Situated in the vale of St Werburghs at the foot of urban allotments and adjacent to the city farm, The Farm pub is frequently referred to as the best pub in Bristol by the city's long-running what's on magazine Venue. But that's no surprise to the local community or visitors from the surrounding areas, who have a habit of returning once they've discovered this neighbourhood boozer, which gets pretty lively while retaining a laid back, easy-going attitude.
Run by Event Bars founder Julien McLauchlan, the Farm pulls in a healthy and remarkably varied cross-section of customers. Parents come for the child-friendly atmosphere and safe garden, from which they can see their kids playing in the adjoining play park. Alfresco sun-worshippers enjoy lazy afternoons and warm summer evenings sat on communal wooden benches or lying out on the grass (sometimes retreating to the converted pig shelters if the weather's running true to form!).
Clubbing enthusiasts like to start the evening off with a few drinks while taking in a variety of DJs playing everything from house to funk and soul. (When most pubs are winding down for the weekend, The Farm hosts a stunning Sunday evening reggae and ska session by WOMAD festival favourite, DJ Derek). Budding DJs, meanwhile, turn up for the open decks evenings, when they can play whatever turns them on to a supportive audience.
Tasty, wholesome and wallet-friendly food is available lunchtimes and evenings, with bar staples such as nachos or chilli supplemented by a specials board, which always boasts a meat and veggie option. The Sunday roasts (again with veggie option) are nearly always a sellout and can be phenomenally popular - it's often a good idea to get there early.
The Farm is at the hub of
the local community, which means that it pulls all the stops out for neighbourhood
events such as the St Werburghs Summer Fayre, when the road is closed to traffic
and the locals turn out in force to enjoy live bands, local stalls and city farm
barbecue. Each year the pub holds a spectacular firework night display which draws
hundreds of people and puts most civic events to shame. And New Year's Eve is
a totally manic affair, necessitating the erection of a massive marquee in the
garden. Packed to the rafters with local colour and colourful locals, The Farm
is a must-visit destination if you're in
Bristol. The city really wouldn't be the same without it.
Hopetoun Road, St Werburghs, Bristol. Tel: (0117) 944 2384.
