We have a pint in the Bristol pub with roaring real fire, disco room and secret roof terrace

Originally the spit and sawdust Black Horse, this pub on Church Road in Redfield changed its name in 2017 when it was turned into the stylish venue it is today.

Its timely transformation into The Dark Horse coincided with the gentrification of Redfield, which is still one of the most desirable property hotspots for first-time buyers. Not that the locals like to hear the 'G' word, of course.

With The Red Church, The Fire Engine, The Old Stillage and The George and Dragon all within a short walking distance of The Dark Horse, this corner of BS5 is certainly well served when it comes to a range of pubs. You certainly won’t go thirsty.

The Dark Horse has a country village pub feel as soon as you walk in, especially with the real fire next to the low leather sofas. 

There’s an upright piano, piles of board games and walls covered with art from local artists. Walk through one archway and you’ll find the bookable Disco Lounge, a cosy space complete with a disco ball that can hold 30 people for parties and events. 

Bigger gatherings can be accommodated in the Long Room and there’s a ‘secret’ roof terrace where DJs often appear in the warmer months.

Fancy staying the night? No problem, the pub even has three stylish bedrooms for guests who don't want to go home.

The bar offers a range of beers, lagers and ciders, many of them local. These include Bristol-brewed Arbor Mosaic and the Wiper & True Kaleidoscope I went for (not especially cheap at £5.60 a pint for craft beer but pretty much the going rate these days).

There are also a dozen still ciders from the likes of Iford, Lilley's and Broadoak and some of these can be enjoyed in a glass of ‘Arf ’n’ arf’ (half a pint of real cider and half a cold and sparkling fruit cider such as mango, rhubarb or pineapple).

If you require something even stronger, there are shots, a vast selection of gins and cocktails including a 'Dark and Stormy' that would be just perfect when enjoyed next to the roaring fire on a rainy evening.

When we popped in for a quick pint at 6pm on a weekday, The Dark Horse was quickly filling up with families and groups of friends. 

Dog-friendly - there’s even a fairylight-illuminated wall of polaroid photos of visiting canines - and close enough to St George’s park for families to pop in, there is a weekly pub quiz and a free book exchange, all of which adds to the community hub feel.

In an area of Bristol that’s still very much on the up in terms of property, it’s no wonder BS5 estate agents are already namechecking The Dark Horse when it comes to essential local amenities.

It’s one of those friendly, welcoming local pubs we would all like at the end of our road.

The Dark Horse, 172-174 Church Road, Redfield, Bristol, BS5 9HX.