On the edge of Queen Square and close to the harbour, The Hole in the Wall was named after a spy hole that enabled 18th century sailors and smugglers to keep watch for customs men and press gangs. The pub was prime recruitment territory for the Navy, and men would wake up after an inebriated night to find themselves at sea. | Google

placeholder image — On the edge of Queen Square and close to the harbour, The Hole in the Wall was named after a spy hole that enabled 18th century sailors and smugglers to keep watch for customs men and press gangs. The pub was prime recruitment territory for the Navy, and men would wake up after an inebriated night to find themselves at sea. | Google

Nine Bristol pubs and how they got their names including The Bulldog and The Wackum Inn

By Mark Taylor

Digital writer

Published 4th May 2023, 11:09 GMT

Updated 31st Oct 2024, 15:11 GMT

These much-loved city pubs have interesting stories behind their names

Bristol is home to many pubs which have withstood the test of time, serving customers for many years.

Most Bristolians will recognise these pubs, but do you know where their names come from?

From the Old Duke to The Lodekka, we’ve got the scoop on why the city’s watering holes have the names that they do.

So, here are the interesting stories behind nine of Bristol’s most loved pubs.

9. The Bulldog

Opened in 1938, this Horfield pub was originally called The Bristol Bulldog after a RAF fighter aeroplane built at nearby Bristol Aeroplane Company in Filton. | Google

Pubs Bristol

Nine Bristol pubs and how they got their names including The Bulldog and The Wackum Inn

These much-loved city pubs have interesting stories behind their names

9. The Bulldog

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