Pubs and Bars / music
Pub of the Week: The Christmas Steps
Tucked away in one of the oldest parts of Bristol, The Christmas Steps pub embodies much of the city’s best qualities.
At first glance, it’s a historic boozer, sensitively restored since its days as the Three Sugar Loaves, and full of nooks and crannies for cosy family feasts and friendly get-togethers, with a truly impressive chandelier that casts a golden glow over candlelit tables below.
But a closer look reveals an edgier side, heavily influenced by music magazine Crack – covers of which adorn the dark walls – while a jukebox takes pride of place on the wall and tango electro beats provide a welcome respite to the tingle of seasonal tunes.
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The scent of Christmas wafts tantalisingly in the air on a recent Sunday afternoon, as the warmth engulfs pub goers of all ages, enticed inside to escape the frantic hustle and bustle of the nearby shops.
Families gathered around large wooden tables finish off the last vestiges of roast dinner, logs crackle merrily in the wood burner and the comforting scent of pine needles lingers from the two proud firs, bedecked with twinkling lights in the pub’s main rooms.
With its higgledy-piggledy layout and high ceiling beams, the Christmas Steps has all the charm of a traditional tavern, but its extensive wine and craft ales lists will certainly satisfy the most modern of drinking appetites.
No mulled wine here, fair enough in a venue that already embodies seasonal cheer, and the glass of Malbec (£4.50) goes down a treat.
Service is friendly and unquestionably efficient, with samples of ales offered and bar snacks in the form of posh crisps quickly produced on request.
This pub take on a certain magical quality at this time of year, with independent businesses trading their wares and simple lights strung among the crooked rooftops.
A window seat proves a much underrated spot from which to idle away the afternoon and watch the comings and goings on the paved steps outside. The only problem is plucking up the courage to venture back out into the cold.
The Christmas Steps, 2 Christmas Steps, Bristol, BS1 5BS
0117 925 3077
Read more: 12 things you probably didn’t know about Christmas Steps
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