Having ordered sausage and mash with seasonal veg it came along and I thought it was the child’s portion. The definition of seasonal veg was a few shreds of cabbage! It was ok at best and at £14.95 really poor value for money. Another option was the cottage pie at nearly £18 which we avoided, but some came along to people say nearby and again the portions were minuscule. The price vs expectation point was way off kilter here for the food.

All in all I liked the pub and most of the staff were friendly so I’d feel bad rating it below 3/5. However the food situation is best avoided and was a real disappointment. I’ve never seen the like even back in...

If you're looking for a top-notch Sunday roast in the heart of Bristol, The Christmas Steps Pub is the place to be. Nestled in a charming, historic part of the city, this cozy pub serves up a roast that’s both hearty and comforting, making it a perfect way to end your week.

Our roast featured perfectly cooked roast beef and succulent chicken all served with crispy roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, rich gravy and fluffy Yorkshire puddings- which really stood out.

The atmosphere of the pub itself adds to the experience, with its welcoming, old-world charm, and friendly staff ensuring that you're well taken care of throughout your visit. Whether you're enjoying a casual family meal or catching up with friends, it’s the ideal setting for a relaxed Sunday.

Overall, The Christmas Steps Pub delivers a classic roast with a touch of excellence. The quality of the ingredients, the attention to detail in the preparation, and the inviting atmosphere make it a Sunday roast worth returning for time and time again. Highly recommended for both locals and...