The Punchbowl — Restaurant in Bristol

If you're ever in Bristol and yearn for a genuine pub experience, then The Punchbowl is the place to be. This isn't one of those sterile, soulless chains that have sprouted like weeds across the country. No, The Punchbowl is a proper pub, a dying breed in today's world, and it stands proud as a testament to what a true British pub should be.

First off, let's talk beer. The selection here is not just good; it's excellent. Whether you're a lager lout or a real ale aficionado, there's something for everyone. And the pièce de résistance? Happy hour at £3 a pint. In this day and age, that's nothing short of a miracle. It's practically alchemy.

But the crowning glory of The Punchbowl is its garden. Yes, like all good pubs, it has a hidden gem of an outdoor space. Perfect for those rare British sunny days, and with TVs outside, you can catch the football while enjoying the fresh air. The atmosphere is always buzzing, a lively mix of locals and visitors, all united by a love for good drink, good food, and good times.

So, if you're in Bristol and want a slice of pub perfection, head to The Punchbowl. It's a magical place that reminds you why we love pubs in the first...

I work on Old Market and we occasionally use Punch Bowl for a drink after work.

A little before Christmas we were there for some drinks. I drink tequila, so I decided to choose a margarita from their cocktail menu. Once ordering my drink, I saw the bar server turn to their colleague and ask how to make a margarita. Needless to say what I received was one of the worst margaritas I've ever drank. It was incredibly sour and I'm fairly certain no sugar syrup was added to balance the flavour. But at £8, I wasn't complaining too much.

If you offer a cocktail menu, all your staff should be adequately trained to execute those drinks.

I then ordered a double tequila and tonic. I was charged an eye watering £12 for that single drink. My assumption is that I was charged for 2 individual shots, and then a soft drink. A double spirit and mixer shouldn't be billed as 3 individual drinks. It's a completely unreasonable price.

I definitely won't be recommending the Punch Bowl as a drinking spot in future. Fortunately Old Market is not short of incredible places to grab a...

The punchbowl is simply incredible! I've just been to the newly refurbished and reopened punchbowl for a Sunday roast and my experience was first class. Friendly greeting on entry and as it was so hot I didn't fancy a big feed and was recommended the hake as a lighter option and it did not disappoint. The fish was perfectly cooked and served on a bed of delicious potatoey stuff with broadbeans and some tasty pure. Not the most technical description of a dish so eloquent and well presented but I'm by no means a chef! My other half had the pork belly and I was in awe! That'll fill you up for sure, I had to wheelbarrow her home the poor sausage, she loved it though. Drinks have a great selection and they do cocktails too! Ales are great and very well priced. Large beer garden out back too with plenty of tables and the staff are superb. Five stars from me I will be returning 😁. Punch bowl, punch bowl, punch bowl...everybody! PUNCH BOWL, PUNCH BOWL,...