Earlier this year, Bristol Live readers backed a south Bristol pub after a new policy required parents to make sure their children stay in their seats while they were there. The rule was introduced by the landlord of The Victoria Park pub as a safety measure after several minor injuries from children running around.
If you've sat inside, you'll likely understand the need for the rule. The L-shaped pub is cosy and filled with clusters of tables to accommodate as many people as they can possibly squeeze in.
You'll almost certainly find yourself stepping over a friendly dog or two on your way to the bar. Four legged friends are as welcome as their owners, with jars of treats displayed as you enter.
Read more: Centuries-old village pub near Bristol has resident alpacas
Despite being tied to the Stonegate pub group, the long bar showcases some of Bristol's best beers on offer, including Bristol Beer Factory and Moor over the years. Other draught beers include Gamma Ray, Guinness, Asahi and Birra Moretti.
One of the pub’s main lures, apart from its close proximity to the lovely park it’s named after, is the enormous, tiered garden with stretching views across south Bristol. In recent years, it's introduced some marquee areas and heaters making it a suitable spot in all seasons.
As a gastropub, it's heavily encouraged to get yourself a bite to eat. It has two kitchens - one inside and one in the beer garden - and the main menu is filled with pub classics like beef pie of the day (£15.50), sausage and mash (£14.50) cod and chips (£16.50) and burgers. Thursdays are the pub's designated pizza night served from a hatch in the outside kitchen, cooked in a proper pizza oven.
The Victoria Park Sunday roast should be in a God-like tier within Bristol's endless choices. The menu changes without straying too much outside of tradition, including chicken, lamb, and beef as well as always offers a vegetarian and vegan option.
All come ready with the usual trimmings topped with a thick, fluffy Yorkshire pudding. While portions are already generous, you can even ask for extra roast potatoes and a top-up of gravy. It's always worth booking in advance although outside is open to walk-ins.
66 Raymend Road, Bristol BS3 4QW. https://www.pubanddining.co.uk/victoria-park-bristol
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