A pub to write home about; a restoration even Marat would have enjoyed.
Sun's rays on golden punters. 'Tis pub, a pub it is
Sadly, nothing can be done about its location – sitting under the Cumberland flyover, on a busy through-route. But please! Persistent reader, there is much to enjoy even here. It is a mere five-minute hop down the hill (past some wonderfully eccentric houses) from the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and just over the road from the Cumberland lock, where you can stand on the sluice gates holding Bristol’s floating harbour in place and marvel at the power of that water lapping innocuously against the wooden defences.
Shortly after allowing yourself such pretentiousness, go and gorge yourself in this wonderful place. This used to be a tedious Sky Sports n’ crappy pool table kind of place, I am told. These days, it’s pub heaven. Upstairs is rough-hewn pine and oak, with an enormous fireplace and loud banter, a local’s pub without being unwelcoming in any way. Much of this is down to the staff, though, who are made of very fine stuff indeed. Endlessly cheerful and helpful, with an obvious love of the pub, the food and the well-being of the customers, they will see you good. Downstairs is a cheerful, nook-and-crannyish restaurant area with an open kitchen where, if you end up anywhere near it, the talkative chefs (the owners?) will engage you in conversation and possibly entreat you to try something new they’re experimenting with…
If the chefs don’t get you, the waitresses will – on ordering roast chicken as “the healthy option”, a friend of Obyto’s spoke wistfully to the table of her love of crackling… Lo and behold, her chicken arrived – with a few crunchy pieces of pork fat on the side. These are small touches, but they stick in the mind and heart… Congratulations to all who look after this pub.
The Rose of Denmark
- 6 Dowry Place
- Hotwells
- Bristol
- BS8 4QL