The Masonic

Genuinely wonderful old-​school pub. Darts board, skittles, good beer — frankly I couldn’t ask for any more. Was down in Bristol for business for one evening and went down the road for a burger in the Hen & Chicken (which was trendier but also very pleasant) and then back to the Masonic for a few beers as I saw a dart board in there. Four hours, several games of darts and a good chinwag with some locals and the landlord later and I was a happy chappy. Couldn’t recommend it highly enough. As previous posters say, a dying breed and one that still is and hopefully ever will tick over. Landlord is a Bristol City season ticket holder and lifelong fan and was still nice to me as an Ipswich fan. Though they did beat us last week so was probably easier for him! Did I mention it has Sky Sports?

My band practices opposite this pub (at the drummer’s house), so we have a good view of all the comings and goings at this small pub on North Street. There’s always a gaggle of smokers outside on the small wooden benches rain or shine. They can get rowdy on the weekends, but usually you don’t here a peep out of them. Inside is another matter. Locals abound — and proper locals, too, as in those that were born and bred in Bendminster and in fact never bother to leave Bedminster, ever. Anyone else, those with a little more vision and understanding of the outside world, go to the Spotted Cow just down the road. Frankly, this place relies on the regulars and good luck to it. When the Cow becomes untrendy and changes hands again, this place will still be ticking over just fine.

This Victorian corner pub is one of a dying race. Refusing to spruce up for cocktail fiends and poseurs, The Masonic is happy to cater for the values of its locals: good beer and a lively atmosphere. The pub’s interior is surprisingly spacious and well kept, and there is a well used skittle alley out the back, and also a darts board. Drinks are well priced here and locals are friendly enough. However, weekend evenings can get pretty rowdy. So if you like a bit of drama now and then, this pub will certainly accomodate.