Pubs and Bars / Pubs
Pub of the week: The Lamplighters
It seemed as if the whole of Shirehampton, young and old, were crowded into the Lamplighters last Sunday afternoon. There was a sense of celebration in the air, and so there should be.
After being shut for four years, there was a real fear that this handsome pub, which dates from 1760 and was originally built as a home for a wealthy Bristol businessman, might never pull a pint again.
But thanks to a concerted community effort, which saw a campaign, petition and work parties to restore the pub to former glories, the Lamplighters has reopened.
is needed now More than ever
Located at the end of a road which stops when it reaches the River Avon, the Lamplighters has the feel of a country pub, with sweeping views across the water and over to Pill.
Outside, the walls have been painted a fetching shade of light blue, while a deal to sell part of the pub’s substantial gardens for homes – a key part in making the redevelopment of the pub work – sees building happening around the back from a terrace wrapping around two sides.
Inside, there is a mixture of carpeted and wooden floor, leather seats and leather upholstered bar stools around the higher tables, and faux antique coloured glass lampshades.
The mezzanine level (above) is now set up as a dining room, with Sunday lunches popular at the weekend, £9.50 for adults or £5.50 for children which includes a drink and ice cream.
Nothing on the food menu costs more than a tenner, with main courses including faggots, pan-fried salmon, pies and burgers.
Ales on tap when I visited were Spa and Barnsey from Bath Ales, with bottles including Sharp’s Doom Bar,St Austell Proper Job and Admirals Ale. Ciders on tap were Thatchers Gold and Thatchers Dry.
With the return of the Lamplighters to Shirehampton, it feels like an old friend has returned – and that is cause for celebration.
The Lamplighters, Station Road, Shirehampton, Bristol, BS11 9XA
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