Pubs and Bars / A-Z Bristol pub crawl
A-Z Bristol Pub Crawl: The Open Arms, St Michael’s Hill
24 St Michael’s Hill started 2022 as Ye Olde Pubby McDrunkface and is finishing the year as the Open Arms.
The watering hole also formerly known as Micawber’s Ale House was the Colston Arms for more than a decade. Colston’s Almshouses is still next door, but once the statue of the slave trader got dunked in the docks, the pub’s name was on borrowed time and was officially changed when new signage was installed in August.
This deceptively spacious pub also played another key role in Bristol’s recent(ish) history: it was the first pub in the city to allow both Black and white American GIs to drink in it during the Second World War, during which US authorities attempted to introduce segregation in the military.
is needed now More than ever
On a recent Wednesday night, Manchester United versus Burnley in the EFL Cup was on the flat screen television to the side of the bar. Quite the comedown from the World Cup final just four days previously.
Ordering a couple of pints at the bar, a visitor to Bristol from London commented on how cheap the drinks are in BS2 compared to the capital. You would also be hard pressed to find Rosie’s Pig cider in that there London as well, one of two draught ciders here next to Stan’s from Thatchers.
Next to the corridor leading to the ‘secret garden’ is a small circular table for two with ‘Tinder Corner’ in red calligraphy written on the wall above it.
Carry on into the garden to find a paved area with fairy lights trailing over trellises, covered and uncovered areas, and an old Colston Arms sign.
Enter the Open Arms’ garden via the pub on St Michael’s Hill and leave via a gate on Horfield Road – photo: Martin Booth
“To mistakes made and memories forgotten.” These words are written in white pen on one side of the bar at the Open Arms.
Could it be a reference to the pub’s former name? Or is it just one more of the phrases written behind the bar – among assorted paraphernalia including a Bristol Pound note (remember them?).
There are also the words “cheer up chicken” and a portrait of a chihuahua informing drinkers that the Yorkshire puddings served with the Sunday roast here are as big as their head.
“Real ale, real food, real people, real pub” is also chalked up in large letters behind the bar. That summarises this pub really well.
Be welcomed into the Open Arms with open arms as the year draws to a close.
A sign of past times – photo: Martin Booth
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read next:
- Bristol’s best new food & drink openings of 2022
- Indian restaurant transforms East 17’s ‘Stay Another Day’ into ‘Bring Another Tray’
- Pub previously named after Colston now welcomes you with Open Arms
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