The Milk Thistle

BARCHICK SAYS

Yes Bristol's got some speakeasies and we're not talking the usual cocktail lounge in a cupboard! This is the real deal in the shape of a four storey townhouse that does little to hide itself yet sinks subtly into the busy Bristol scene. Keep an eye out for the White Lion pub, just to the right you'll spot an unsuspecting door with a buzzer. If the barmen aren’t too busy they'll come and get you, if they like the look of you, you're in! Stick the hot chicks at the front. The main bar is the first floor you'll hit, filled with regal looking rabbit portraits, explorer hats, dusty books and candlelit corners. Grab a copy of "The Drinkers Friend" a finely disguised cocktail menu in the form of a newspaper and get stuck in.

It would be a shame not to explore more: the creaking staircase will lead you up past the cheetah and into the second bar with its oak panelled walls and fabulous furniture to settle into. The attic is the party room for hire and the basement cellar, complete with its original vault door, is where you can lock yourselves away with a bartender all to yourselves. The cocktails are insanely good, The Milk Thistle Daisy with Tanqueray Export gin, lemon juice, spiced pear syrup and finished with fizz was way too good to just have the one. If you're not feeling the spirits they have a strong collection of beers, wines and ciders.

Make sure you get a run through of all the taxidermy names, Mr Snarlsworth was a particular favourite.

www.milkthistlebristol.com

09/10/2012

ADDRESS

Quay Head House, Colston Ave, Bristol BS1 1EB, UK Tel: +44 11 7929 4429

OPENING HOURS

Monday 17:00 - 01:00
Tuesday 17:00 - 01:00
Wednesday 17:00 - 01:00
Thursday 17:00 - 01:00
Friday 17:00 - 02:00
Saturday 18:00 - 02:00
Sunday closed

BUDGET

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