Pubs with Bruce

Bristol. A historic pub in central Bristol dating back to 1600. It is located at the foot of the Christmas Steps in one of the oldest parts of the city. The pub retains many of its original features and was once a sugar refinery. It was formerly known as The Three Sugar Loaves, and was renamed in 1859. The street was originally Steep Street and was rebuilt in 1669 by wealthy wine merchant Jonathan Blackwell and renamed Queen Street. Some sources suggest it was once called Lon

Bristol. Dating to 1745 and located on the Radcliffe Wharf, it served as a meeting place for sailors, dockworkers, and merchants during the Port of Bristol's maritime era. A portion of the wall has been removed to reveal an entrance to the Redcliffe caves, which were mined for sand to make Bristol Glass and used to hold prisoners of war during the 18th century French and Spanish wars. A Butcombe pub, I chose one of their beers I had not seen before, Bitter Melissa Amber Ale.

Bristol. One of 31 pubs in the UK with this name. Originally built in 1722 (1725?) by architect John Strahan as a pair of attached Georgian style houses for merchants on busy Prince Street. In 1777 it was converted into a pub called The Shakespeare to serve the needs of the dock workers and warehouse men at the adjoining port. The name was probably derived from its proximity to the nearby Theatre Royal (or the Bristol Old Vic where his plays were performed). In 1784 it was th

Ford, Cheltenham. This lovely country pub began as a coaching inn during the 13th century, became a courthouse in the 16th century, then the pub/inn it is now in the late 17th century. The dungeon/holding cells of the courthouse are now used to store and mature casks for nearby Donnington Brewery. In the 18th century it was used as a "dram shop" or "spirit vault" linked to the Gin Craze. In 1832 Thomas Swindlehurst took a pledge of total abstinence at the pub, a significant m

Tewkesbury. Dating back to 1308, it is believed to be the oldest public house in Gloucershire. It originally served as a toll house for travelers using St. John's Bridge, and was used as a hospital during the Battle of Tewkesbury in 1471. Much of its timber framed structure dates back to the 16th century. The sign (of a bear shackled to a tree) is thought to be the crest of the Beauchamps family, Lords of the Manor of Tewkesbury. It is suggested that William Shakespeare perfo

Tewkesbury. The building core is 16th century although the facade is a 20th century reproduction. It was first licensed in 1869, was listed as "Nottingham House in 1891, and has had ties to local breweries "Bayless & Merrill" and "Flowers". The name might commemorate the successful siege of Nottingham by Robert the First Earl of Gloucester. It is the only surviving pub on the east side of Tewkesbury's High Street. It is said to be haunted, with many paranormal activities repo

Tewkesbury. Dating back to the 16th century, originally two separate dwellings, featuring a gabled facade and moulded ceiling beams and joists. Although it became a micropub in 2019 it definitely has an old pub feel. There are three small rooms, each with it's own vibe. The front room is a typical one next to the bar with limited seating. The middle room is cozy with nice fireplace. The dark back room is kind of snug like. There are lots of old photographs on the walls, and d

Tewkesbury. An amalgamation of historic buildings from the 15th and 18th centuries, originally known as The Crown during the time of Henry VIII, later the New Inn, and then the Hop Pole. The "Royal" part of the name was added after a visit from Princess Mary of Teck (later Queen Mary), Royal Consort to George V, in 1891. The pub's historical significance was cemented by its mention in Charles Dickens' first novel "The Pickwick Papers". The entrance has an ornate portico datin

Tewkesbury. Located next to Tewkesbury Abbey, the Bell Hotel was built in 1696 and is noted for its half timbered, triple gabled facade. Parts of the cellar are believed to be older, as the inn was once a medieval hostel associated with the Abbey, and wooden panels inside are thought to once have been pews from the Abbey. It was originally known as Angel and later became the Bell and Bowling Green Hotel, famous for its large bowling green (the Tewkesbury Bowls Club was founde

Worcester. The building dates to 1577 and King Charles II escaped the city via this house on September 3, 1651 after the Battle of Worcester. Over the centuries it has served many purposes including as a judges residence, an antiques shop, and a restaurant, before becoming a pub. It features priest holes (one of which Charles probably used), and a salt cellar that was used to hold prisoners before they were hung across the street (you can see a skeleton in the oubliette). Wit

Evesham, West Midlands. A free house tucked away in the corner of Evesham's market (next to the Spud Man!), this is my favorite pub in town. The building dates to the early 1700s (there are still wattle and daub walls, a 17th century fireplace, and wonky floors, and a "settle"). It was first recorded as a public house in 1728. Unfortunately the timber framing on the front of the building was plastered over during the Georgian period. There is a small 2 sided bar with a large

Honeybourne, Evesham. West Midlands. After a short walk through the village of Honeybourne (population approximately 2,100) I arrived at the Thatched Tavern. Originally a row of three workers cottages in the 13th century, it was converted into a public house in the late 16th/early 17th century. It is known for its "cruck" frame construction, which uses complete tree trunks to form an "A" shape to support the roof timbers. It features original fireplaces, flagstone floors and

Bretforten (population approx. 1,200), Evesham, West Midlands. A half-timbered medieval longhouse built in the 15th century by a farmer named Byrd that became a pub in 1848. It was owned by the same family until 1977 when Lola Taplin bequeathed it to the National Trust. A straw owl perched on the thatched barn roof pays tribute to her wish to return as an owl to keep a watchful eye on the inn. The original brewing equipment is on display above the fireplace in the old brewhou

Offenham, West Midlands. During our visits to the UK we of course like going to the big cities (London, Liverpool, Birmingham, Manchester...) but we also enjoy visiting smaller towns and villages, where we really get the feel of what the countries are all about. Offenham has been great. With a population of approximately 1,650, it has a village shop/post office, a brewery, and the pub. It is a traditional country pub that dates back to the 1770s and sits on the River Avon. In

Paddington, London. Built in 1837, the year Queen Victoria ascended to the throne, this is another lovely wedge shaped corner pub, with a crescent shaped mahogany bar (said to be one of the oldest in the UK) that greets you as you walk in the door. Although it was damaged in the Blitz, much of its Victorian interior survived. Etched glass, painted tiles in wall niches, and memorabilia of Queen Victoria ( including a Silver Jubilee plate) adorn the wall under a white tinned ce

Paddington, London. not to be confused with Ye Olde Mitre in Holborn (one of my favs!), this pub was built in 1855 (1859?), a wedge shaped corner pub which gives rise to its name, with unusual rounded doors at its corner entrance. Beautiful mosaic tiling leads into the Snug Room, which at one time was for ladies only. It also has a Private Bar, and a Saloon Room that has a skylight decorated with stained glass. Downstairs is a speakeasy called "Old Mary's", named after a mai

Soho, London. One of what I believe are six Coach and Horses pubs in London, this one is located on Greek Street and was established in 1847, though a pub existed on this site earlier. The name of course derives from horse drawn coaches and it is thought that a shuttle type service ran from here to the Smithfield Market area, the main starting point for coaches going north. The building was renovated in 1889 by the Cannon Brewery, featuring rendered red brick and a row of tw

Piccadilly, London. First licensed in 1733, originally known as Catherine's Wheel, and rebuilt in 1897 by architect William Brutton in a Victorian style, with a red brick facade and intricate detailing. A stunning flatiron shaped corner shaped corner building, It is noted for its historic interior featuring a triangle shaped bar, original etched glass, and four Doulton's of Lambeth tiled panels with scenes from Shakespearean plays. Charles Dickens was said to often sit in hi

Leicester Square, London. As I have mentioned before, I usual have a list of a few pubs I intend to visit when I go out for my pub crawl, but I often stumble across pubs that draw me in. The Porcupine is one of these. Founded in 1725, its address was originally on Castle Street, which changed to Charing Cross Road in the 1870s/80s. I couldn't walk by the angled frontage without going in, where I was greeted by a most wonderful circular bar. In the past it was a meeting place

Marylebone, London. Built in 1791 and rumored to be the longest standing building in the area, it is one of the last free houses in central London. As you round the corner it is quite an impressive building with its rounded corner sign. The interior features original match board paneling and two rare 19th century drinking booths (the first I have seen of these) which are protected by their listing. Unfortunately I went on a Sunday and because of the traditional Sunday roast n