FOOD&DRINK

The Alma Tavern provides a unique combination of Bristol’s culinary and cultural class. The downstairs boozer boasts beautiful wooden panelling and bar billiards in its gentleman’s club-like lounge, with a cosy, carpeted, candlelit rear making for stylish chilling. The upstairs theatre is a wonderfully intimate and informal affair: carry your drink in, then let the performance carry you away.

This, the only pub/theatre west of London, draws locals, students, quizzers, couples holding hands over dinner and old boys nursing pints, plus cool characters like Joe Jordan and Paul McGann.

I take the train to the practically adjoining Clifton Down Station and savour pub grub bordering on gastro before enjoying an absorbing, tightly acted play. The feel is of having gone to Covent Garden – without leaving Bristol – on the most bijou of budgets. Throw in the engaging service and I’m rendered relaxed and refreshed. Such a result is only to be expected: the jobbing actors on the staff here know a thing or two about resting. (Words Simon Fry, pics Mark Simmons)

The information

Lager Fosters, Kronenbourg, San Miguel. From £3.10.

Beer Doom Bar, 6X, Courage Best, Otter plus two guests. From £2.80.

Cider Old English, Addlestones, Gaymers Pear. From £3.10.

Wine Eight red, nine white. From £3.10 gls/£12 btl.

Food Served Mon-Fri 12noon-2.30pm & 6-10pm, Sat 12noon-5 pm & 6-10pm, Sun 12noon-4pm. High-end pub grub. Alma burger £9.50, salmon & pak choi stir-fry £10, fish pie £9.50, chicken breast £10.50, toad-in-the-hole £10.

Offers San Miguel, Fosters, Old English, 6X on permanent student discount, 15% food discount for theatregoers reserving table in advance.

ALMA TAVERN 18-20 ALMA VALE RD, CLIFTON, BRISTOL, BS8 2HY. TEL: 0117 973 5171, WEB: WWW.ALMATAVERNTHEATRE.CO.UK OPEN SUN-WED 11AM-11.30PM, THUR-SAT 11AM-12MIDNIGHT.

Copryright Simon Fry 2010; pics copyright Mark Simmons Photography 2010