Pubs and Bars / A-Z Bristol pub crawl
A-Z Bristol Pub Crawl: The Chelsea Inn, Easton
On a recent Wednesday afternoon, the sun began melting into Bristol’s horizon as two punters ambled down to the Chelsea Inn after a late late lunch.
These local visitors were no strangers to the Easton establishment, named after the road it looks onto, Chelsea Road.
Even at 5pm, the courtyard at the back is full of men donning dreads, silver chains and tattoos. They sit in groups, catching up over pints of Arbor, Korev and Henry Weston.
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A large covered courtyard is lined with murals and graffiti
The Chelsea Inn used to be one of the cheapest establishments in Bristol. Despite the price hikes, a pint of Korev lager now sets you back a, still very reasonable, £4.50.
Behind the bar, political stickers, signage and memorabilia adorn the walls, a symbol of punk’s historic affinity with political radicalism.
As you’d expect from a music pub, the Chelsea Inn is filled with speakers, turntables, vinyl records, a piano, posters of gig nights and a stage area.
It’s ready for anything, from the Afrobeat and jungle nights to heavy metal punk rock nights.
An old Silent Hobo canvas hangs above the piano in the Chelsea Inn
The pub is also adorned with graffiti from local artists, including a piece by Silent Hobo on the wall parallel to the bar.
The Chelsea Inn and its neighbour, the Plough, both attract punk rockers, DJs, musicians and drum and bass heads.
But while the Plough has made a name for itself and in doing so, garnered a wider customer base, the Chelsea Inn seems to have continued to cocoon its original punters within the dark walls of its bar.
All in jest – the Chelsea Inn and the Plough have long harboured similar customer bases
The relationship between these two pubs is epitomised in a sign above the Chelsea Inn bar stolen from the Plough.
“If you’re made to feel uncomfortable by unwanted attention in the Plough, please speak to a member of staff immediately and we will deal with it firmly and sensitively take you back to the Chelsea.”
Between the Chelsea Inn and the Plough, Easton has its music boozers covered.
0117 329 2474, The Chelsea Inn, 60-62 Chelsea Road, Easton, Bristol, BS5 6AU
All photos: Mia Vines Booth
Read next:
- A-Z Bristol Pub Crawl: The Bottle and Jug, Gloucester Road
- The Baffled King, Easton: ‘A charming addition to Bristol’s food scene’ – Restaurant review
- Pub of the week: The Plough
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