Pubs and Bars / Pub of the Week
Bar of the Week: Beese’s
Beese’s Riverside Bar is perhaps Bristol’s worst kept secret.
Tucked away on the banks of the River Avon, this elusive venue is accessible via a bumpy road hidden behind rows of residential housing from the Broomhill and Brislington side, and by ferry from Conham.
Despite being quite literally off the beaten track, the bar and tearoom, just off Wyndham Crescent, is heaving on a recent sunny Saturday afternoon as every person and their dog has turned out to make the most of the tranquil, leafy green gardens.
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Dogs sit patiently under tables eyeing up the cakes just above, while children run free, clambering on the branches of the big tree on the river bank, which is worn smooth from generations of small feet.
For the adults, cider-drinking is in full flow and the little stripy yellow and black ferry is in constant use bringing people back and forth.
Founded in 1846 by Anne Beese to provide refreshments to travellers and workers using the river, this much-loved venue is now open only on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays and it still provides teas and baked goods, as well as a fair range of ciders, local beers and homemade gins. Live music events are hosted regularly.
Inside, the bar is a bustling hive of activity and Janet Jackson is playing on the radio overhead, while tables and chairs lie largely abandoned in favour of the outside decking and garden.
“It’s so damn hot,” grumbles one customer, mopping his sweating brow as he waits. “Bring on the winter.”
It’s a typically English scene; orderly queues for the bar, scones and cakes on display and talk about the weather. Barrels of beer from Bristol Beer Factory line the back of the bar and the cider of the day is Lilley’s. Service isn’t the fastest, but then who’s on a rush on this hot Saturday afternoon?
A cheese scone (£3) is the perfect accompaniment to a pint of Ashton Press (£4.10) and a refreshing homemade rhubarb gin with tonic (£3.80).
Back out in the garden, a few ominous clouds start to roll in.
The first spattering of rain starts just as a bridal party makes its way down the steep steps into the garden. They don’t seem to notice or care. After all, with cider, cake and riverside views all at your fingertips, why sweat the small stuff?
Beese’s Riverside Bar, Wyndham Crescent, BS4 4SX
0117 977 7412
www.beeses.co.uk
Read more: Pub of the Week: The Ship Inn
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