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Blackboy Inn, Bristol

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user reviews of the Blackboy Inn, Bristol

please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.

Yet another traditional, street corner boozer that has re-invented itself as a gastro-pub. It�s a shame that every pub seems to have to go down this route in order to survive, but clearly it�s better than the place closing. That said, there is a small bar here that is clearly set aside for drinkers rather than diners, which is more than can be said in many so called pubs.

It�s been a few years since I was last in here, but it�s certainly had a bit of a transformation as far as I can remember. The smaller bar at the front is the one that lends itself more to drinking, and this was a pleasant enough space with a slate tiled floor, white wood panelling on the lower half of the walls and canary yellow paint above. Various artistic drawings were on the walls, and there was a small fireplace at one end. The bar is immediately in front of you, and a small passageway at the side leads to the rear dining room.

The decor here is similar, with the addition of various wine box ends on the wall, candles on the tables and drawback curtains. All the tables here were laid up for food, and is soon filled up on a recent Friday evening visit. Overall, the food was very good and I would recommend it. There menu was short and to the point, and was complimented by a few more dishes on the specials board. A starter of Leek & Shropshire Blue tart certainly hit the spot, as did a main course of Bacon & Smoked Haddock Fishcake. Prices were not unreasonable for a venue such as this, with the main course being around the �10 mark. A very small and disappointing vegetable side dish was over priced at �2.50 however. Staff were friendly and helpful, although not as switched on as they might have been. On ordering a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc, the waitress enquired �is that the white one?�

Beers on tap were Timothy Taylor Landlord and Otter Ale. The solitary cider was Taunton Traditional.
Blackthorn - 23 Aug 2011 09:43
Now re-opened under new management. It's had a major refurb and the back bar is now a restaurant. However, the front bar is still available to people who just want a pint; Otter Bitter and TT Landlord when I was there, both in good nick, if on the pricey side at �3.30. (Average for Clifton, I suppose) Haven't tried the food but it looks good quality and they do a set lunch for a reasonable price.
mousefan - 17 Jul 2011 11:33
It's shut now. Shame. However, I got the impression that the owners couldn't work out whether it should be a sports bar, a food pub or just a street corner boozer. Hopefully someone else will be able to make it work.
mousefan - 5 Apr 2011 20:56
Was in here yesterday; only two ales on, Betty Stogs (not great), Tribute (spot on). However, the new menu needs to be checked out- the food is superb and reasonably priced
mousefan - 17 Oct 2010 10:49
Dont know why the owner has plonked tables all over the place-it looks like a 19century workhouse!
hammers101 - 7 Aug 2010 11:31
As said before now being run by the same people as the jersey lilly . Nicer inside than the Jersey , the pub lends itself very well to plasma tv .from the real ales doombar butcombe , but despite the limited choice ,nice pub.
beatles38 - 19 Jul 2009 09:01
was told by someone in the jersey lily , that are taking over the running of this pub.
beatles38 - 27 Jun 2009 12:58
Courage Best,L Pride,Doombar With Lumps, Sadly Opted for the latter, 5/10 could do better as nice enuff little pub n friendly service
fat_beer_badger - 14 May 2009 18:13
Newly refurbished, completely gutted as were we when we looked in vain for decent beer. That was once we found our sunglasses; very bright with sparkly Stella & Bass Smooth (!) fonts and much blonde wood. Handpumps now a distant memory. Wall lights look like they're from Greggs the baker and the whole place has as much character. Shame.
curioushistory - 31 May 2008 12:54
Good pub, less pretentious than most of the other pubs on Whiteladies and consequently a lot better. Staff and customers are generally friendly, varied and interesting. Take a look when you're tired of brushed chrome and pink shirts.
gbiddlegbiddlegboh - 26 Mar 2007 14:03
This place has a bit of character compared to others on the WL Road / BB Hill strip. Simple, solid and enjoyable.
kpnuts158 - 19 May 2006 12:34
Run by a Bristol rugby club supporter. Great place to go and talk abour Bristol rugby and how great they are.
anonymous - 30 Sep 2005 14:59

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