Pubs and Bars / A-Z Bristol pub crawl
A-Z Bristol pub crawl: The Eastfield, Henleaze
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Eastfield. And it will be more so when the two conifer trees propped up at one end of the bar are decorated and put on display.
Even a couple of the beer pumps have got into the Christmas spirit, with Gem and Tribute both sporting their own versions of Santa hats.
They are joined by a Butcombe Original and without wanting to be too much of a Scrooge, it’s always disappointing to see this dependable yet dull triumvirate (often joined by Doom Bar) as the only choices of ales in a pub – with half of the beer pumps currently out of action.
is needed now More than ever
A couple of Santa hats are on top of pump clips – photo: Martin Booth
But then this sprawling Henleaze pub is not known for its ale selections and to its credit, does have a good wine list.
It’s a pub that you meet your grandparents in for Sunday lunch, enjoy a milestone birthday party in and take children to enjoy the playground that is better than some city parks.
The Eastfield (now no longer called the Eastfield Inn) is one of the biggest pubs in Bristol both inside and outside, with its garden once being home to a family of goats and still having a large pond.
It was taken over earlier this year by Zazu’s, a pub group named after the former restaurant of the same name on Stokes Croft which now has the Alma Tavern, Knowle, Greenbank and Westbury Park in its stable.
On a recent Thursday lunchtime, it was the first day of the Christmas menu (£24.95 for two courses or £29.95 for three courses) with the music choices of Katie Melua and the Kooks as dependable and dull as the ales.
As if by clockwork, grandparents came in with their grandchildren and old friends met up for a light lunch.
This pub is so big that people at one side could remain oblivious to dozens of people celebrating or commiserating in the conservatory, skittle alley or other function room.
The new team at the Eastfield have worked hard to refurbish the pub, now decorated with vintage furniture and retaining its family-friendly feel at the heart of Henleaze, ready to celebrate the season of goodwill.
The Eastfield, 219 Henleaze Road, Henleaze, Bristol, BS9 4NQ
www.theeastfieldpub.co.uk
Main photo: Martin Booth
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