Pubs and Bars / Pub of the Week
Pub of the Week: The Cornubia
Some 200 years ago there were said to be at least 18 taverns and inns on Temple Street. Now only one remains. The Cornubia dates from 1775 and was originally built as shop units for a wig-maker. It’s the sole building in the area to have survived the Blitz.
“Do you sell beer in here?” asks an older gentleman with a straggly white beard and a beanie hat, obviously reckoning himself to be a bit of a joker standing as he does in front of no fewer than 10 hand pulls.
Most of these beers have the SIBA logo above the pump clips, meaning that they have been brewed by a member of the Society of Independent Brewers.
is needed now More than ever
On a recent Thursday evening, they mostly include a few memories of the festive season just gone – Christmas Club from Caveman, Star of Wonder by Salamander, St Niklaus by Weltons, Snowy by Cotleigh and more.
The entire ceiling and much of the walls are covered with old pump clips and this pub is a regular Camra favourite, being named Bristol pub of the year on several occasions. Landlords Phil and Jacki won Camra’s national pub of the year in 1993 when they were running a pub in Kent.
Pork pies and rolls are available for the peckish, and monarchists will be pleased that there is a photo of the Queen above the bar, above a glitter ball and two plastic models of Her Maj, one of which looks like it would nod its head if placed on the parcel shelf of a car.
Locals catch up on how they spent the new year, as some of the Christmas beers run out to be replaced by more you’ve probably never heard of and won’t find anywhere else in Bristol.
Shining a light for the late-eighteenth century among dreary office blocks and the back of the central fire station, long may the Cornubia enjoy being marooned. Enjoy a beer or two, if you can find this marvellous pub.
The Cornubia, 142 Temple Street, Bristol, BS1 6EN
0117 925 4415