We visit the popular pub off Gloucester Road thriving after almost closing during the pandemic

Bristol’s pub scene isn’t what it used to be. There are but a handful of Proper Pubs left in the city - a place with genuine community spirit where locals gather to enjoy an evening together.

The Covid pandemic added to the industry’s woes as it forced all pubs to close for months - some never reopened. Bishopston’s Sportsman and Annexe pub, in Nevil Road, was close to becoming another Covid statistic. The pub dates back to the late 1800s and was originally the County Ground Hotel, hosting many of Bristol’s Edwardian elite wishing to stay next to the Cricket Ground.

“In Bristol, there are a lot of big pubs which are popular and they’re just dying off,” general manager, Ash Bird told Bristol World.

“It’s important for the communities to mix and talk - there are people who come to the pub because they’re lonely, they don’t have people at home so it’s nice to socialise and get to know different people and cultures. We’ve got such a mixed bag of people who come in here, it’s great to learn about people’s heritage.

“[During the pandemic] it was hard doing table service because it’s a big site. It’s something we’ve never done so we had to adapt. People’s habits changed [during and after Covid], they didn’t always come out to the pub but it’s finally, in the last 12 months or so, slowly coming back.”

The Sportsman and Annexe has been in the Bird family for more than 20 years. Current manager, Ashley Bird is also a World Pool Champion. Due to its proximity to the Memorial Ground, the pub is a favourite amongst Bristol Rovers fans.

She added: “We’re a big pool hub. Over the years we’ve had a lot of international players come through the ranks, including myself. We have two teams currently - both are in Division 1 and doing well this season.

“We’ve had a good, working relationship with Bristol Rovers over the years. We won a raffle to be the home shirt sponsor for a season and recently we’ve offered the Joey Barton Pizza with the community trust.”