Pubs and Bars / Pub of the Week
Pub of the Week: The Ostrich
A scruffy terrier looks up expectantly up as his owner carries two overflowing pints back to the wooden table in The Ostrich.
From his vantage point on the slightly raised piece of well-worn floor inside the historic pub, the small dog keenly watches as crowds of feet gather at the polished bar, where Butcombe Brewery ales and the odd cider are being doled out at an impressive rate.
Outside, it’s like a scene from a Beryl Cook painting. People of all ages congregate around newly-painted wooden tables determinedly soaking up the early summer rays, parents sit gossiping in striped deckchairs while children play on the newly-laid AstroTurf and dogs wait patiently for signs of spilled chips.
An al fresco bar is doing a roaring trade on a recent sunny Saturday afternoon, where members of a hen party gather, sporting little sailor hats worn at jaunty angles.
It is the first weekend since the harbourside pub reopened its doors after a full refurbishment, sporting a fresh new look inside and out.
Owners Butcombe have largely kept the traditional pub vibe in the interior of one of Bristol’s oldest watering holes. A battered orange life ring with ‘The Ostrich’ printed on it hanging by the bar is just one nod to the maritime history.
More modern touches come in the form of stripy paper straws at the bar. Thankfully, the team of efficient staff and cashless bar outside seem to have successfully kept the notorious Ostrich queues at bay.
Alas, a broken toilet means a long line of people are waiting outside the door of the remaining facility, but you can’t have everything.
Outside, another new fixture comes in the form of a large American-style Airstream caravan, where two chefs are dishing out a steady flow of burgers and loaded fries in red plastic baskets.
“I’ll give you a shout when it’s ready,” says one with a cheerful grin, collecting yet another paper order slip.
The food is hot, crisp and satisfying, perfect for washing down with a pint of ale.
Over on the AstroTurf, children have already spotted the sign advertising ice cream and parents hand over money willingly, giving them perfect opportunity to linger longer in one of Bristol’s prime al fresco spots.
The Ostrich, Lower Guinea Street, Redcliffe, Bristol, BS1 6TJ
0117 9273776
www.butcombe.com/pubs/the-ostrich.
Read more: Pub of the Week: The Lock & Weir
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