Pubs and Bars / A-Z Bristol pub crawl
A-Z Bristol pub crawl: The Dark Horse, Redfield
Step from the bustle of Church Road into The Dark Horse and you find yourself in a pub that wouldn’t be out of place in the depths of the countryside.
A log fire roars in the hearth of exposed red brick, where a couple is settling back with beers in the coveted spot on a well-worn leather sofa. More groups of people are clustered around long wooden tables through the cosy pub, some tucking into plates of pie and mash.
Contemporary art is hung on some walls, while others boast faded pieces from a long-gone age, chalkboards promote the ever-popular Sunday roasts and the bar hosts a range of beers – including local brews from the likes of Lost & Grounded just down the road in St Anne’s.
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“A pint of Running with Sceptres please” doesn’t exactly roll of the tongue but that doesn’t diminish its popularity on a recent Thursday evening.
The Dark Horse on Church Road wouldn’t be out of place in the depths of the countryside
“A’right mate,” says a man walking into the bar area, greeting a dog who – oblivious to the ‘hands, face space’ signs – is intent on making friends in the pub.
A historic roadside inn in an area well populated with pubs, the Dark Horse reopened after a major refurbishment in 2016 and offers traditional pub fare in the form of Pieminister pies and mash, served with minted peas and gravy (£12.50 per plate with an additional £1.75 for cheddar and crispy shallots), as well as tapas plates and boards, and roasts on Sundays.
On a chilly November evening, the main room with its roaring fire is the place to be but this deceptively expansive pub has more rooms at the back, and a secret decking area that acts as a suntrap garden in summer months.
It’s mostly people heading out to smoke making the most of the outside space, each stopping to greet the ever-nosy dog conveniently parked near the door to greet punters as they pass.
The outdoor terrace is a suntrap in summer
Sunday roasts are popular at The Dark Horse on Church Road
The Dark Horse, 172-174 Church Road, Redfield, Bristol, BS5 9HX
www.thedarkhorse-bristol.co.uk
All photos by Ellie Pipe
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