The Ill Repute — Restaurant in Bristol

I booked my 40th at this place, having had two telephone conversations and dropped in to confirm details. Owing to getting carried away on my birthday, we were quite late (which I concede was my fault, and I apologised on entry).

After over two hours in the downstairs area, the landlady brought the card machine down and said I owed them £100 for the tickets for the band who were playing (a gig that was already arranged and we didn’t watch because we were downstairs). Having never discussed this in my various conversations with 3 different members of staff, I refused to pay.

The landlord then came downstairs, shoved me and told me leave, swearing and remonstrating at me. All this, despite my bringing in 20 people who bought drinks.

I can understand the frustration, and I accept some blame for being late, but there is no excuse to be physical with ‘guests’, especially when a) it was free entry and b) nothing had been agreed. I’ve since found out they have been stealing business and bands from the nearby (and superior) Elmer’s Arms.

Avoid.

Edit: in response to the landlord’s reply;

I did not book in the first place. When I visited the premises, pre-restrictions ending, your wife put my details in the book with the intention to contact me nearer the time when the picture on restrictions was clearer as, through necessity, everything had to be tentative.

I did not sense any reluctance to take my booking in my second conversation.

I have several witnesses who can verify that you shoved me, and I also had to stop you to tell you that I needed to unplug my phone, rather than as you seem to put it.

I also contest that I was rude to your wife, and whilst I apologise if any offence was taken, I was defending my position. Unlike yourself, I didn’t use any ‘fruity’ language. She claims that agreement was made during one of our phone calls, yet you say it was made on our late entry. Once again, no agreement was made for payment at any point.

The holes and discrepancies in your version of events...

We’re in Bristol for a long weekend city break. Researching what to do, I came across The Ill Repute Facebook page. Thought we’d give it a try as it looked quirky.

We loved it as soon as we walked in. The decor! Each time I looked around, I noticed something new to look at that I hadn’t seen before.

Great atmosphere. Customers were really smiley and chatty. No need for bouncers here as the clientele are thankfully a different breed of people to those that frequent the chain pubs. Bar staff were attentive and polite.

There’s a good range of locally stocked taps at the back of the bar. A pint of Iford Wild Juice cider and a pint of Moor Pils was £10 in total. Not a bad price.

Last night, we saw a Brummie band called The Silhouettes. They were amazing! We’re from Birmingham so they were one of the reasons we wanted to visit the pub. I found it strange on the pub Facebook page that there were no ticket details. We thought we’d turn up and try to buy them. Turns out it was all completely free! A pub with free live music? YES! What a gem of a venue.

We’re looking forward to going back tonight to see Mary Lee...

I don't go here nearly as often as I should. Staff have impeccable music taste and I've discovered some good music just by asking who the artist playing is. Quite often stumble in to find some live entertainment taking place as well, from an open mic to a ska DJ set to a trad jazz band in full swing (featuring Hugh Roberts on reeds no less!) (just to name a few). Food is delicious and a "big feed" and not even expensive which feels absurd in contemporary Bristol. Something to please everyone in the drinks department, from local beers to cocktails, and if you're lucky you'll be served by the world's most handsome Estonian man. Oh, and the throne room is...