The Thunderbolt

Unfortunately (mis)located music pub down the Bath Road from Temple Meads, whose landlord has the knack of attracting big name acts albeit of a certain vintage. Wilko Johnson, John Otway, Dr Feelgood, Eddie and the Hotrods, that kind of thing. Never anyone that might actually cause some real excitement like a proper punk band though. Fair play to the landlord for trying nevertheless, although the tiny size (think of your front room), lack of a raised stage and the L-​shaped layout make it a battle for any but the lucky punters at the very front to derive much enjoyment from the entertainment. On a good night you can sometimes find a vantage point where you can see the people who can see the people who can see the band. The other facilities have been upgraded since the place first opened, when the gents used to be the upstairs bathroom still with a bath in it. But why the landlord doesn’t shift his act to somewhere more appropriate I don’t know.

The Thunderbolt is a 150 capacity venue situated on the busy Bath Road in Totterdown. Since the owners took it over a couple of years ago it has undergone a massive transformation, and has very much earned its place within the Bristol music scene. It is difficult to imagine that this beautifully painted building with artfully created interiors and well furnished garden used to be a iniquitous dive frequented by the kind of people that you would go out of your way to avoid. These days the friendly staff are more accustomed to serving young families in the afternoons, particularly at the weekends when excellent food is in offer, and a devoted music crowd by night, when this local pub opens its doors to some heavyweight performers, often of international acclaim.
A good selection of fine ales and ciders at reasonable prices keep the locals coming back. Dave, the owner, is more partial to a glass of wine, and so there’s a decent selection of wine by the glass or bottle as well. The place is run in a very hands-​on fashion, lending the place a very definite fraternal feel, but is in no way exclusive. All-​comers are made to feel very welcome in this genuinely relaxed and friendly pub where traditional values are preserved.
I called in fr a quick drink and a chat a week or so ago and noticed that Babel, my favourite Bristol band, are playing The Thunderbolt on the 15^th May. Tickets are £5adv… a bargain! So, it looks like I’ll be back pretty soon!

Live music venue on Bath road, have hosted some fantastic nights, keep an eye out for their listings, you’ll be surprised at some of the bands they have cooking up a storm!
Also do a mighty fine Sunday Roast as well with possibly the friendliest landlord in Bristol ;o)

Went here just last night to see my friend’s prog metal band and actually thought this place was really good. It’s fairly small, but still managed to cram in a good eighty to one hundred people inside. The PA was just about the right size for the venue, too, although my girlfriend had to put tissue paper in here ears at one point, but that was largely because we were right in front of the speaker down front. I’m not sure if it is predominately metal and rock that goes on here, but it seems fairly suited to it. There’s a good selection of ales and ciders, so that should keep your thirsts quenched, and my friend says they do a mean sunday roast. Only thing to bear in mind is that, unless you live in Totterdown or love walking, this place is in the middle of nowhere and so requires a taxi or designated driver.

A staple of the live music scene, out on the Bath road. Tiny in stature and a bit grotty on the eye — don’t let that put you off. The cider comes in many different types, the staff are chilled and funny and the locals very accommodating.
If you don’t come for the music, the food’s pretty tasty. Plus they’re part of the Bristol bookswap scheme (leave a novel on the shelf, take a new one home to read) and there’s a whole pile of boardgames to get competitive with.
Let’s get to the mooo-​sic baby — from folk to rock the Thunderbolt are vehement campaigners for the local Bristol/​Bath scene, hosting fresh new talent night after night on its miniscule stage. The acoustics are unbelievable for such a small space — watch out ears!
What continues to impress me personally is that they’ve hosted punk spoken word poet/​musician legend John Cooper Clarke on more than one occasion (he’s back again this Autumn). How. Cool. Is. That? Very.

One of many new pubs springing up in the area, the Thunderbolt is, somewhat bravely, a live music venue tucked away out on the Bath Road.
First things first: this place has changed greatly since its been relaunched — all thoughts of the horror that was the Turnpike should be immediately forgotten. The musical policy is a mix of up and coming local bands and DJs, combined with national faves who may appeal to a slightly older generation (Miles Hunt, Wreckless Eric, John Squire, Don Letts, Jerry Dammers).
The garden has also been completely revamped and is very family friendly, especially on Sundays when they serve up the best roast I’ve had in years. Also recommend are the irregular DJ Derek and northern soul nights.