So we're trying to update the website ourselves, please be very patient and enjoy the ride!
We are a small, independent and friendly bar and kitchen. Inside our three hundred and forty year old building you will find wood panelled walls, mismatched furniture, artwork on the walls from local artists and a fantastic selection of real ales, craft beers, fine wines and traditional ciders.
It is important to know that we have a very, very cute pub dog. She's been with us, mainly providing moral support, counselling and cuddles, since the very quiet days when we first took over. She's still about, not always, but most of the time. Sitting there, looking cute, being a pub dog. I should warn you that most meals come with a free dog. Not to eat (please don't eat her!) but to sit by you expectantly. We feed her, so you don't have to, but I can understand if your willpower breaks and some of your food somehow ends up going her direction. It's hard to say no to those eyes after all...
We have a large south facing, fully enclosed garden with cover, heaters and, very soon, a projector so we can play bad movies and Nintendo 64. In the summer, overhanging London Plane trees provide dappled shade - it's the perfect place to relax with friends. Surrounded by grade II listed walls, with a cool cider in hand you really wouldn't know you were in central Bristol. So do come down on the one sunny day we get, it'll be totally worth it!
Bristol Bites - http://bristolbites.co.uk
"We’ve been following the progress of The Volunteer Tavern on Twitter for a while. In September 2011, it was taken over by the team behind the Hope & Anchor on Jacob’s Wells Road, and former Hope & Anchor manager Peter Gibbs is firmly installed at the helm. The building was first recorded as a pub in the 17th century, and is just as worth a visit today. We visited on Easter Monday..." (Read More)
Geo Jenks - http://viewbristol.co.uk
"What a find! I had noticed the pub was undergoing new management and deduced that it was undergoing refurbishment as I passed it each day to work over the last few months. I thought I might find it hard to approach the pub with a clean slate and not allow my dislike for it in past years to tarnish my opinion. But that proved an easy hurdle to overcome from the off, the initial greeting and friendliness..." (Read More)
Droon - http://viewbristol.co.uk
"I've only recently discovered this hidden gem after living locally for years, and I have to say I was delighted by what I found. The cosy pub has a really friendly and warm atmosphere with great staff and a fab range of beers and ales..." (Read More)
TeaPotJunkie - http://reddit.com
"Everyone should check out The Volunteer Tavern. It's tucked away in a little neighborhood behind Cabot Circus and it is amazing. Great (seriously divine) food, always a great selection of beer and cider, and the place has a real local pub feel. Even their lunches/sandwiches are crazy good." (Read More)
Kathryn C. - http://yelp.co.uk
"This is my new fave city centre pub, great pub, fun, friendly staff, families welcome and great food. A gem in the city." (Read More)
WE DO believe that pubs play an important role in a community and that customers should be able to enjoy a decent meal and drink in a safe and relaxed environment. For this reason we have a zero-tolerance policy towards anti-social behaviour. No shirt? No shoes? You might want a clothes shop instead, try Cabot Circus.
WE DO enjoy to eat good food especially a good Sunday Roast, so it makes sense to serve it too, right? Right. Feel free to have a gander at our menu.
WE DO, oh believe us we do, enjoy a cracking pint of real ale, but only when it's served in the very best of conditions. Policy: if we wouldn't drink it, we wouldn't serve it! The owner, Peter Gibbs, has had ten years experience in the industry and learned the ropes The Hope and Anchor so you're in safe hands. We have six hand pumps fitted and, being a freehouse, have total control on what we want to stock! We aim to always have a great range, dark to light, weak to strong.
WE DO also appreciate that the world doesn't revolve around real ale so we also stock, on tap, Amstel, Heineken, Birra Morretti, Blue Moon imported American craft wheat beer, Wiper and True Bristol craft beer and Lilley's local, independent cider. You will also be able to find bottled lagers from around the world, bottled ciders from here in the West Country, a few from the continent, a fantastic selection of wines, soft drinks and spirits with a focus on single malt Scotch whiskies!
WE DO NOT have a pool table. Nor gaming machines or sports on TV. Just thought we should throw it out there...
WE DO NOT have an issue with families, we have high chairs and will happily get some water for your dog.
Sunday - Thursday
Friday - Saturday
Monday - Saturday
Sunday reservations 4 - 8pm