Let’s start at Hyde and Co, the top of a steep hill for
ladies in heels!
Location: 2 The Basement, Berkley Cresecent
Website: www.hydeandcobristol.net
Visit: Various mid-week evenings
To Note: It is “speakeasy” but following the address is easy
and buzz to be let in
Scores
Ambiance: 5/5
Design: 5/5
Drinks: 5/5
Staff: 5/5
Extra LBS star: I’ll stick to top marks
Ambiance: 5/5
Design: 5/5
Drinks: 5/5
Staff: 5/5
Extra LBS star: I’ll stick to top marks
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| The entrance |
Now as I was writing up the scores I found I really could
not fault this bar. And that is even taking into account how everyone I’d met
told me how great the bar scene in Bristol is.
Once inside (a buzzer outside flashes the bar lights so you
will not be disturbed once in) the space is nicely designed to feel like you
can curl up in a corner for a tete-a-tete or pull up a chair at the bar and
enjoy the skills of the bar staff. Lighting is subtle and comfy couches sit
alongside low antique tables and large mottled mirrors; You know the style. The
music is jazzy 20’s style but I would describe Bristol as “speak easy” by
necessity. It is the spaces that offer themselves to this concept rather than
bar owners going out to create a speakeasy. If that makes sense…
 |
| Spey Honey |
The bar manager Mark is an absolute star handling drink orders
with panache, never breaking off a conversation and he treated me to a tasty nip of aged Tapasita tequila, friend
for life! The menu is intriguing enough to have a read rather than going
off-piste and I would seriously recommend the Spey Honey made with Glenrothes
whisky and plum liqueur – a favourite ingredient of mine. And whilst Mark makes
the drinks the floor staff flit from table to table ensuring you have enough water,
drinks and are generally content. Which everyone is.
So, one not to miss and onto…
The Woods
Location: 1 Park Street Avenue
Website: www.thewoodsnbar.co.uk
Visit: Various mid-week evenings
To Note: Another
steep hill ladies but not so long!
Scores
Ambiance: 4/5
Design: 5/5
Drinks: 5/5
Staff: 5/5
Ambiance: 4/5
Design: 5/5
Drinks: 5/5
Staff: 5/5
I think if I get to revisit The Woods in summer, this will
easily be a 20/20 with a courtyard to enjoy the warmer weather in. As is, this
reminds me somewhat of Milk Thistle in Bristol (sister to Hyde&Co) with a
grand country house style, dark green walls, the bar on the ground floor and a
wooden balcony above overlooking this ground floor room and its walls lined
with some interested skulls. Similarly
the seating is either leather couches or pull up a high stool at the bar. (I
was also told that this venue really
picks up later on with the ground floor packing out for dancing).
Their cocktail menus tend to go walk about so best just to
have a chat with the very competent staff, and come armed with sweet/sour,
long/short and a base spirit; let them do the rest. And if your base spirit is
whisky or bourbon all the better because with over 100 you are spoilt for
choice. I tried an oooold Bruichladdich as a special treat then their recommended
– current – favourite bourbon, Rock Hill Farm
Staff were very happy to chat between making drinks whilst
also being aware of other customers, the music etc, basically a well-run joint.
So why the point off? As I mentioned I was not here at the right time, and a
group of friends, half of whom were doing shots of Patron Café in the corner,
seemed a little odd for a Wednesday 9pm.
Another one to hit for a boogie once you have had your quiet
chat at Hyde & Co.
Overall, Bristol has a lot to offer with Milk Thistle,
Goldbrick House and Hausbar all pushing boundaries and great restaurants (try Cherry
Duck) helping too
