The Pump House in Bristol, City of

We had a truly delightful evening at The Pump House that exceeded all expectations. From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed, including our young daughter, who was catered to with the same thoughtful care as the rest of us. The vegan tasting menu was a masterpiece — every dish was creative, thought-provoking, and utterly inspiring. Each course was beautifully presented and full of vibrant, unexpected flavors, showcasing the chef's skill and passion for plant-based cuisine. It was a high-end dining experience that could easily rival any 5-star hotel or renowned vegan restaurant. The prices were extremely reasonable for the quality offered, making it an incredible value. A special thank you to Kerry, who hosted us with a warm and welcoming smile, and to the chef, who took the time to come out and explain the intricacies of each dish, adding a personal touch to our dining experience. We can't wait to return, especially to try the highly recommended vegan Sunday roast! The Pump House has gained new loyal customers in us. We wholeheartedly recommend this venue — the ambiance, service, and food were all impeccable. Thank you so much for a wonderful evening! We look forward to many more.

Very quiet but it was a Tuesday. Thought drinks were expensive. Had the (2) small sausages and mash special….15 quid! Service was very good though…lovely, attentive lady.

Great food and 1 of the best ciders I've ever tasted. Will definitely be back when I area

Wow! Amazing set menu. Very reasonable

Really nice food here on the set menu at pretty decent prices, great beer available too

Disappointing time here this weekend. Had a table of 6 of us. Service very very slow (looked quite understaffed). We all had roasts and it was a bit disappointing, with smaller portions than you’d like. Asked for the bill at the end and they had charged us wrong, asked for it to be rectified and it was rectified incorrectly again to be even more money than before. Very disappointed with the visit

Great spot but sometimes the service forgets about people outside

We booked the Pump House for a private function for our wedding reception. We had the lovely mezzanine floor upstairs and it was gorgeous. From the initial planning right up to the last minute it of the day itself, I cannot fault the experience. Kerry was so friendly and helpful, nothing was too much trouble. I’m so grateful for her recommendation of booking a ferry to take us all from our ceremony at the registry office to the pub as it was delightful and was the best way to arrive in style. The room was beautiful, the team who served us were attentive and lovely. All our guests commented on the quality of the food and drink. It felt like such a warm, relaxed atmosphere and exactly what we wanted. They made our day simply PERFECT.

Really nice food. Set menu a bargain for the quality. Very friendly staff.

I can only echo other reviews on service. It's not the fault of the staff. It's just a poorly run pub with not enough staff, who I feel sorry for.

Excellent service the staff were amazing. The food was excellent and at very reasonable prices, gluten free was very well catered for. All good freshly cooked. Would definitely go back again

Awful service and wait times… They come and go without completing the order, they either forget one item , or bring food from other table… they just cant make it right. Its a shame they are not making all the sales we could as there is a big queue to enter but they dont give a quick service to free up the tables

We stopped her on a sunny Saturday for drinks and food. We were immediately greeted by the lovely staff, tables were clean and atmosphere very relaxed. A bowl of water was also bought straight out for our dog. I had the halloumi, bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich - wow! Absolutely delicious. The bread was so fresh. Drinks were lovely too. Would highly recommend stopping here if you are passing. All in all a great choice.

Nice setting but service was really poor. Table service only and it’s incredibly slow! Wouldn’t recommend ordering snacks with a drink as the snacks will turn up by the time the drinks have finished. Tried to order another drink at the bar to enjoy with my snack as it arrived so late and they rudely refused. Wasn’t willing to wait for the next round as the food would have been finished by the time the drinks arrives. Paid when taking the order so couldn’t cancel the food when we realised how long it was taking. Whole system was completely stupid. Won’t be rushing to come back.

Excellent staff, food and atmosphere. Very helpful and met a range of dietary requirements.

Staff were quite rude (I watched one tell a customer he was busy and to go away), and the system of finding your own table but waiting for a server to bring you a menu / order is weird.

Excellent meal (finely balanced flavours and textures) and very attentive service. Very welcoming when we arrived. We would definitely come again

I’ve come to The Pump House for over a decade now. The food is simply incredible, all locally sourced, expertly prepared and the service is amazing. Arguably the best pub kitchen in the South West.

Great food and service. Panna cotta especially delicious.

Went down tonight for drinks only. Very busy and fun and lots of outside tables. Friendly staff. Waitress service at tables outside. Very nice friendly attentive service. Inside the same. Great. Excellent. Recommended.

Just popped in for a drink whilst walking around the harbour area very welcoming by the lady

The owners and the team here were phenomenal for our engagement party on the mezzanine. They were attentive from start to finish, and guests were gushing about the beautiful decor inside. The food was delicious (as we knew after our tasting session last month- order the crispy oyster mushrooms!) and there's a great selection of beers and wine. Thank you all so much!

It was a shame we couldn't get food they need more staff,it is a lovely place and would go again

Excellent customer service together with first class food. Indeed the staff were absolutely brilliant and a credit to "The Pump House". We would most definitely recommend a visit.

I like the place, really like the location, and plan to return for a meal one day. But I don't like that you can't just drop in and order a quick drink at the bar, like a regular pub. It's strictly table service (even for one beer) with an automatically applied service charge. Apparently you can opt out of the service charge, but I would find that very awkward to do so in front of the waiter (who was perfectly polite and helpful bytheway). It just makes an already expensive beer, even more expensive. No wonder the terrace was quiet on a warm, mid-week evening.

Decided not to eat here after ordering drinks as we were asked were we okay about service charge, I said no please remove, only to find the service charge had been added to drink bill 😒 So be warned folks Not happy about this especially we When asked, if and when I tip its always after, I've received a good service So be warned folks

Stopped by for a drink on a sunny late afternoon and was greeted warmly and served promptly. Lovely spot with table service and the service charge explained when you pay. Will be back for food soon! It looked good.

I only sat outside for a drink and some chips but the atmosphere was brilliant. The view from the outdoor seating is gorgeous and super peaceful. There are heaters as well which is great for a chillier day. Will definitely be coming again.

Terrific place. Such friendly and welcoming staff, nothing too much trouble

A fabulous rainy day made perfect by the warm welcome , gorgeous surroundings and glorious food xxx the service was off the scale xxx this place represents everything that makes me proud to live in Bristol xxx thank you Pump House

The Pump House is a favourite of mine as I used to live nearby and visit regularly. On this occasion I was here for lunch with my partner to celebrate our anniversary. The staff were warm and welcoming. My partner, who’s autistic, found the music a little loud and they were more than happy to turn it down to accommodate him, it made him feel really relaxed. We were pleased to discover they serve brunch until 1pm so we both had a Full English which was delicious. Generous portions, lovely bread and definitely the best Bloody Mary I’ve ever had! I had affogato for desert and my partner had sticky toffee pudding which was amazing. So looking forward to having our wedding reception here in October!

Gorgeous place! Came here for drinks. It's lovely that it's table service outside, but can also be a peril as it takes a little longer to be served but the staff were lovely. The beer garden is stunning, lovely views! Unfortunately you can't smoke outside and I'm a dirty beast who likes a cheeky smoke with my beer! Otherwise, will definitely be returning.

nicest service, really good staff, nice environment with the flowers. but pump smell downstairs around the toilets. we did not dine in, drinks were super cool.

What a fabulous party. The Pump House looked after all our needs, with great food and atmosphere. We used the cosy upstairs room as a venue for 60 friends and family. Outstanding food and service from a talented team. Thank you so much!

On Sauturday we were informed we could not enter wearing football related attire. I thought the lady was referring to my city shirt under a casual shirt. Infact she was referring to a friend wearing a stone island jacket. He was told to remove the label from the jacket in order to enter. Personally I find this policy a concern. Where does this cross over into the realms of discrimination. The service was very slow and they then charge you for table service. Will never visit this pub ever again from a law abiding we'll mannered 62 year old.

Excellent place. The staff are very friendly. You get a nice view of the boats. And the food is out of this world. There is so much flavour in every bite. I would definitely recommend this place.

Nice meal, the cider was on the sour side, but they charge a 10% service charge, which is not announced on the menu, and everything is ruined right away.

Food was ok but a bit expensive , all the staff were really nice and polite 👍

Stopped off here for a drink and bite to eat. The friendly staff, food and service was very good. Nice riverside walk to and from the pub from Bristol harbour side.

Fantastic! Lovely & helpful staff, good food, relaxed and great location by the waterfront. Good atmosphere. I recommend it.

Beware the supposedly ‘discretionary’ 12.5% tip added to every item ordered without verbal warning. Waitress got very defensive when asked about the additional expense over the menu price, and had to get manager to authorise refund. I am happy to tip when I get good service but do not want to pay before my food/drink has even been served. Food took ages to come. Wouldn’t go back

We were looking for a very light lunch but the menu was, for us, more like a dinner menu. We had starters only. They were excellent and the server was extremely pleasant. When in Bristol again we would visit for dinner.

Banging Homemade cheesy chips 15 out of 10. If you like your chips and don’t mind spending a little extra on chips get a few of these bad boys and a double courvoisier can’t go wrong also staff very helpful when I was being ganged up on by a few wasps

Came here recently on the last day of Bristol Seafood week. Oh my word what a treat! My partner and I treated ourselves to a whole Brixham crab, monkfish tail and I also had an additional baked scallop. Delicious. I haven't had such fresh crab in a long time. In particular, we had a lot of fun with the mallet that was given in the roster of tools. It's quite effective in comparison to the nutcracker! The team were super friendly on the day and even kindly replaced the aperol spritz I was drinking that was knocked over when food arrived. Will come back for Sunday roast and definitely next year if they participate in Bristol Seafood week again!

Went for a Sunday roast + fish and chips, and were pretty underwhelmed. Serving size left more to be desired as the roast pork was the length of my knife and twice as thick. Thick cut chips were good but the dill sauce needed more tartare...

Farcical. Bar empty but you have to order drinks at your table. Then told 15-20 minute wait for a pint. Need to seriously look at how they do business

Compulsory table service kinda place as in you're not allowed to go to the bar but service charge added to the bill. Asked the server about a beer and he couldn't help.

Excellent fish today. Very nice sides - really good value.

Service is slow, and edging on rude. You shouldn’t attempt table service if you won’t hire enough staff to make it smooth.

Great restaurant right on the water for Brunch, Lunch and more. Friendly staff and good service.

Sunday Roast, beef was amazing just not enough but some of the best I've had, veg and Yorkshire let it down. Scallops superb could of had ten. Decent drinks selection, cold coffee on the affigado, might be the right way but wasn't as good as hot. Some highlights but not near the best and it should be. Still recommend just needs a few tweaks at least.

What a wonderful place! Very friendly staff. Henry the owner chef is a very clever man, he has a good menu of the tastiest dishes, he employs a team of great people. Kerry the Manager was funny, polite, very friendly and an all round great mentor for her young team. Martha one of the waiters, was helpful and knowledgeable and the two young lads were great also.(sorry didn’t get their names) we had an unexpected great lunch in a great place that is well worth a visit.

If you haven’t already been to the Pumphouse you should definitely go. But only if you want delicious homemade food served by the nicest people. We happened upon this restaurant and were offered to sit wherever we wanted but were advised that people who had opted to sit outside had come back in as it was too cold, so we stayed inside. We ordered several small plates and drinks. The small plates were decent portions and we left full to the brim. We had 2 drinks and a suitable amount of food for lunch costing approx £30 per head. The staff were really friendly and the service was excellent. A big up to Kerry and Martha, Thank You. All the dishes we had were really yummy but would specifically recommend the Mushrooms and the tarmasalata. We will definitely be back.

What a great find. I would definitely recommend a visit to the Pump House. From the moment we walked in the staff were warm and friendly ( special thanks to Martha & Kerry) Tasty food accompanied with some nice ales. Thank you all very much for a lovely lunchtime experience.

Slightly expensive, spacious and industrial-chic restaurant with an interesting menu. When the food arrives, it does not disappoint. It is prepared with both care and artistry, and this takes some time, but it's worth it. There is outside seating too, and a moderate number of free parking spaces that will often suffice on not-so-busy evenings.

We arranged to see our son for lunch at The Pump House and a member of staff overheard it was our anniversary - two complimentary glasses of sparkling wine quickly appeared! The food was beautifully prepared and presented. It tasted good too. We think the property is really quirky (in a good way) and has a friendly welcoming atmosphere. The staff looked after us well.

Held the celebration of life for my Husband (Billfest) at The Pump House and couldn’t have been a better and more fitting venue. From the outset Kerry made the whole experience of arranging the event so much easier, and on the day everything went as planned. The food was great and much commented on and all the staff were fantastic. A special thanks to Chelsea who was our dedicated staff member and kept smiling throughout the proceedings. Highly recommended for any special occasion.

This pub is mostly about the location and the nice beer garden on the harbour. Gets a lot of sun. It’s expensive so you pay for the view (rather than the food). I do go quite a bit, but for the location more than anything.

Good food exalent and friendly service

Appalling time. We arrived early evening to catch the last of the sun on the harbour. Before we even got to the doors we were accosted by a staff member who was not particularly welcoming. It felt like she was baring are way into the venue, she asked if we wanted to sit inside or outside. We choose outside and we were asked of we wanted drinks or food to which we replied drinks only. However, both a food and drinks menu were provided. Once seated we were informed that it was table service only and card only. I absolutely cannot stand that businesses refuse legal tender and I hindsight that's when we should have left. We ordered drinks and enquired about an ashtray (sat outside) only to be told the whole outside area was non-smoking. This is is ridiculous for two reasons firstly the table diagonally behind us were vaping while seated and secondly because anyone who was a smoker could stand anywhere they liked around the perimeter of the outside area being a public right of way to which tables are abutting and only separated from the public space by a two foot high brick wall. And blow smoke directly of the shoulder or anyone sat on the tables. Proven slightly later on when several individuals from other groups got up to smoke and surprise, surprise moving a whole 5ft away from their tables to smoke just the otherside of the wall did absolutely nothing to stop the smell, smoke etc from reaching anyone sat outside. Two drinks came to over £15.00 we weren't provided with a receipt and no service charge was ever mentioned or appeared on the menus. It was only after reading other reviews I became aware we had probably been scammed in a similar fashion. The staff were brisk bordering in rude. We did not feel welcome and I imagine weren't the clientele this establishment is trying to attract. I.e. bristol locals born and bred one mid paid council worker and one builder who had come out for an after work pint on the harbour mid week. I can only presume the venue would like wealthy, London commuters dressed in Sunday best or cocktail dresses to frequent their premise who are happily ripped off by a pretentious business, with delusions of grandeur. The view is pants from that side of the docks anyway, we just fancied a change of our usual. We will absolutely never be returning and I won't have a good word to say about the pump house to anyone I meet. I strongly recommend everyone drinks at the cottage across the harbour. A well established bristol venue, friendly staff, unstuffy welcoming atmosphere with a world class view of the harbour and suspension bridge perfect for a summers evening and you don't need to take out a second mortgage for bog standard pint.

Always a regular spot for a drink and bite to eat during my walks around the harbour.

The setting is beautiful but oh my word was the food and drink wildly expensive for what it was. We paid over £30 for 1 coke, 1 beer, 2 x small portions of chips and 2 teeny tiny croquettes! The first beer was flat and had to be re-poured. I think overall it was just poor for the cost.

Table service has ruined this pub. Waiting 15 mins for my drink after ordering. Would have left if I hadn’t paid

Lovely people, a lovely setting… and especially lovely food!

Had a good roast here On 9th June, was busy but relaxed food was good. Would recommend.

After a fabulous walk around the Harbourside I stopped at The Pump House and opted for a fine libation. Whilst waiting for a gig to finish at the football stadium I chose a pint of Independence from Bristol Beer Factory.

So friendly and very welcoming.

Gone massively down hill. Rude manager, very overpriced for both food and drinks. As a previous regular for top class food I’m very disappointed and we will never come back. Needs new management.

Terrible woke hell hole. No cash allowed and no smoking anywhere outside. Useless staff.

Awful pub. Complained about the extended wait for my drink and was told "it's table service we care for our patrons at the table" well I don't feel very cared for. Asked why I can't order at the bar that they have and told I arrived in a foul mood and to "just leave". Had a bad experience last time I visited this pub but put it down to lack of training. Will not be returning again. Especially because of the way "management" spoke to me.

So expensive and they charged service when all I had was a pint. Will not be going back

This place had a nice outside area with some sails to provide shade but the prices were just stupid and they actually charged more than what it said on the menu, I don't know if this is a built in service charge or what but to charge more than the menu suggests in my opinion is just scummy. This isn't a pub, I don't know if it advertised as a pub, but I was led to believe it was. Turns out it isn't, it's an overpriced restaurant with a lack of character only saved by a nice location near the river.

Paid 17 pounds for two hot chocolates and a slice of cake. This is partly from them putting the order in wrong (didn't realize until later that they'd charged for bailey's instead of bailey's hot chocolate) and partly that they added a 2 pounds service charge.

Great place to stop for a wee when you're doing the harbour loop, don't worry about the bit of rope asking you to wait to be seated, just say you've taken a phonecall and returning to the table. Walk in, toilets on your right.

Came away feeling we had been scammed. Lovely sunny day let's have a beer. Should have been more alert when the seemingly friendly Maitre de said check the amount on her pad. £10.91 for a pint of Neck Oil and a non description half of a Beer Factory IPA. I know the Neck Oil was £6.50 which somehow made the half £4.41. Since read from other reviews that they have a policy of adding a service charge. I can't be bothered to work out how much the half might have been. Perhaps it said on the drinks menu about the service charge but they weren't left around on the tables. Sharp practice if you ask me and no pun intended. Has left a bitter taste. Won't be frequenting again no matter how good the beer. Only drink here if you are happy to pay a 12% service charge to buy a drink. You do the maths 🤨

Lovely venue staff were really nice extremely overpriced food was good but 1 scallop per portion. They added a 12.5 service charge for what? They don't take cash not a single notice to tell you!

Great service, lovely venue, great staff.

Paid £30 for 3 drinks (wine, Guinness and cider). Lovely location and in the sunshine although extremely expensive for what it was. You're paying for the location. Unfortunately won't be returning.

Great food served in lovely setting by attentive and friendly waiters. Ordered the BLT with a side of Black Pudding. My Friend had the Avocado on Sourdough. Would highly recommend.

I've seen this venue in many different guises since I was a teenager. Dropped in on a Thursday and liked the atmosphere. Small menu that day with small bites and things like chips. Large car park. Very friendly and attentive staff.

Lovely place lovely people. Yes yes yes

Weird experience here - came with family and my brother ordered a particular beer. When it arrived he tasted it and it was not the one he had ordered so he went over to the bar and the waitress said they had run out of the one he had ordered. Weirdly she didn't come back over to ask what he wanted instead.

This is an exceptional local restaurant. They are passionate about the food they are serving and it is delicious and fun. Inventive, generous and welcoming covers the food and the staff. A very special restaurant with an exceptional team ensuring you have a great meal and a great evening.

I don’t even know where to begin. Firstly, i’d like to complain about the “service charge” even though there was practically no service at all. the charge was added automatically and i wasn’t even informed of the fact it was there which is a complete deception of all customers. Secondly the pricing was beyond extortionate. I ordered two cups of tea which every one can agree is a simple and seemingly uncostly order. therefore unless that tea was laced with gold i would like to know why it cost me £7.20! the price was for one pot of tea and two small teacups that barely fit enough for a mouse. Never ever go here.

Nice restaurant pub by the river

Stopped for a quick pint as the sun was out and they had plenty of outdoor tables free. You're not allowed to go to the bar, you've got to flag down a busy member of staff and wait 15 minutes for your pint. Nice location but bar service would have been better for me and for the staff.

We popped in for an impromptu dinner to shelter from the rain and had a fabulous time. The staff were extremely friendly and welcoming, the setting was relaxing and the food was delicious.

Lovely views, slow service, poor toilets

Wonderful atmosphere, staff very helpful and lovely and boy can the Chef cook... fabulous meal

Poor service and overpriced. Automatic 12.5% service charge added to the bill despite poor service. I live locally and actively avoid this pub. It’s such a shame because it’s got the potential to be fantastic. Good location and nice setting/vibe. They need to reduce their drinks prices, remove the automatic service charge as it makes people feel awkward asking for it to be removed, and allow you to go up and order your own drinks removing the ridiculous wait on being served. My advice is go somewhere else. Lots of better options nearby.

Two glasses of white wine, one pint of Lager and one can of non alcoholic beer ……….£28 and then they added a £3.50 service charge, what an absolute con, avoid these daylight robbers!!

We had an excellent brunch with lots to choose from on the menu. We had the full english that was delicious with homemade sourdough toast. The usual friendly service. The Sunday roasts are always amazing too. See you again soon.

Had drinks only very nice time with wife but must say the young girl serving the lunches was amazing I can see how she is so slim she was buzzing around the place if any body wants staff for your restaurant poach her you won't regret it

I have been working in Bristol for the past 5 weeks and visited this lovely place every Monday afternoon as it was the only chance Id get to go on a walk round the harbour, the staff are really friendly and give excellent service, the 2 ladies (Young woman with curly hair and one with short hair) who I seen most remembered my drink order after only one visit (“Guinness is it?” haha) and made my time working in Bristol really nice as I don't know anyone here and pretty much been on my own but to be given a warm welcome as they did is as close as I could get to being home. I wish I could be a regular at this place but sadly my work in Bristol has finished but if I am ever back this will be the first place I come to! Thank you Pumphouse, save me a Guinness for next time!

Very expensive wine at £38 per bottle! Server was attentive but there was zero atmosphere, food was OK but took a while considering the place was empty. Used to be buzzing but now is very disappointing.

We haven't been here for a while. We booked Sunday lunch because a friend with dog was visiting, and the Pump House allows dogs inside. I ordered the roast beef and my wife the lamb. Portions were generous and in general it was tasty. My meat was a bit gristly, that's why the food mark is 4. I would have given 4.5, but unfortunately half marks are not possible. The cauliflower/leek gratin was really good and, again, a generous portion. Service was impeccable and friendly. The indoor seating is good, people aren't sitting on top of each other, plus there is a lovely outdoor terrace, should there ever be a sunny day again! We didn't have dessert because we were full from the main dish and couldn't face any more food!😉

On a rare night out husband treated us to a meal at the Pump House; not cheap but worth it for knowing you'll get something that tastes amazing every time. Lovely waiting staff, great food recommendations and everything that we ate (including the sourdough bread!) was delicious. Only downside was that stuffing ourselves on bread meant we didn't have space for pudding; won't make that mistake next time ;)

Slow food and disappointing burger

Family meal with dog. I had the duck breast with rhubarb and orange and it was amazing. Everyone was very happy with their choices.

One of the best roasts in town. Thoroughly recommend. You will not be disappointed. Service was top notch, the setting is perfect and the food amazing