The Barley Mow

This really is a lovely old proper pub with some most pleasant people working here. Some interesting pictures around the walls, which is why it is such a shame that the entire wall to the back left as you go in is covered by a massive TV screen, even showing news of some kind when no major sporting events are occuring.
The beer was really good. They had four Bristol beer factory beers (they usually have a guest too). I had their Acer, one I know and like already!

The Mow! Gem gem gem! No, not Bath Gem’s… but a gem of a diamond in this little community of St. Phillips. It is situated very close to the Temple Meads train station and near the IBIS Hotel, but rather difficult to locate if you don’t live around the area or already know about it. I’d suggest you google it and hunt it down because it is an awesome little pub.
The feel of this pub is cosy, wooden antique-​y furniture litted about the place, and a warm fire burning (if the weather is chilly). As this pub is affiliated with the Bristol Beer Factory, the ales on tap are the Beer Factory ales, like No. 7, Sunrise, Stout, Red and usually one guest ale! They are usually about £2.70 — £2.80 — pretty good. Beers on tap here are Fosters, Grolsch and the cider is a lovely fizzy Ashton Press. There is outside seating, as well as a courtyard at the back with a nice sheltered bit for when it starts raining.
The food! They pride themselves on good, hearty, fresh and locally sourced food. The vegetarian lasagne and sunday roasts are my favourites here.
This pub is just a lovely place to spend hours, having a quiet pint and food, with a book off their bookshelf, by the roaring fire. Loads of games are available here to play with– Downfall, Guess who?, Jenga, Chess… great for the kids and adults too.
A venue always filled with the locals — it seems they have kept this pub a little secret very well indeed! Head down here and you’ll love this place as much as I do. Guaranteed.

After the recent takeover by the Bristol Beer Factory this once quiet and lesser known pub is growing in appeal. Always fairly friendly prior to the takeover the clientele seemed to sway between locals and bikers. There was a basic range of drinks on tap but generally it felt a bit neglected.
The Bristol Beer Factory hasn’t got rid of the low key neighbourhood feel but has brought a bevy of comfy armchairs and book shelves, making the whole place feel a bit more loved.
Needless to say their range of cracking beers are on tap, alongside a good range of lagers and ciders. They’re also serving food with a mainstay being Pieminister Pies. I haven’t attended any but have seen advertisements for quizes and music nights.
As long as this refurb doesn’t drive out the locals I think it’s been a good change.