The Lamplighters - Mark Taylor reviews this resurrected Bristol pub
The recently re-opened Lamplighters pub in Shirehampton, BristolThe British Beer and Pub Association estimates that the total number of pubs in the
UK▸ has fallen by almost 20 per cent since 2000, and as many as 30 pubs are still closing each week.
That's a sobering figure for drinkers, but this month saw one Bristol pub re-open its doors after five years, during which time locals feared that it might end up being turned into flats and lost forever.
The closure of The Lamplighters left a gaping hole in the Shirehampton community, but its resurrection is a great example of people power.
Residents rallied around to save their local and, with the help of
MP▸ Charlotte Leslie, who also campaigned to save the pub, it finally reopened after a refurbishment, much of it done with the help of local businesses and tradesmen.
Dating from 1760, the pub occupies an enviable waterfront position next to Shirehampton Sailing Club and overlooks the mouth of the River Avon.
It has been restored to its former Georgian glory, with original features including sash windows, wrought iron balustrades on the staircases and an unusual circular window by the bar.
Set across three floors, the pub has been finished with muted heritage colours in keeping with its age, while a mix of leather sofas and traditional furniture occupy the carpeted bar.
Now open seven days a week and serving lunch and dinner, the pub has a family feel and children are welcome.
Bath Ales contributed towards the installation of the new bar and the Warmley brewery has been rewarded for its help by having three of the real ale handpumps. When I visited, these included Gem and Barnsey as well as the Bath Ales-brewed Beerd Monterey Californian Pale Ale. Other draught options included Thatchers Dry, Thatchers Gold, San Miguel and Staropramen.
Lunchtime food includes sandwiches, ploughman's, salads, soup, a quiche of the day, ham, egg and chips and braised beef and ale stew. In the evening, there are also burgers, pies and main courses such as faggots with spring onion mash and onion gravy.
The Sunday lunches (^9.50) are already proving popular and include topside beef, roasted chicken breast or butternut squash pie.
Time a visit to The Lamplighters on Friday, October 31, and you can join the Halloween party, complete with family disco, hog roast, "spooky" cocktails and a fancy dress contest for adults and children.
Station Road, Shirehampton, Bristol, BS11 9XA. Tel: 0117 279 3754.
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