Pubs and Bars / Pub of the Week
Pub of the Week: The Coronation
There is a distinct, low Bristolian hum filling the Coronation on a recent Wednesday evening, with barely a seat left in the house.
Work is done for the day and the bar is doing a fast trade as pints and the odd can of Natch are passed from hand to hand.
“I like it ‘ere,” remarks one women on her way out for a cigarette, summing it up for the many locals clustered around tables, many deep in conversation, others glued to the Winter Olympics on the TV screens as they sup their pints.
is needed now More than ever
Gentrification hasn’t hit all areas of Southville and, standing proudly on a corner along Dean Lane, the Coronation is a survivor of bygone days.
There are few who would quibble with the prices in this traditional watering hole – a small, and just about palatable, glass of red wine (a choice of Merlot or Shiraz) cost £2.15. There are plenty of salty snacks to accompany, although sadly no longer a large jar of pickled eggs behind the bar.
The Coronation has many quirks – from the fish tank behind the bar, to a retro video game table – and you get the distinct impression that the pub has been furnished with bargain buys from the local car boot sale.
The retro games machine is just one of the Coronation’s quirky features
While the retro games machine doubles as a handy table, woe betide anyone who’s had one too many and finds themselves staring wide-eyed at the flashing, fast-moving Space Invaders.
Loud cheers and laughter erupt from a table in the far corner, where the walls are filled with equally loud artwork.
The pub’s clientele is a comfortable mix of ages and while some get stuck into their drinks and gossiping, a group of four men get a card game underway at one of the big, wooden tables.
Behind the first door, leading to the ladies’ toilet, customers are greeted with a toilet seat cover machine, while further inside, there is an assortment of condoms available to buy – in a variety of flavours and textures.
The barman gives a cheery goodbye as he busily clears glasses, ready for the next round.
The Coronation, 18 Dean Lane, Southville, Bristol, BS3 1DD
0117 940 9044
Read more: Pub of the Week: The Eldon House
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