Lying underneath Clifton Suspension Bridge is the Pump House, nestled right on the edge of the historic Bristol docks. The whole area is a key part of Bristol's history - just a short over Junction Swing Bridge takes you to Underfall Yard, the boatyard that tragically saw a blaze rip through the workshops last month.
The Pump House has its own interesting history, too. It was built around 1870 by Thomas Howard for a hydraulic pump that powered bridges and lock gates around the harbour, subsequently replaced by the current Hydraulic engine house at Underfall Yard less than 20 years later.
Chef proprietor Toby Gritten turned the building into a pub in 2007 now home to arguably one of the most beautiful beer gardens in Bristol. Benches line the front of the building by the water's edge and the pub remains to be firmly table service.
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When the sun isn't shining, The Pump House offers ample space indoors with a mixture of table seating and sofas. It's warm and inviting, with long lines of homemade pickles, wine and Aperol on shelves lining the walls.
The food-led pub earned two AA rosettes in 2022. It offers an innovative menu whether you're looking to graze, have brunch or enjoy a three-course dining experience.
So many elements are made in-house. For the early summer menu, snacks for the table include the pub's own sourdough with homemade butter and pork rillette. Main courses offer delicately steamed hake or whole bream as well as a beautiful dry-aged sirloin steak.
There are full English breakfasts on the brunch menu using Greenacre farm eggs in Chew Valley and foraged wild garlic. Sunday lunch is also incredibly popular, often requiring a booking, with choices including roast leg of lamb from the Mendips and Chew Valley belly of pork.
Best of all, the kitchen makes its own pork scratchings using the skin from the dry-aged, pork belly from the a la carte menu - an ideal pairing with a pint of local cider or beer.
You can book a table through DishCult or direct on 01179272229 or info@the-pumphouse.com.
The Pump House, Merchants Road Hotwells, Bristol. http://the-pumphouse.com/
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