Pubs and Bars / Pub of the Week
Pub of the Week: The Apple
Waterside ciders in the sun epitomise summer in Bristol. And there are few venues that lend themselves to such a pastime as well as The Apple.
Something of a Bristol institution, the Welsh Back bar on a boat is famed for its dangerous cider selection. On a recent Thursday evening, the faint whiff of the more potent brews wafts up from below deck.
Strewn with fairy lights, with artfully written chalk boards detailing what’s on offer, the indoor bar area has certainly been spruced up over the years, as the Apple has grown from slightly grungy beginnings to the expanse that now incorporates the two-tiered onboard seating area, picnic benches over the cobbled pavement and an extra bar on land.
is needed now More than ever
On this early summer evening, the lower deck hosts one lone group, sheltering from the city heat, while everyone else pops in for a drink before heading straight back out into the sunshine.
The woman behind the bar is a winning combination of efficient and friendly. “Have you got elderflower tonic?” asks one punter. “No, but I can add elderflower cordial to regular tonic,” comes the reply.
It’s a solution that goes down well and the customer heads off with a smile, clutching the slightly dubious concoction.
A simple selection of cheeseboards and ploughman’s boards are on offer – perfect cider-drinking snack fodder.
The kitchen is missing the usual selection of cheeses due to a delivery error, but a board of two cheddars, one mature and one smoked, accompanied by salad, fresh crusty bread, crackers, chutney and a pickled onion (£9) was a winning combination.
It’s fair to say that cider is really the best option at the Apple – the white wine is limited in variety and served slightly warm. But that’ no problem to the majority of customers, who are more than happy to knock back pints of the orange stuff.
By 6pm, it’s already standing room only outside, as groups gather to enjoy a a post-work cider or two in the sun. Anyone thinking they could miss the World Cup action is sorely mistaken, as screens are up on the top deck, ready to show the match for viewers on the dockside.
The Apple’s popularity is showing no signs of waning – and long may it continue.
The Apple, Welsh Back, Bristol, BS1 4SB
0117 925 3500
Read more: Pub of the Week: Loose Cannon
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
