A good pub, popular with an older clientele which makes for a solid local.

The Venue
Macawber Ale House is a small, traditional looking brick pub which sits on the steep slope of St Michael’s Hill. A rival pub, the Scotchman, is squeezed uncomfortably close next door. When you enter, the large bar is the prominent feature of the venue and stretches right round to the back room.

Dark wood dominates and there are classic pub pictures framed on the walls. The rear lounge has two big TV screens, a pool table and a darts board, and it is also the most comfortable area, being more open and bright. Outside a few picnic tables make up a small beer garden.

The People
Macawber Ale House is largely a locals pub and the same crowd of older punters will often be found sitting on stools around the bar chatting to the staff. At first this make you feel out of place, but once you sit down you will find that they are perfectly warm and unimposing.

For more privacy you can sit around the back, though this can perpetuate the locals/newbies split that is often characteristic between the two rooms.

The Food
Standard pub food is available, with jacket potatoes, chips and rice dishes on offer to keep you full. A very decent fry up can be had for £4.75 and an even better Sunday lunch for £5.95, which regulars cling to as being the best in Bristol.

Particularly impressive is Macawber Ale House's veggie choice which ranges from standard nut roast to more imaginative dishes such as goats cheese tarts.

The Drink
Yet another pub that makes real ales its pride and joy, all of which are available for £2.70. Carling and Fosters are on tap for £2.80 and most mixers come to around £3. Cider on tap is limited to Blackthorns.

The Last Word
Macawber Ale House is a cosy local. It may not be the most adventurous pub in the world, but it does a good job at being a friendly, familiar boozer.