The Long Bar - Bristol - Pub Review

The Long Bar is a classic local pub at 70 Old Market Street, Bristol (BS2 0EJ). It occupies a Grade II–listed 17th-century building (formerly The Three Horseshoes), giving it an authentic old-world charm. Patrons praise it as “a beloved Bristol establishment, characterised by its welcoming atmosphere”. Inside, the décor is traditional and unpretentious – dark wood panelling and a long counter dominate the single-room layout. After a 2022 refurb the pub looks tidy, but it still feels like stepping into an old-school boozer. It’s particularly noted for its friendly service and genuine pub character. Reviewers often comment on the warm, unpretentious vibe – one regular even ranks it among their “top 5 pubs ever,” citing its cheap drinks and lively company.

The Long Bar serves beer and cider lovers – it stocks budget-friendly drafts and ciders (the pub claims to offer an affordable range) – and it holds a solid reputation among locals for value. In fact, one 2022 review bluntly calls it “the cheapest pub in the Old Market area!”. On review sites it scores moderately (around 4/5 or 6/10), reflecting consistent praise for its atmosphere and prices, albeit with some notes about its rough-around-the-edges character. The pub opens at 11:00 AM every day and generally closes at midnight Monday–Thursday, extending to 1:00 AM on Friday and Saturday. (On Sundays it reopens at 11:00 AM and again closes at midnight.)

Facilities & Entertainment

True to its name, The Long Bar’s interior is one continuous room. “As the name suggests, [there is] a single long bar stretching back from Old Market Street,” as a CAMRA entry notes. The wooden bar counter lines one wall, and heavy brown leather-upholstered booths and high stools fill the space opposite. A prominent feature is the old Victorian-style back bar with ornate columns, hinting at the building’s long history. The walls and ceiling display original tongue-and-groove panelling, giving the pub a cosy, heritage feel.

Entertainment here is low-key. There’s a jukebox which provides background music, rather than loud live bands. As one source puts it, the pub’s charm lies in its “friendly conversation” and “engaging music from jukebox selections”. In fact, the Long Bar has hosted occasional quiz and karaoke nights, but these are sporadic. There are no dartboards or fancy games zones, and sports fans won’t find big screens dominating the walls (though there are a couple of TVs tucked away showing football during matches). The focus here is on socialising in a traditional pub setting, not on sports events or club nights.

The far end of the pub opens into a slightly higher-ceilinged area where you’ll find a pool table. This barn-like back room, with its timber beams, provides a bit of extra space and atmosphere. (A 2014 review mentions that area has a high vaulted ceiling painted in pale colours, which is an “unusual, but not unattractive” feature.) There are no frills like a large outdoor beer garden – at best there might be a handful of tables on the pavement when the weather’s decent, but most punters stay inside year-round. In short, The Long Bar’s facilities are straightforward: a long counter to order at, a jukebox for tunes, a pool table to pass the time, and seating for chatting. It’s intentionally a “proper spit-and-sawdust pub” (one reviewer’s words) rather than an entertainment complex.

Food on Offer

Food is not the focus at The Long Bar. The kitchen facilities, if any, are minimal. One reviewer even notes “it is not a food pub” with at most a single warming tray pie. In practice, you’ll usually only find basic snacks or bar rolls behind the counter – nothing elaborate. For example, a 2012 report observed “the only food offering appeared to be a solitary Ginster’s pie sat in a warming rack”. The pub’s own listings mention takeaway sandwiches (like cobb rolls) and quiz nights, but these are modest extras. In short: come here for drinks, not dinner. Patrons suggest stocking up on snacks beforehand or planning a pub-only visit (and maybe ordering your food to-go from nearby eateries if needed).

Beers on Tap

Despite its simplicity, The Long Bar tries to cater to both ale and cider drinkers. Cider is a big draw here – even in 2014 a reviewer noted “ciders are clearly the main focus,” listing Blackthorn, Thatcher’s Traditional, Cheddar Valley and Natch on tap. In more recent years the selection has expanded beyond that.

A trip report lists a wide range of drinks: locally popular Butcombe Original bitter (a house ale) is usually available, and typical draught options include Guinness, Moretti, Foster’s and Tribute. The cider menu remains prominent – reviewers mentioned Thatcher’s, Cheddar Valley, and even Inch’s Farmcraft cider. In short, there’s something for everyone: traditional lager, a bitter or two, and plenty of ciders. (Real ale enthusiasts will note that the campaigners’ site confirms Butcombe Original as a standing guest beer.)

Importantly, nearly every tap is kept in excellent condition. Patrons consistently report that pints here pour true: “well-kept beer and cider” with each draw. Staff are happy to chat about the beer list, offering recommendations to the undecided. If you fancy trying something new each visit, the roster of guest ales and craft beers means there’s often one or two rotating taps alongside the regulars. In summary, The Long Bar isn’t a cutting-edge craft beer bar by modern standards, but its range of Ales, lagers and ciders is solid for a traditional pub. The emphasis on well-priced local cider rounds out its appeal.

Price Range & Value

By Bristol standards, The Long Bar’s pricing is exceptionally affordable. Pints here will not break the bank. For example, in late 2022 a reviewer noted ciders and lagers mostly priced around £2.50–£3.50, with Guinness at about £4.20. Other accounts mention Foster’s at £3, Tribute at about £2.60, and various ciders at £2.50. Even a double spirit and mixer is cheap (one happy customer recalls a double G&T for just £4). These low prices have not gone unnoticed: a local write-up bluntly titles The Long Bar “Cheapest pub in the Old Market area!”.

Reviewers also use phrases like “outrageously good value” and “cheap as chips” to describe it.

Overall, expect a mid-range (low by city standards) price bracket. A pint usually falls in the low single-figures, and even “proper boozer” vibes dominate – there are no expensive cocktails or gimmicks. Importantly, customers note you get what you pay for: fresh, well-poured drinks without any sneaky up charges. (There’s no service charge on your tab – tips are at your discretion.) The consensus is that The Long Bar offers a bargain drink experience for Bristol. The combination of cheap pints and friendly service means most people feel the value is excellent.

Customer Service

The staff at The Long Bar are often singled out as a highlight. They are described as genuine and welcoming – one source mentions “exceptional customer service” and that bartenders are “consistently noted for their friendliness and attentiveness”. Indeed, customers regularly comment on the bartenders’ warm demeanour. A BeerInEvening reviewer enthused that the bar staff are “gorgeously friendly”, while another said the “bar staff are fantastic”. It helps that many of the team are locals themselves, so they know the regulars by name and create a community feel.

Service at peak times is brisk yet personable. Even when the pub fills up (such as on a busy Friday evening), staff tend to handle orders efficiently, clearing empty glasses and serving rounds with a smile. The overall consensus is that they strike a good balance between getting drinks out quickly and taking a moment to chat. (One fan specifically noted that the landlords, named Emma and Dave, are regarded as “legend landlords” for their approach.) Of course, nobody expects white-glove formality at a place like this – the bartenders work hard in a lively environment. But the general tone is helpful rather than harried. In short, friendly and attentive service rounds out the warm, local feel of the pub.

Events & Special Nights

The Long Bar isn’t principally known for events, but it does dabble in pub happenings from time to time. On occasion the pub has hosted quiz nights or karaoke nights, typically advertised in the bar or on social media. These events aim to enhance the community atmosphere, though they are not on a strict regular schedule. If there’s a quiz, it will be a casual local affair rather than a high-stakes competition.

One notice even mentioned it welcomes pub quizzes “throughout each week”, though that may simply highlight past activities.

For live sports or games nights, the emphasis is low. There are a couple of TVs tucked away (patrons have seen football on at times), but the pub does not heavily market itself as a sports bar. More often, big national sports (like World Cup football or rugby tournaments) might be shown on request, but these are the exception, not the rule. The Long Bar’s events calendar is modest: expect the occasional themed night or ad-hoc party, but don’t come here expecting a large event hall. In any case, for many visitors the lively buzz of regulars is entertainment enough – the conversation and jukebox are usually plenty to keep people happy on an average night.

Atmosphere & Accessibility

Walking into The Long Bar, you immediately get a sense of an authentic old pub. The lighting is warm and a bit dim, complementing the dark wood furnishings. As noted above, a long wooden bar and sturdy booths dominate the space. The general décor is vintage-traditional: you can spot era-authentic details like the etched glass panels on the door (a survival from when it was The Three Horseshoes), and vintage beer mirrors or adverts decorating the walls. The recent refurbishment has cleaned and freshened the paintwork and leather, but it didn’t erase the pub’s old-fashioned character.

The clientele is a mixed crowd – a real cross-section of locals. At one table you might find retired regulars nursing pints of bitters, while at another a younger group chats over cider. Many customers are men (some reviewers jokingly call it an “old boy’s club”), but you’ll also see women, couples, and even the occasional family grabbing Sunday lunch (see below) in a corner. This diversity adds to the cosy feel – most patrons are in a chatty, friendly mood, swapping stories or greeting friends. The place is far from solemn; it can get quite boisterous (in a good way) when busy. One reviewer summed it up as a “proper spit-and-sawdust boozer… full of colourful characters”. Indeed, “colourful” is a common adjective – expect loud laughs, banter, and a genuine local warmth. (But note: if you prefer complete quiet or a polished bar scene, this isn’t it. It’s meant to feel like an old community watering hole, with all the lively, imperfect energy that entails.)

Space is at a premium. The Long Bar is a small-to-medium-size venue and it does fill up, especially on weekend nights. You may sometimes have to wait for a stool or share a booth during peak hours. As one comment noted, it is wise to arrive early for a guaranteed seat on busy evenings. That said, the pub’s layout offers a few nooks. The front by the bar can get crowded, but often the back area and side booths give options for a slightly quieter spot. There’s no upstairs (the building is only ground-floor pub space), so everyone’s on one level – good news for accessibility to the bar itself. The entrance has only a modest step up, and the floors inside are even, making it fairly manageable for wheelchairs or prams (though it may be a squeeze on the most packed nights).

Unfortunately, the pub has only a single restroom, so large crowds mean occasional queueing. One nice touch: dogs are welcome at the bar, and it’s common to see a well-behaved pooch curled up under a table.

Overall, the accessibility situation is typical for a historic city pub: there’s no elevator or fancy wheelchair lift (not needed here), but the main room is flat.

Outdoor parking is extremely limited (as with most central Bristol pubs) – best rely on public transport or taxis. For those getting there by bike, there are racks around the corner at Brewery Square. In all, if you navigate a narrow street and a step, you can enjoy the warm, inviting atmosphere on offer. The sheer variety of people – from local office workers to theatre folk and market traders – means the Long Bar rarely feels like a strangers-only tourist trap; it’s easy for newcomers to be welcomed into the fold.

Location & Nearby Attractions

The Long Bar’s address puts it in the heart of Bristol’s Old Market Quarter, an area known for its cluster of historic pubs and nightlife. It’s literally at the corner where Old Market Street meets the Old Market roundabout – a few doors down from the Punch Bowl pub (in fact, “The Long Bar is opposite the Punch Bowl,” as one account notes). Other neighbours include the Stag & Hounds, the Old Market Tavern and Printer’s Devil Tavern, all within a minute’s stroll. This makes the junction a popular pub crawl spot in itself – one night out, you could easily visit several pubs without moving far.

Transport links are very convenient. Bristol Temple Meads station (the city’s main railway hub) is about 0.4 miles away (around an 8–10 minute walk). This means you can arrive by train and be at the bar within moments, making it a handy meeting point. There are also several bus routes along Temple Gate/Redcliff Hill which is just around the corner. For drivers, note that on-street parking is scarce and regulated, though a few paid car parks exist a short walk off Old Market Street. Many local patrons instead bike or walk; the area has bike racks near Chapel Row and bus stops nearby.

Despite being centrally located, the Old Market area retains a village-like feel. Nearby you’ll find small independent shops, a famous food market (St Nicholas Market) within walking distance, and cultural venues. The Bristol Old Vic and Hippodrome theatres are a bit farther (around 15–20 minutes’ walk) towards the city centre, but the very proximity of these arts spots adds to the local crowd mix. During daytime, the area serves a working crowd – shop workers and professionals – many of whom spill into The Long Bar after hours. On nice days, some customers grab a pint to take outside the pub or on the few stoops around, adding a bit of street life. In summary, The Long Bar’s location is both historic and practical: central enough for easy access, yet tucked into the classic Old Market scene, surrounded by plenty of other pubs and eateries.

Overall Impression

The Long Bar delivers exactly what it promises: a friendly, no-frills Bristol pub experience. There’s something refreshing about its straightforwardness. You come in expecting a decent pint, a chat with the locals, and perhaps a game of pool. That’s precisely what you get.

As one enthusiastic fan puts it, it’s a place where you can enjoy cheap drinks and “good vibes” – you’re likely to meet “plenty of colourful characters” there. The authentic vibe has won it many loyal customers; it consistently earns praise for being “down to earth and cheap in a good way”.

Of course, it has its quirks. It is decidedly unglamorous – don’t expect modern furnishings or craft cocktails. The pub can feel a bit cramped when busy, and the decor is happily worn-in. If sports bars or sleek cocktail lounges are your thing, you might raise an eyebrow at the Long Bar’s bare-bones approach. But for its target crowd, those factors are not flaws but features.

The affordability of the pints is a major draw – many locals admit they wouldn’t find nicer beer or fresher cider at these prices anywhere else in town. And while some reviewers mention occasional rowdiness, others point out that’s exactly the “community” charm – it “gets very unfair bad press” according to a regular, even calling it “a must if cider is your thing (and value for money!)”.

The Long Bar stands as a gem of Bristol’s Old Market district. It’s not going to win awards for gourmet dining or interior design, but it does win hearts as a genuine old-style pub. Whether you’re a long-time Bristolian or a visitor hunting for an authentic local spot, you’ll leave with a full belly of character and a smile from the staff. The pint is honest, the prices are low, and the welcome is warm – exactly what anyone seeking a classic British pub experience could hope for. As one happy customer summed it up: “It’s an amazing pub with amazing atmosphere and amazing prices!”.