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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Entertainment
Robin Murray

The cosy Bristol pub so small it 'feels like being in a fishbowl'

"No way, the best thing about this place is that it's so cosy!" yelled a chap in the corner of the pub after manager Aaron Croxford said he wished it was a little bigger.

The modest size of The Bridge Inn is, as this vocal regular highlighted, one of the reasons it's so popular.

And although it isn't quite the smallest, it's definitely in the top five.

But as the old saying goes, size isn't everything, and this quaint boozer offers an awful lot despite its restricted dimensions.

Small in size: The ups and downs

Jimi Hendrix was painted on the pub just over a year ago (David Betts Photography)

Aaron has been manager of the pub, which is adorned with a giant mural of legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix, for the past nine years.

"There are definitely pros and cons to being such a small pub," said the 38-year-old.

"We can squeeze a maximum of 35 people in here at full capacity, including people stood at the bar.

"When we're busy we often get people walking in and then straight out again as there's no space for them.

"It's always a shame when that happens, but on the other hand the size does mean we get a cracking atmosphere in here.

"We never get any trouble and everyone gets along."

The Passage Street pub attracts a mix of different people, predominantly office workers at lunchtimes during the week and then locals later on in the day.

"It's nice being able to see everyone from the bar," added Aaron. "It's a bit like being in a little goldfish bowl in here due to the size and the fact people always peer in from outside."

Authentic Jamaican cuisine

The menu at The Bridge Inn (Bristol Live)

Another string to the pub's bow is its food offering: authentic Jamaican cuisine served at very reasonable prices.

Chef Roy Douglas rustles up an array of treats from his native country which are particularly popular with nearby office workers for their lunch.

"Serving Jamaican food definitely gives us a bit of an edge as not many pubs in Bristol offer it," added Aaron. "A few pubs around here serve food but I wouldn't say it's as good as here and ours is cheaper."

Alongside Jamaican favourites such as curry goat (£7.50), jerk chicken (£7.50) and chick pea and spinach (£6.50) there's also the option of pub classics like bangers and mash (£7.50), fish and chips (£8.50) and proper burgers (£8.50 including chips and salad).

A firm favourite among regulars is the chilli con carne, served with either rice, chips or nachos, coming in at just £8 for a mountainous portion or £5.50 for those with less of an appetite.

The pub also plans to start doing takeaway food served in boxes to go later this year, catering for those in a hurry.

Craft beer at low prices

It's one of the smallest pubs in Bristol (David Betts Photography)

As is the case at any pub worth your time, there's a wide selection of decent beers on offer at The Bridge Inn - and a few pints won't break the bank.

The speciality German beers go down particularly well, said Aaron, with the ABK Hell at £4.30 a pint the current bestseller.

Another ABK beer, Fels, is also a common order - and there's also one pump which changes every 30 litres, showcasing a different beer from around the world.

It's currently serving Clwb Tropicana from Tiny Rebel Brewing but will soon be replaced with Lervig House Party from Norway.

With the top quality products from this ever-changing pump priced at just £4.50 a pint, it's no wonder the pub attracts discerning beer drinkers.

The range of drinks, which also includes Thatchers Haze and San Miguel, can be enjoyed while playing a board game from the well-stocked selection in the corner of the pub.

For the latest news in and around Bristol, check back on Bristol Live's homepage.

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