FOOD&DRINK

I hear several North American accents when visiting the Shakespeare Tavern, ranging from a group of cap-wearing gents off to tomorrow’s Ryder Cup to two women describing much of what they find “Awesome!” to proprietor Malcolm Mant’s wife Mary, a native British Columbian. Malcolm sees his grade II-listed beauty as being, “quintessentially English” so it’s unsurprising overseas visitors warm to its charm. They find customer service more akin to that found over the pond – free Kit-Kats with hot drinks make you feel welcome and appreciated – and a building oozing with history. Bristol’s longest continually licensed premises (since 1777, since you ask), it began life providing ad hoc sailor refreshment before formally becoming a tavern. The docks are only 20 yards away, although Knicker Alley, a former prostitute haunt leading to them, has long been boarded-up.

A connection with the sea is maintained, however, by maritime pictures and ornaments dotted throughout the pub’s two rooms. The front space attracts the daytime business crowd while locals head for the cosy rear, with 20 regulars living on boats moored nearby frequently in for wholesome, hearty, homemade food. The menu’s witty annotations are almost as delicious as the grub upon it, with diners informed the lasagne “is as Italian as corruption”. Malcolm and Mary maintain high standards, ensuring a civilised air befitting the beautiful surroundings. Original fittings and fixtures lend understated grandness easily overlooked when engrossed in conversation. Indeed, the pub itself, located within a handsome terrace, might be missed were it not for its outside tables and attractive sign. A Bard quote greets new arrivals, but while the old place might not be decked with diamonds, Malcolm’s right to consider it “a hidden gem.”

The information
Lager San Miguel, Becks Vier, Fosters. From £3.

Beer Speckled Hen, Greene King IPA, Abbot Ale plus two guests (currently Gem and Tribute.) From £2.70.

Cider Dry Blackthorn, Aspalls. From £3.

Wine Four white, four red. From £3.20 gls/£11 btl. 

Offers Certain drinks £1 when buying pie meal Wed, fish and chips Thur.

Food Served Mon-Thur 12noon-9pm, Fri-Sun 11am-7pm. Old-fashioned pub grub. Fish & chips £7.25, sausage & mash £6.95, Pieminister meals £6.95, homemade lasagne £6.75, fresh, homemade Mexican burger £7.25.

SHAKESPEARE TAVERN 68A PRINCE ST, BRISTOL, BS1 4QD. TEL: 0117 929 7695. WEB: WWW.SHAKESPEAREBRISTOL.COM OPEN SUN-THUR 11AM-11PM, FRI-SAT 11AM-12MIDNIGHT.

Text copyright Simon Fry 2010; pics copyright Mark Simmon Photography 2010