Pubs and Bars / A-Z Bristol pub crawl
A-Z Bristol pub crawl: The White Bear, St Michael’s Hill
The White Bear is perfectly situated as a student pub. A stone’s throw from the university, you’ll find students ambling down to this cosy little courtyard pub after a hard stint in the library.
Taking pride of place atop St Michael’s Hill, the pub is nestled in Kingsdown’s small but generous high-street.
Don’t be fooled by the cosy courtyard however. This pub comes fully kitted out with a dart board, a state of the art pool table, a sports TV, a slot machine, spacious lounging rooms and an 80-capacity upstairs venue. It’s no surprise that this pub attracts students all week long.
From political meetings and club socials, to pub crawls and comedy talks, this pub offers up its services to even the most questionable of student societies.
The pub’s bar feels student-orientated, with matt black woodwork, a host of reasonably priced largers, grunge wallpaper and posters tacked to the side of the bar
Today however, that wasn’t the case, as the end of exams sees the mass exodus of students to far and wide.
It was perhaps a welcome relief then, to enjoy the courtyard’s summer offerings without plumes of vape smoke, university chatter and teams of students crowded around a table meant for two.
Despite the pub’s only ale on tap that day being the St Austell at £4.60, the refreshing pint was thoroughly enjoyed with a bag of salt and vinegar crisps in the afternoon sun, even if it did hit everything but our table.
The professional pool table would usually be the star of the show on a rainy day, but was left rather lonely thanks to the beating sun outside
The White Bear also serves burgers from its outdoor kitchen, which were recommended to the punters despite the kitchen seeming very inactive at 6pm. Sunday Roasts are also offered, and come in fairly cheap from £11.95.
Perhaps the most exciting thing about this pub is that it’s one of nine venues around Bristol showcasing comedians in the lead-up to Edinburgh Fringe in July, the owner told the punters proudly whilst pouring their pint.
After finishing off their ales, the punters decided they were sure to return for a night of comedy at this very much alive-and-kicking establishment.
The reasonably-priced Sunday roasts bring students in even on the weekends
The only thing bringing the mood down was the looming sense of things changing.
A sign attached to the building outside reads ‘Start your pub journey today’, with a corporate stock photograph of a Shoreditch hipster smiling as he lovingly pours you a watered down beer – a sure sign this pub is about to be auctioned off to the highest bidder.
If The White Bear teaches us anything, it’s to keep the pub spirit alive despite the ever growing financial pressures that the independent pub scene faces.
With many exciting events in the pipeline, this popular watering hole doesn’t seem to be going down without a fight.
Despite the cosy courtyard, the building itself is grand with three floors, giving it a more prestigious feel
The White Bear, 133 St Michael’s Hill, Bristol BS2 8BS
Main photo: All photos by Mia Vines Booth
Read more: A-Z Bristol pub crawl: The Victoria Inn, Westbury on Tryme
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