Pubs and Bars / A-Z Bristol pub crawl
A-Z Bristol Pub Crawl: The Steam Crane, Bedminster
Fairbairn steam cranes are designed to lift heavy loads.
Invented in the 19th century, only one exists today and can be found in Bristol close to the M Shed.
While there are no cranes to be seen at Bedminster’s Steam Crane pub, named after the device, a heavyweight drinker would likely feel at home here.
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There are tonnes of drinks on tap, perhaps explaining why the Steam Crane has been one of a select group of BS3 locals that has been part of the Bedminster Beer Trail for the past four summers in a row.
However, there is also good music, funky artwork and a homely aesthetic that would make anyone feel comfortable.
The boozer’s homely aesthetic makes drinking in the pub a relaxing experience
At the moment the pub is a little tricky to find – scaffolding from ongoing works has masked most of the exterior, including the front door – but there are signs pointing punters towards the beer garden for those willing to look.
Currently the only public entrance is through the beer garden
Lofi tunes from the Cocteau Twins filter through, out into the beer garden just a few hours after the pub opens on a Thursday afternoon.
It’s not hard to imagine the large outdoor space filling up later on in summer, with friends and families laughing, taking part in the weekly £1 pub quiz or raising a glass to plans that successfully made it out of the group chat.
But today the beer garden is noticeably empty.
So is the pub itself although, every ten minutes or so, a man walks in to ask for a beer or a cold brew, including one of the construction workers.
During one of the lull moments, another lofi hit starts playing – Exquisite Tension by You’ll Never Get to Heaven.
You take the lyrics, “seems empty and complete, instant obsolete, don’t sing me to sleep” as your cue to leave.
The Steam Crane, 4 North Street, Bedminster, Bristol, BS3 1HT
All photos: Seun Matiluko
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