Bristol pub takes Sunday roast bookings for first time in four years - and it's fully booked already

A Bristol pub which has reopened its Sunday roast booking system after four years has become fully booked within just hours.          

The Bank Tavern, which has previously been reported as having the ‘world’s longest waiting list’, was named as the UK’s best Sunday lunch in the Observer Food Monthly Awards 2019.   

But the pub on John Street in the Old City stopped taking reservations after the accolade saw their waiting list jump from six months to four years.      

That was until yesterday (January 1), when the Bank Tavern reopened its Sunday roast booking system for 2024 - to much anticipation.     

But the slots were filled within hours, which took the pub’s team including landlord Sam Gregory by surprise.            

In a statement on Instagram, they wrote: “We're incredibly grateful to everyone who supports us and wants to come in for a Sunday roast We didn't expect bookings to sell out quite as quickly as they did today!

“If you didn't manage to book a table this time - please do check the calendar on the booking section of our website every so often. If someone else cancels their table, their slot will automatically become available.

“Thank you all for the continued love for our little boozer.” 

The Bank Tavern has seating inside for just 28 people, with a Sunday roast costing £27.99 with all the trimmings.  

In comments on the pub’s Instagram, people reacted with excitement or disappointment, depending on whether they were able to secure a booking or not.  

“Just booked for July! What a great start for 2024!” wrote one commenter.   

“Got one for June and one for December! Can’t wait to dine with you guys!!!” added another. 

But someone else said: “I can’t believe I can’t even get a table for 2.”

And another added: “I can’t book a table. It’s showing none available.”