BRISTOL EVENING POST

So, what is Bristol's smallest pub?  That was the question raised in this paper last week when it was announced that the diminutive Quinton House in Clifton has reopened.

 

Other petite pubs mentioned included the Bridge Inn in Counterslip passage, The White Lion in Colston Avenue, the Bag O' Nails on St George's Road in Hotwells - coincidentally, three of my facourites.

 

I would throw into the mix the Apple Tree in Bedminster as pubs where you can whisper to the person the other side of the room, but I am sure there are more.

 

Quinton House reopened under new ownership last week after being boarded up for more than eighteen months.

 

An L-shaped one-room pub a stone's throw from The Triangle and Queens road, it has an area of just 45 square metres including the bar, which certainly makes for an intimate experience when it is busy.  The new owner is Patrick Gomm and his wife Annie who used to run the popular Broadmead pub The Artichoke until the lease ran out and the building was demolished last year.

 

After running such a vast city-centre pub with a roaring lunchtime and post-work trade, taking charge of one of Bristol's smallest boozers must be like a stroll in the park, but that's not to say  the Gomms have cut any corners in restoring the Quinton House to its former glory.  Even the pre-Courage George's Brewery signage above the door has made a comeback as a nod to the pub's long history.

 

The pub has been completely refurbished with polished wooden floors, burgundy walls and sage green tongue and groove paneling.  There are old Guinness signs (transported from the Artichoke) and artwork by local artists such as Derek Balmer and John Say.

 

But it is the little things like gleaming glasses and and perfectly kept pints of real ale (London Pride, Doom Bar or Courage Best) that are testament tothe fact that this landlord has years of experience of runing pubs properly.  How refreshing is that?

 

A charming little pub tucked away from the hutle and bustle of Queens Road, it's good to have Quinton House back in safe hands.

 

Mark Taylor, Bristol Evening Post  

CUSTOMER REVIEW

I first used the Quinton House in October 1957 at the time of the launch of Sputnik (4th October).  It was a busy and friendly 'cider house' with no wine and and spirit licence, run by the affable Alan Davies and wife Jean.  It has fond memories for me as I met my future wife there in 1960.

 

Since then there have been many refurbs and landlords   One of the latter in particular was quite rude to customers and made them wait for service while he read his Daily Telegraph or finished the crossword.  He will only be remembered for that.

 

How different things are now.  Tastefully refurbished to a high standard into a calm, warm and comfortable real pub in restful colours rather than the old Georges Brewery grained wood and dull mixed left-over paint used by their contractors.

 

Today, with an excellent range of well kept ciders and real ales, fine wines friendly and efficient service, all overseen by experienced and popular proprieter and landlord Patrick, this establishment is well worth a visit.  I certainly recommend it.

 

Michael Wells-Wilson, Clifton.