Pubs and Bars / A-Z Bristol pub crawl
A-Z Bristol Pub Crawl: The Crown Tavern, St Jude’s
‘The drink of the Empire’ is how one advert above a fireplace at the Crown in St Jude’s describes Bass.
Once ubiquitous across Bristol and a former shirt sponsor of Bristol Rugby, this pub on Lawfords Gate is one of only a handful still serving pints of the beer that has seen a significant drop in production in recent decades.
Times change but the new custodian, Sam Gregory, made a commitment to keep Bass served from the barrel when he took on the Crown in 2024 after the retirement of its previous landlords Dominic and Gloria.
is needed now More than ever
Gregory added the pub to a portfolio including the Bank in the Old City, the Nova Scotia in Hotwells and the Sugar Loaf in Easton.
The Crown could well be the jewel in the, umm, crown of the gregarious Gregory’s growing empire.
He has big plans for its future and has already carried out extensive refurbishments; with events coming up in September including pub staples such as live sport and quizzes, as well as Northern Soul nights every Sunday.
Bass drinkers of yore would still recognise the place but it has had one hell of a glow-up, with a glitter ball hanging close to the main entrance acting almost like a statement of intent from Gregory and his team.
On a recent Saturday afternoon, the Bristol Beer Bike trundled past the front door of the Crown as PJ Harvey played on the stereo inside.
A group of friends sat in one corner under a projector showing horse racing from Ascot, reminiscing about which Berni Inn in Bristol used to the best.
They might not have been drinking Bass, but the Crown remains the place for the drink of the Empire.
The Crown Tavern in St Jude’s has a traditional brickwork frontage – photo: Martin Booth
The Crown Tavern, 17 Lawfords Gate, St Jude’s, Bristol, BS2 0DY
@thecrowntavernbristol_
Main photo: Martin Booth
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