THE OLDEST PUB IN BRISTOL

The whole city of Bristol is shrouded in history, so it should come as no surprise that the pubs within Bristol have just as much history surrounding them. Plenty of pubs within Bristol claim to be the oldest, all of which have varying dates that they were first set up. Some are only kept in the running, for the title, by a handful of technicalities.

So, whilst it might not be possible to tell you precisely which pub is the oldest (as many of them claim to be) here is one of the oldest pubs in Bristol that has been running for a fair bit of time, with some twisted and interesting pasts. Whether you’re interested in hearing the macabre tales or it’s the historical architecture that’ll draw you in, be sure to read this tale.

Generally speaking, The Hatchet Inn is considered to be the oldest pub in Bristol as it proudly boasts and claims by the pub owners themselves. This Tudor pub has stood on Frogmore Street.

The building, over 4 centuries old, is now a Grade II listed building and has undergone plenty of preening, changes and alterations since first opening up in 1606.

A time in which Bristol played a key role in the UK’s seafaring trade. One notable change being the removal of the mortar that hung above the front door for a significant amount of time. On the 400th anniversary of the pub, some staff members dressed as historical figures outside the venue to celebrate the pub’s long history. The Hatchet Inn is assumed to be named after the axes used by woodsmen, who would stop by the pub after having worked in the Clifton Woods, though there is no confirmation of this.

Another claim to fame of this Bristol pub is that pirates, most notably Blackbeard, drank at The Hatchet Inn. Though The Hatchet Inn is not the only pub to have made that claim within Bristol. Llandoger Trow, which opened in 1664 (and was also a contender for the oldest pub), is now sadly closed, also allegedly saw Blackbeard pop in for a drink.

Now, since the 1980s, The Hatchet Inn has been an alternative pub, playing rock music, and attracting an entirely different demographic than just the history buffs looking to check it out. The Butcombe Brewery bought the pub and now owns it, leading very successfully as The Hatchet Inn won the Best Food Offer Winners 2019 and 2020 at the Publican Awards.