Pubs and Bars / A-Z Bristol pub crawl
A-Z Bristol Pub Crawl: The King’s Arms, Pilning
Take the train from Temple Meads to Severn Beach, travel along an A road for 30 minutes and just on the other side of the M4 you’ll come across The King’s Arms.
The pub in Pilning assumes the shape of a classic village pub, the white of its exterior gleaming in the sun.
Sat outside a woman has just been greeted by a man in head-to-toe tweed, a vest, a wax jacket and several Border Collies in tow.
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Hanging on the front door is a reminder to the patrons to ‘wipe muddy boots on mat’.
Upon stumbling into what feels like someone’s living room, all eyes turn.
A distinct and strong West Country accent comes out as the bartender greets one of the punters. Chatter from hoarse voices continue in the background.
On one wall, there is a touching tribute to someone named Dukey. Another sign outlines the five deadly terms used by women, and above it, a third reads ‘Grumpy Old Man Club.’
Vintage horse hames frame an old photo of the bar
It’s 4.30pm and half a dozen or so regulars are watching the Cheltenham Festival on the TV in corner of the bar.
The festival is on its second race of the day.
The men, also clad in head-to-toe tweed, but with varying details like a flat cap and wellies to tell each apart.
They aren’t impressed. They’ve hedged their bets, but as a loud expletive aimed at the rider leaves the mouth of one them, it clearly hasn’t gone their way.
The races finish and The Chase comes on. One of them says to the bartender in a playful tone: “You watch some intelligent tele.”
Some people bring back seashells from their holidays, others bring back phallic shaped bottle openers. Each to their own here.
Men in different uniforms enter into the bar like a catwalk, from tweed to a florescent orange two-piece and navy denim overalls with steel toe cap boots.
Greeting each other by name. The men at work are now at the pub, enjoying a solitary pint as they occupy every other table.
The air is filled by multiple of the men belching every 10 minutes and a cloud coming from someone’s vape in the corner.
It’s safe to say the folks feel at home.
Kings Arms, Redwick Road, Pilning BS35 4LU
All photos: Hannah Massoudi
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