FOOD&DRINK

The spirit of Ashton Court’s much-missed annual shindig endures at the Prince of Wales. Handy train and bus routes bring punters of all ages and backgrounds from Easton, Clifton and beyond, while others stroll from St Pauls and Bishopston, creating an atmosphere that’s as chilled as sipping cider sitting in sunshine on a Sunday afternoon. Engaging staff maintain the mellowness; when quizmeistress Imogen isn’t asking the quirky questions, she’s bopping behind the bar in baseball boots in a lull between serving. An eclectic playlist spans country and electronica, with Sunday evening DJs adding similar diversity. Yet more randomness comes via the pub’s architecture, formed as it is from two cottages and a former clock shop. “It’s a squiffy building!” says owner Anna Gorman.

The food’s globe-spanning flavours and conscientious credentials (local and ethical sourcing) keep the good vibes coming. Cheap as…, a bowl of chips is just £1.50. Sand- and straw-enhanced New Year’s Eves have brought beach parties and barn dances with future bank holidays due to follow suit, but the brilliant back garden, among Bristol’s best, offers festival authenticity throughout the year. (Simon Fry; pics Mark Simmons)

 
The information

Lager Kronenbourg, Sagres, Amstel, Heineken, Fosters. From £3.35.

Beer Gem, Butcombe, Butcombe Gold, Deuchars & guest. From £2.95.

Cider Ashton Press, Taunton Traditional, Symonds, Apples & Pears. From £2.95.

Wine Three red, three white, one rosé. From: £2.60 gls/£13.95 btl.

Food Served Mon-Sat 12noon-9.30pm, Sun 12noon-4pm (or until sold out). Traditional pub with world influences. All-day breakfast £7.95, bang bang chicken wrap £8.95, bangers & mash £8.95, fish & chips £8.95, mixed pulse curry £7.50. 

PRINCE OF WALES 5 GLOUCESTER RD, BISHOPSTON, BRISTOL, BS7 8AA, TEL: 0117 924 5552, WEB: WWW.POWBRISTOL.CO.UK OPEN DAILY 12NOON-12MIDNIGHT.

Copyright Simon Fry 2011; pics Mark Simmons Photography 2011