Pubs and Bars / A-Z Bristol pub crawl
A-Z Bristol Pub Crawl: The Maytree, Bishopsworth
Big bold letters – M, A, Y, T, R, E, E – spell out the name of this pub, which is first believed to have been opened in 1963 by a certain Douglas McMillan, who was then the superintendent of parks and gardens in the city.
Unsurprisingly, McMillan marked the pub’s opening by planting a tree. Decades and wars later, the pub still stands as a steadfast member of the Headly Park community, summoning thirsty punters inside every day of the week.
Only a short walk from the bus stop, the muted grey and white tones of the pub’s exterior are easy to spot on a sunny day. But when two girls with rucksacks strapped on their shoulders walk in, they’re welcomed with a mix of confused gazes.
Sun blazes through the pub’s window-covered walls that is a hub for the local community to socialise, engage in a game of pool or darts, and watch the latest sports.
One could easily bathe in sunshine while sat inside this pub
Most tables were filled with a chattery crowd, bickering away about their work or gossiping about a certain mutual friend who wasn’t at the table. A few men stood by the bar and enjoyed their freshly served pints.
A small door leads to a beer garden where couples, friends and family are enjoying the elusive British sun while sipping on their favourite tipples.
When the girls finally go in to order, they call for half pints – one of Thatcher’s Haze and another of Carlsberg.
Other brews on offer include – Guinness, Fosters, Spanish-lager Cruzcampo, Amstel, Tadcaster-based John Smith’s, London Pride and a few others on the far end of the bar.
With their half-pints secured, the girls settle onto a table next to a group of chatty and loud football fanatics.
The television on the far left has suddenly become the talking point of the group, members of whom have now started pacing about the pub while engrossed in a repeat telecast of a Bristol City Vs West Brom game.
A sketch of Blackbeard the Pirate and a vintage illustration advertising Fry’s Chocolate are squeezed between the pub’s latest tipple offers.
Framed sketches of Bristol symbols like a hot air balloon and a view of Clifton Suspension Bridge hung on other walls here.
As the girls downed their drinks and finished some pressing tasks on their laptops, they were ready to head home for a good dinner after a refreshing pint.
There’s ample of parking space within the boundaries of this pub
The Maytree Pub, St Peter’s Rise, Bristol BS13 7QT
All photos: Karen Johnson
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