Pubs and Bars / Pub of the Week
Pub of the week: The Three Tuns
Nicolas Cage stares down at visitors entering the Three Tuns on St George’s Road.
After having a cardboard cut-out of the actor in the first-floor window for many years, the city centre pub immortalised the Hollywood star in 2018 on its sign.
As Cage, dressed in Napoleonic-era uniform, stares moodily at those heading to the hostlery for a drink, music reminiscent of a 2000s wedding plays from inside on a recent afternoon.
is needed now More than ever
It’s the last Bank Holiday of the summer, and men with pints sit outside in the beer garden, trying to catch sunlight between the clouds.
Just down the road from Central Library, the three Tuns is a cheerful pub with a good selection of drinks: ales on tap include Shangri-La from Arbor Ales and Hazy Pale from Left Handed Giant.
The pub – one of the oldest buildings still standing in this corner of Bristol – is run by Stephen Wallace, also behind the Golden Guinea in Redcliffe, the Steam Crane in Southville and the Rising Sun in Bedminster.
Ordering a rum and coke, the hotchpot of sofas and chairs beckon for one 20-something. Sinking into a leather settee in a nook at the back of the pub, it’s the perfect place to watch time go by.
The Three Tuns in Hotwells is a great place for a city centre drink. Photo: Lowie Trevena
It’s 3pm but feels more like early evening on a summer’s evening. The flow of people is steady, the garden is full and the clouds are gathering despite the promise of sun.
Despite the arrows on the floor, filling out a track and trace form, and the plastic screens surrounding staff, it almost feels like a normal Bank Holiday.
Ordering a second drink and relaxing further into the sofa’s quilted green leather, the hours pass by as pints continue to be pulled behind the bar long into the night.
Photo: Lowie Trevena
The Three Tuns, 78 St George’s Road, Bristol, BS1 5UR
0117 329 4310
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read more: Nicholas Cage lands starring role on Bristol pub sign
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