The Portcullis in Bristol, City of

What a great find! Called in by chance while staying in Clifton for a few days. Fabulous selection of beers and entertaining, friendly locals. Especially enjoyed our conversation with a very knowledgeable music enthusiast 😀🎶

Loved it in this Belgian inspired authentic friendly pub.

This is a great little bar, the beer is excellent. The choice of Belgian Beers is fantastic, as well as a few local ones too. Especially if you stumble upon it during one of the beer festival weekends. The Landlord, staff, and locals are great too, a happy place, full of people who enjoy a good beer, and the food is top notch ..... what's not to like 👍. Highly recommended by ourselves, we will return, (and we come all the way from North Lincolnshire!!). The Portcullis is always on our Bristol list of pubs to visit. 😁

We love this place. Great atmosphere and lovely Belgian beer. Such characters inside and a great place to get away from the noise and just chill

I love this place terribly. The beer, the pub decor, the atmosphere and the service are all things I really like.

Very odd to be honest, group of 9 of us walked in for 1 drink. Was told there wasn’t room for us despite the pub being pretty much empty at 6pm on a Saturday. The owner (?) occupied a table of 4 to himself. Bit of a shame as beers were already poured, my peer said nothing untoward so can’t quite understand the logic? Oh well, DLTBGYD Having to edit the review to accommodate the owners response…..there were 9 of us, end of. Trying to exaggerate the number of people to justify your odd reasoning only strengthens the argument that you’re probably in the wrong. Also, if you only allow max 6 people per group because of “health and safety” why not have a sign on the door or in the window as you seem to have a sign for everything else? “No children”, “No Fun”, etc….

A (mixed) group of 8 of us went in, ordered our drinks, they were put on the bar, just as the landlord came over and kicked us out, because apparently there were too many of us... The landlord has been taking up a table of 4 by himself reading his book... So maybe he just didn't want us there ** Updating my review as the landlord has now responded** The suggestion that were was 11 of us simply isn't true, and is just trying to imply that a massive, unruly group had tried to descend and take over the pub. By the landlords own response, he's admitting that he didn't want us (or other patrons there) as he was reserving tables for friends and family only - there was also no reserved signs or anything stating there was a limit on group numbers If he didn't want us there, just own it - rather than making up lies

Wouldn’t let a group come in. So strange. Bar wasn’t even busy. We were staying in hotel opposite and the young man had already started pouring - such a shame. Ruined our night. As the owner has now responded - I wanted to update my review - which remains at one star. To say that you have a policy when it's not clearly marked despite all the other signage out front - is unfair to anyone wanting to call in. We do regularly go out in groups and thankfully more than just at Christmas - I suggest you do the same to get an idea of quality hospitality. As you are responding to this weeks after the matter, I suggest you also get your facts straight as it wasn't 11 people in our group. I can't say that I have ever encountered such hostility. No one suggested to block exits, which is why I'm writing an edited response. We even suggested that a few of us sit at the empty table for four you were sitting at, or perhaps use the empty stools at the bar? Or acquire the empty chairs upstairs? If you can't cater for as many people - perhaps try removing all of your empty chairs and tables, then perhaps people who can do maths won't think that you're open to hosting such a number. In our party we had a new mother and a mother-to-be and we were all forced to come up with a new plan abruptly on the street, in Storm Darragh. So yes, this did ruin our night - leaving a very bitter taste indeed - but luckily it was restored by several other pubs nearby who were most welcoming. Absolutely miserable service.

I cannot recommend this place enough. The decor and atmosphere is on point, passionate owner shows! Belgian beers are rotating often enough too, and the staff are all absolute angels. Absolutely love this place ❤

Absolutely amazing selection of Belgian beers!

An exceptional pub with an excellent selection of cask ales, wide selection of Belgian beers and delicious food. Always warm and welcoming.

Food was above average but the atmosphere was very odd and unwelcoming!

Great selection of Belgian beers, nice and cosy pub!

Really nice find in Clifton with excellent Belgium Beers. Very friendly staff and great atmosphere.

Great little pub with good selection of beers lager and cider,nice seating area upstairs.

Really cosy and quaint pub slightly off the beaten trail from the throngs of tourists visiting the Clifton Bridge. Specialist in Belgian beers but other drinks, including tasty local cider, are available. The proprietor is a collector of movie prints which adorn the place from top to bottom. Recommended.

Great staff nice atmosphere good selection of beers

Nice staff, unique pub with a good selection of craft beers

Nice bar, very small, friendly owner! Awesome decorations

Friendly little pub, great selection of beers.

Comfortable pub great selection of Belgian beer

Walked out of our way to visit this pub on a bank holiday Sunday. Walked in before 9pm to be very rudely told they were closed when the pub was full? We were not even able to use the toilets when we were very in need. Will never go there again, clearly for locals only. Very unfriendly.

Simply put, this is a perfect local pub. The owners put on a wonderful selection of Belgian beers, both on tap and in bottles, and carefully chosen real ales from local breweries. Food is available on certain days and it's always terrific. Try the Flemish stew - delicious. The decor and the atmosphere are unique, the music is interesting but never loud enough to inhibit conversation. It's a tiny place, so there are no large groups, no pub crawlers and no lager louts. They really look after their local, regular customers and everyone who comes in and treats the place and the staff with respoect. In a world of Wetherspoons and souless chain bars, we need more pubs like the Portcullis. Long may they continue to serve.

Yes! Sunday dinners are back on the menu….a fabulous plateful, piping hot……from the new oven……..

Walked in at 10 pm and told by the barman to leave as “the door should have been locked”. What a disappointment. Never going back.

Went here with my family, kids etc to watch England v Iceland euro game. Was a great atmosphere, everyone was friendly.

One of my favourite pubs of all time. A beautiful, quaint pub located in Clifton with a fantastic selection of Belgian beer. The owners are delightful and funny. If you like Belgian beer just go and thank me later.

No food available despite the website saying there would be. We discovered the "beer garden" that whilst tired and tatty was good to sit out in.

Lovely sat 'upstairs' especially with the sun out. Imagine it's nice and cosy inside during the winter.

Lovely pub. We just stopped for a drink

Favourite pub in Clifton village. Such a fun place!

Owner was very harsh with us, not a welcoming environment & I would definitely rather not at the extra £3/40 for a hotel that stay at his accommodatio, sleeping arrangements had, shall we say ‘residue’ on the covers’ & I resorted to the floor as I believed it was cleaner!!

I absolutely love this pub. It is the only genuinely lovely pub in Clifton village with heart and without superficiality. Brilliantly managed, small and friendly, great ales and even board games upstairs. Enjoy 👌

Always so so welcoming, friendly and knowledgeable. Amazing selection of beers, relaxed atmosphere, happy customers of all ages. Everything a small local pub should be and more. Definitely one to support and value! A rare find.

Owner exstreamly rude, atmosphere was dead. AVOID

Owner wouldn’t stop rambling on about Canadian gas cookers. Had me tweaking.

Owner is horrible, and will intrude on your conversation. Your not even allowed to talk in the pub.

Typically, Our Eddie will checkout where the nearest pub is when we go away anywhere. These days, post covid/brexit, we find that Google maps can’t always keep up to date with the rate of pub closures, so we’ve been stung once or twice finding a place closed. This time, it was a topographical nature of the locality of our Airbnbnb that caught us out. He (I) booked this place and he (I) didn’t check to see how steep the hills are. What looks just round the corner from Granby Hill, turns out to be a climb of proportions usually endured with the assistance of a couple of Sherpas and tanks of oxygen. Though, what with the many many European Arthouse cinema classics I’ve made over the years, I’m adept at not looking so flustered. Our Eddie looked like a scouse Beetroot and I simply glowed. We wanted to eat but the kitchen was closed so they curtailed what could have been a good long evening there sampling Belgian beers. First time visitor to the area and this bar enables you to see who lives in the area. Monocultures like this use pubs slightly differently than elsewhere. Friendly nonetheless.

As far as I'm concerned, this is THE pub in Bristol. Excellent selection of beer, unbeatable vibe for chilling with friends, and absolutely lovely staff. Don't miss it!

A wonderful little hole in the wall, and great prices for the Clifton area. A nice selection of beers, for around £5 a pint which you can’t beat in the area

Just been in and the landlady was the most rude person I have ever encountered. When asked if we could just put a drink on a table she immediately said no I am sitting here, maybe she should concentrate the customer not herself.

Great pub serving rare Belgium beers on draft.

Look. It’s fine if you don’t allow children. But to shout “NO CHILDREN NO CHILDREN” at a mother and baby as they walk in is really out of order and unnecessary. I would suggest getting a sign outside if you hate kids that much. UPDATE: to the response: You indeed did loudly and abruptly yell at me “NO CHILDREN NO CHILDREN”. Maybe you didn’t mean to yell and that was down to the volume in the pub but you did yell. There was no full sentences used either. So it did feel very rude. Like I said: It is fair enough if for some reason you can’t have kids there (like licensing) but there is no need to speak to someone like this. Also I didn’t see the tiny stickers for the huge A4 signs on the entrance that say “TOILETS ARE FOR CUSTOMERS ONLY. Please don’t ask!” It still doesn’t mean someone deserves to be yelled at if they miss a tiny sticker. I’ve never had a problem taking him into a pub before so it was unexpected. Maybe that’s my naïvety but there is still a way to speak to people.

Bar staff were nice, although as three young 18 year old guys, we felt very unwelcome in the pub being stared at by everyone the moment we entered the building 😂

Such a quaint little gem that I only discovered recently. Have been living in Bristol for 3 years and only thought to try the Portcullis a month ago, I only wish I found it sooner, a real fun array of interesting beers, great use of the space available and the decor inside is fun and kept me and my friends occupied as we drank. There's a few boards games and things upstairs which is a great touch and something pubs do less and less these days. There's not many pubs I could consider perfect, but the Portcullis certainly makes a good case for it.

Visiting family in Clifton, our son and daughter-in-law took us to Portcullis… and sooo glad they did! The owners (husband and wife) were as welcoming and cheerful as it gets. Atmosphere was the best ever. Just what you might expect visiting Clifton… warm wood, relics, and memorabilia abound! The owners, Paul and Dee were a great couple, sharing duties Paul(chef and tender) and Dee mainly at the bar, were enjoyable and Paul’s burgers are GREAT!! Go there! You’ll immediately become a fan! Oh… the “regulars” by the way, round out the atmosphere. Complete with one’s sweet dog!👍👍two thumbs up!! Go there!

Quality pub, great service and great beer.

Lovely pub that represents the Bristolian vibe. Great beers on tap, homemade food and always a fun chat to the staff and the regulars. No children or large groups are allowed, which makes it a unique 'proper pub' experience. The Portcullis a pub where you can actually have a conversation with a friend, or a chill drink and a book on your own. Would recommend!

This is the best pub in Bristol. It is incredibly friendly, welcoming, and one of a very few places with a genuine and unique atmosphere. The owners are brilliant and clearly put their hearts into the decor, music, and beers they stock. They have rules - like no kids, no entry after 10 pm, and no large groups - which seem to upset some tourists, but are greatly appreciated by the locals. Thank you for being exactly as you are and for not bending to demands of people with no taste.

What’s great about this pub is THEY DO NOT TAKE LARGE GROUPS- this is purely due to the size of the venue, it wouldn’t be a beneficial for anyone! Also, NO CHILDREN!! I know that when I like to go for a drink, I don’t want children running around. The home made food is great, and if you like Belgian Beers and staff with knowledge of the beers- this is the place for you. For the other reviews giving inaccurate reviews based on ‘not taking groups’ if you stepped inside this ‘home from home’ style bar, you will clearly see why, or not allowing children in (even to use the toilet) this is a licensing restriction - and long may this restriction stay in place! I also know that if I walked into a bar of this size, swearing at the top of my lungs, I would also expect to be asked to leave- if you don’t like the rules the owners have in place, get your own bar and make your own rules. I’m sure it won’t be long to understand how hard working with public can be

Wonderful staff who do not tolerate bad behaviour so making a great atmosphere for the rest of us.

Service is awful. Don't run a bar if you don't want customers.

Brilliant pub, small and welcoming to friendly people, and with an excellent selection of Belgium beers

One of the best pubs in Bristol!

Beautiful pub, excellent choice of ales and Belgian beers expertly kept and presented. Delicious food, intimate atmosphere. What more could you ask for?!

An absolute gem of a pub found in Clifton Village! The expertise and passion of the owners is second to none. It's a lovely small place and quiet so thankfully loud student groups aren't attracted to it. It doesn't have a licence for children either (many pubs don't!) so it's a perfect escape for an exceptional pint with the other half!

Friendly pub with a small, cosy bar area downstairs and a bigger seating area upstairs. Great Sunday roasts, cask beers in perfect condition, and one of the best ranges of Belgian beer in Bristol.

Hilarious man-babies review bombing because the owner didn't want a large group here. It's his pub. He also charges £6 for a half of Chouffe, so I don't think he's too hard up. Difficult to find such delicious beers on tap. Tiny place.

Terrible attitude by barman. I've been here before and enjoyed the atmosphere and beer, but the barman was so rude at the most recent visit that I won't be going back. We were a group of 8, he said they didn't serve groups despite the fact that there was only one other couple in the while pub. We were there to enjoy good ale and chat not to be loud. Feel judged!

Horrendous experience. Owner was incredibly rude and unwelcoming. We showed up as a group of 8 for an afternoon drink and catch up. The owner demanded that we get out straight away, providing no explanation or rational for kicking us out. I've grown up in Bristol and have never had such an experience. Plenty of better pubs in Clifton Village just round the corner, so don't waste your time in this place

Tourists should AVOID at all costs. Very unfriendly pub, outsiders not at all welcome. Dodgy pub with even worse regulars

Terrible experience. Rude staff. Asked a group of university alumni to leave before even taking a seat. Lost out on 8+ drinks, your loss in the current financial situation! Much better pubs nearby, please don't waste your time here.

Tourists should avoid. Not a friendly place, and staff are quite rude.

Brilliant pub and a must visit when in Bristol.

Our local. Great atmosphere, friendly welcome and service, a taste of Belgium in Bristol. Eight draft Belgian beers on (1-2 changing), three UK cask ales, wide range of Belgian bottled beer. Annual Belgian beer festival and other tasting events. Cosy in Winter, front terrace and rear courtyard garden in Summer. Roasts often sell out. Food rating only given four as we rarely eat there (or in pubs generally), but the Mussels and curry we've tried have been very good.

Love this place. So few places like this exist. Music great. beer great! Looking forward to qui and movie nights!!

Brilliant place. Fantastic selection of Belgium Beers. Really friendly service. Would 100% recommend and wish we had somewhere like this as a local

Great beer selection, lovely cosy pub in the heart of Clifton. Great staff!

Lovely atmosphere and great staff.

Really cosy pub and great beer selection.

A great selection of beers and convivial surroundings! A very pleasant end to the weekend.

Fantastic place. Cosy, staff are so friendly and knowledgeable and the beer selection is fantastic!

Rude landlady made to feel unwelcome. which is a shame because it’s nice pub.

Cosy place with heaps of character. Lovely beer selection and the size of the roasts look incredible - will be back to try! Slightly disappointing that Coke is in 260 ml bottles and toilets aren’t very accessible.

Great place for an evening beverage. Unique character, great service.

Excellent pub, especially if you like Belgian beers

Excellent little gem of a pub with great selection of beers from Belgium and Europe. Brilliant service. Dog friendly.

Quaint pub on quiet street. Good to watch the world go by

Over £14 for 2 drinks!! Would really recommend the rear garden have a complete clear out and make over so it's a nice place to sit

Friendly, quirky local pub. The people who own it are very welcoming and don't forget a face

Best Sunday lunch I've had for a while and good selection of beers.

Lovely pub with lots of character, decent local real ales and a fantastic selection of Belgian beers on draught and in bottles. The pub is one two levels with a secluded courtyard garden. Best pub in Bristol I think.

Quirky find. Lovely Sunday lunch sat and eaten in the garden.

Brilliant location with Trappist beers and English ale, great tunes too. I could have stayed here for hours.

Hidden gem, loads of character, friendly staff. Lots of different vibes in 1 pub: cosey pub downstairs then upstairs with small terrace and garden out the back.

In response to Rahul. I’m one of the regulars in the Portcullis and I remember your interaction. There are a few rules in this pub 1. No children under 14 2. No drinks outside apart from the terrace 3. No groups larger than 6. You queued for a short time and was told quite politely that they don’t accept children but you are obviously a special person who the rules don’t apply to. Unperturbed, you tried again, thinking you could drink outside (rule 2) but you were told again no. At no point was there any RACISM and I find that you are screaming this, quite frankly abhorrent, and disgusting. Which is what I would tell a jury and the judge, if this libel ever comes to court. It is not racist to be told no.

I paid a quick visit to the pub for a beer with my friend and the lady at bar behaved so rudely with us. We waited for more than 15 mins to place our order and after that she told me I was with kids so cant serve beer !!! My kids were outside with their grandparents and not in the pub. How rude was she and didnt even have curtesy to say this nicely. RACIST and RUDE should be the name of pub from now on. Horrible. Do go over there people. The bar lady should learn some manners and 100% hospitality. My viait was on 13/05/2023 around 4-5 PM.

Any pub that welcomes customers by asking how many of you are there? Then, in response to ‘8’ to state we don’t serve more than 6 in a totally unwelcoming fashion needs to be avoided.

One of the most unfriendly unwellcoming pubs I've ever been in!!

Great little pub, very good atmosphere, good decorations, and great beer quality! The owners are very nice as well

Incredible parking, my car was so happy to be there waiting for me while my friends were getting drunk and I couldn't drink because my car was waiting for me, because if you drive, don't drink, at least that's what they said and I passed my UK driving test knowing this.

Great little bar packed with personality and knowledgeable staff. If you enjoy Belgium beer, then this place is for you. It's the first bar outside Bruges that I have seen Delirium on tap. Great selection of unusual beer as well as the Kwaks etc. Top place

A special place, with all the aroma, decoration and essence that one could expect to find in England, added to the wonderful selection of Belgian beers on tap. A perfect hybrid that combines wonderfully. In fact, several of the beers that I have found in this place, I had only seen before in Belgium, which speaks even better of the owner's effort to offer these products. The site is located just meters from the "Suspension Bridge", which makes it a perfect stop for a good beer after doing some sightseeing. A true gem.

Love pub very much enjoyed my pint.

What a lovely old pub. Very friendly and helpful staff. Good choice of beers. Quite eclectic wall art and fixtures and fittings but we loved it and would thoroughly recommend.

Cosy Belgian beer bar. Always very friendly

Awful lack of service, rude lady at the bar with short grey hair.

Such a rude lady who was "working"... Not able to answer any question if she was doing any other minimum task 😅.

Charming little pub with a great selection of beers. Sunday roast was great, and there are books, board games and various movie related artefacts to keep you entertained.

Treasured lovely local basement bar, good selection of real ales and takeaway facility.