The Croft

Our rating 

StarStarStarNo StarNo Star

User rating 

StarStarStarStarNo Star

 1 review

Venue Image
117-119 Stokes Croft,
BRISTOL,
BS1 3RW

(0117) 9874144 

The ViewBristol Review

StarStarStarNo StarNo Star
Review byLucy Duggan09/12/2008
Located on the old main drag of its namesake, Stokes Croft, changes are afoot in one of Bristol’s better-known live music bars.

The Venue
Undergoing a bit of an identity crisis if the recently added, ill-conceived mural of a mermaid on the outside and their insistence that they are now a record shop is anything to go by.

There's plenty of room inside but no garden, so on a busy night a glut of people gathers outside, completely blocking the pavement. This, coupled with the garish exterior, makes The Croft a pretty conspicuous place.

There’s a large central bar and pretty plain interior. Due to their renaissance as a record store, some of The Croft’s original character has been lost in the process. At the back is the band room, a small dark, windowless affair with terrible acoustics, a small stage and little to no seating.

The People
With perhaps the nicest bouncers in Bristol on the door - at once good at their job, but not intimidating - and friendly bar staff inside, there is little bad to say about the atmosphere.

The clientele tends to be a little wet round the ears, but they're an enthusiastic, young, fun crowd.

The Music
The Croft hosts gigs from a diverse selection of Bristol bands as well as those from further afield. They sometimes squeeze three or four into one night, and there is a real diversity of style and talent showcased here.

It can cost about a fiver to see three bands, but it all depends on who is playing and sometimes gigs are free, while on other nights it's £12 a ticket.

The Drink
No complaints with the drinks - they're reasonably priced and there's plenty of choice. Choose from a decent selection of draughts - Bath Ales £1.90, Fosters £2.80, Red Stripe £2.90, San Miguel £3.20, plus Stowford Press cider for £2.60 a pint and Kingstone Press for £1.90.

The house spirits represent a bargain, they use brand names and they cost only £1.90 including a mixer or £2.90 for a double.

The top shelf spirits are £1.90 a shot or £2.30 with a mixer, and a cocktail menu is currently under construction. The Croft don't do food but they are looking to introduce a menu soon.

The Last Word
In spite of its many stabs at relaunching and refurbishing, The Croft always manages to somehow miss the mark in its exhaustive attempts to become a really cool bar. Still one to watch for music though.

Most Read Today

image
01 O2 Academy Bristol

There are 53 events listed for this venue

image
02 Bristol Old Vic

There are 20 events listed for this venue

image
03 Bristol Hippodrome

There are 34 events listed for this venue

image
04 The Croft

There are 23 events listed for this venue

05 St Georges Bristol

There are 19 events listed for this venue

Content updated: 10/01/2011 04:39