Pubs and Bars / A-Z Bristol pub crawl
A-Z Bristol pub crawl: The Hatchet, Frogmore Street
There are two facts most people in Bristol can probably reel off about the Hatchet.
One, it’s our city’s oldest pub. And two, its front door is made out of human skin.
Not wanting to be a party pooper, but neither of those facts might actually true, although there are good arguments for both.
is needed now More than ever
On the outside of the Hatchet is painted the words ‘Bristol’s oldest pub’. Inside, however, a sign on one wall is less certain.
The sign says that “although the early history of the Hatchet is clouded in the mists of time, most records put the first use of the Hatchet as a licensed premises in 1606, making it one of Bristol’s oldest hostelries”.
Its name is thought to come from it once being the meeting place of the Clifton Wood woodcutters.
As for the skin – the story goes that the door is covered by the tanned skin of a hanged man – the tale is probably apocryphal.
A third fact in this pub which undoubtedly has more stories than most is its connection to bare-knuckle boxing in the 19th century. And this one is true; there is even a plaque in the garden if you want to find out more.
The Hatchet probably gets its name from the woodcutters who used to frequent it – photo: Martin Booth
Moving into the present day and earlier this year, the Hatchet was taken over by new owners, Cardiff-based pub operator JW Bassett, who carried out a £500,000 renovation ahead of its reopening.
On a recent Thursday evening, two drinkers in the beer garden nursing empty pints were somewhat startled when a member of staff approached them with a portable card reader saying that they could order their drinks with her rather than heading back to the bar.
At the bar, there is one of the biggest selections of beer of any pub in the city centre, with breweries represented including Huddersfield’s Magic Rock, Newport’s Tiny Rebel and London’s Beavertown alongside Bristol’s own Moor.
There is plenty to eat as well, with food (from a menu divided into steaks and grills, burgers and dogs, appetisers, pub favourites, vegetarian and vegan, and baguettes) served every day until 10pm.
Look out for steak night on Monday, with a free drink accompanying any grill; burger and dogs night on Tuesday, with a free drink with any burger; and a Sunday carvery, served from midday and costing £9.99.
“Did you know that door is made from human skin?” one man in a baseball cap told his friend as they walked inside. The legend of the Hatchet continues.
The Hatchet, 27 Frogmore Street, Bristol, BS1 5NA
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read more: What is Bristol’s oldest pub?
Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
