Pubs are the hub of many communities but many are struggling to survive thanks to spiralling costs and a drop in customers who have less cash in their pocket due to the cost of living.
Since the pandemic, Bristol has seen a number of popular pubs close for different reasons, many still empty and on the market.
Here are seven pubs we’ve lost since the end of the pandemic - let’s hope they find new owners and remain pubs rather than go the way of many closed venues that have been turned into flats.
1. The Rudgleigh Inn, Easton-in-Gordano
Traditional village pub The Rudgleigh Inn at Easton-in-Gordano has a large beer garden overlooking the local cricket ground. The pub, which is close to the M5 junction 19, is currently on the market.
2. The Ship, Lower Park Row
The Ship dates from the 18th century but it is currently closed since music promoter Tony Zaremba-Wyczlinski decided to call it a day at the pub. Tony had gained a strong local following with his karaoke nights, live music and quiz nights at the pub.
3. The Downend Tavern, Downend
Once a popular neighbourhood pub, The Downend Tavern closed in November 2020 and never reopened. Still boarded up, it’s still for sale as a pub, so hopefully a new operator will be found soon.
4. The Colosseum, Redcliffe
One of Bristol’s landmark pubs, The Colosseum on Redcliff Hill was widely regarded as one of the last ‘proper’ city centre pubs left. The pub in the shadows of St Mary Redcliffe church was put on the market in November 2022 and closed its doors last month.