News / Pubs
Historic pub and venue for sale
The landlord of a south Bristol pub has decided to move on from the business after 18 years.
The Thunderbolt in Totterdown is now for sale as development continues around it
“It’s a job that I have thoroughly enjoyed but it’s time to plan my future,” said Dave McDonald.
is needed now More than ever
“I don’t feel in a rush to go, but I would like to see the pub run with a fresher approach.”
The Grade II-listed building on Bath Road was previously known as the Turnpike Inn after a new turnpike act came into force and gates were erected across Bristol so people using the road had to pay tolls.
Since becoming an entertainment venue, the pub has hosted musicians including Kae Tempest, Portishead’s Beth Gibbons and Kasabian’s Ian Matthews.
A huge variety of live events are hosted at the venue – photo: Alexandra Hill
McDonald added that it is “not only about keeping the music venue alive, it’s about protecting the building for the community too”.
Having invested much effort into restoring the community space, McDonald stressed the importance of protecting the building itself.
He said: “There is so much development in the area with new housing projects and student accommodation being built nearby which hopefully will support the venue.”
The Thunderbolt will continue to trade and host live events until the freehold sale is completed, “be that six weeks or six years”, said McDonald.
Local, national and international events have been hosted in the Thunderbolt – photo: Alexandra Hill
Main photo: Alexandra Hill
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