Pubs and Bars / Bars
The Library
If you thought that wine bars were from a different decade – millennium even – then think again as in a reversal of current trends a wine bar has replaced a cafe on Cheltenham Road in the shadow of the arches.
The Library has been opened by sisters Louise and Jane Hawkins who aim to provide an education in wine – hence the name.
One of the main features of this new bar is the wine flights, each costing £8, which are currently made up of whites Torrentes, Albarino and chenin blanc; the reds Rioja, Beaujolais and Pomares; and a third featuring Moscato, Albarino and Rioja.
The aim is for the wine to be accompanied by a selection of antipasti platters sourced from shops along the Gloucester Road.
But wine isn’t the only option here and there are also a selection of spirits, and bottles of beer from Bath Ales’ experimental Beerd brewery.
Befitting its name, there are books everywhere, artfully arranged on shelves of all shapes and sizes.
Visiting on Tuesday afternoon wearing my best 80s stockbroker-style braces and carrying the largest phone I could find, I spotted what looked like a recipe book behind the bar just for sugar. On closer inspection, however, it was Sir Alan’s autobiography.
There used to be an Inkie mural in the outside courtyard when this was Do’ Liiwhich has unfortunately been painted over.
Inside, among all the books there are old oak barrels masquerading as tables and printed vinyl of bricks masquerading as bricks.
The Library could be a reversal of current trends, or the two sisters may have spotted that wine bars are making a comeback.
Either way, prepare for an education beyond Blossom Hill.
The Library, 208 Cheltenham Road, Montpelier, Bristol, BS6 5QU
0117 239 6585
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