Hillgrove Porter Stores, Bristol
Posted on 06. Aug, 2010 by Robert Gale in Pubs
Brief History
According to the local CAMRA magazine, Pints West, the pub was first mentioned in 1854 when it was known as the Dublin Porter Stores. The old photographs inside the pub show that the pub was once owned by George’s Brewery. That brewery was bought by the Courage Brewery in 1961.
The Interior
The interior of the pub has three distinct areas with two lounge areas either side of the central bar and seating in front. The one lounge area lives up to its name and features comfy leather chesterfields and a large fireplace. The other lounge has a mixture of chesterfields and regular tables and chairs. The area in front of the bar consists of pews and tables. Throughout the pub are a number of stained glass windows featuring the name of the Dawkins Brewery which owns the pub.
The Beer
The beer selection is one of the best in Bristol. On handpump are up to 10 different ales along with a cider and a perry. Also available is a stout from the Bristol Beer Factory, Brew Dog 77 lager and unusually Samuel Smith Alpine and Pure Brewed lager and what beer. In the fridges are bottled beers from Brew Dog, Samuel Smith and the Dorset Brewing Co.
When I visited in August 2010 there were 9 ales available from Goffs, Brew Dog, Cheddar, Moor, Blindmans and Dawkins.
One downside to the pub is the price of the beer. Ales cost between £3.20 and £3.40 and the Samuel Smith beers range from £3.30 for the Alpine Lager to £4 for the wheat beer. This is £1+ more than you would expect to pay in a Samuel Smith pub (Bristol has one located in the city centre).
Pub Food
If you’re peckish, the pub does a range of meals all day costing between £5 and £7. There are also snacks such as fish finger sandwiches for £3 and chips for £1.50. Due to a member of staff being away on holiday, food was unavailable when I visited but according to the friendly barmaid, the food is great value for money.
Note: If you are planning on visiting on a Saturday, the pub doesn’t open until 2pm. Also, just a one minute walk away is the Bath Ales owned Hare on the Hill.
More Photos of the Hillgrove Porter Stores
Venue Location
Hillgrove Porter Stores
53 Hillgrove Street North
Bristol
BS2 8LT
Tel: 0117 944 4780
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