Pubs and Bars / A-Z Bristol pub crawl
A-Z Bristol Pub Crawl: The Volunteer Tavern, St Jude’s
The Volunteer Tavern – or Volly – as it is known to locals – is tucked away in a corner of St Jude’s.
But its location belies its popularity, as it regularly attracts a steady flow of hankering punters looking to wet the palette from far and wide.
The Grade II-listed building is rarely entered from the front facade. Instead visitors amble in from through the back courtyard, where the pub faces onto St Matthias Park.
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They can choose from tables in a partially outdoor courtyard, covered by drapes of fairy lights, with colourful ceilings and cosy nooks that are flooded with a warm glow from outdoor heaters in the winter months.
The Volly’s cosy courtyard is an oasis of twinkling lights, local art work and hanging plants
Here, various artists paint the walls and bring colour and playfulness to the courtyard, while inside, those with a keen eye will spot the work of Bristol artist Laura Cramer.
Or they can opt for a table outside-outside, exposed to the elements but definitely worth it to watch the world go by on a sunny day.
On one of these rare cloudless days, a group of friends take a gamble and sit on the long benches outside, after locking their bikes up like dozens before them – a testament to the clientele of this revered establishment.
The bar here has a strong rotation of lagers, ciders, ales and ipas, as well as various food pop ups – and enviable Sunday Roasts to match, as well as their own house tipple, the Volly Pale, brewed in house at New Street Brewing just next door.
The Volly’s weekly rotation of event nights from quiz nights, jazz nights and open mic nights, keeps the tables packed throughout the week – with a special mention to Carnival Carvings, an immersive folk music evening, which takes place every Wednesday.
The Volunteer Tavern is the kind of pub you’d take your hip European friend visiting for the weekend. It’s a perfect example of a city that keeps it cooly independent, but doesn’t feel the need to flaunt it.
The Volunteer Tavern, 9 New Street, St Jude’s, BS2 9DX
www.thevolunteertavern.com
All photos: Mia Vines Booth
Read next:
- Zara, St Jude’s: ‘I’m telling everyone I know about it’ – Restaurant review
- Plans for St Jude’s street to be pedestrianised
- A-Z Bristol Pub Crawl: The Robin Hood, St Michael’s Hill
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