We have a pint in the timeless and historic Bristol pub with a worldwide reputation for music

As unspoilt Bristol pubs go, The Old Duke is one of the most historic and still up there with the very best. 

This landmark pub close to the water dates from the 18th-century when it would have been frequented by rum-swigging sailors and smugglers.

In those days, this Grade II-listed building (it even incorporates some of Bristol’s original city wall) was known as The Duke of Cumberland but the ‘Duke’ in the current name refers to American jazz legend Duke Ellington.

And jazz remains the focal point of this timeless pub where there is free live music seven nights a week.

The pub’s global reputation was built on its love of New Orleans-inspired traditional jazz and many of the bands who turn up and squeeze onto the tiny corner stage have been doing so for decades.

The Old Duke was named as one of the handful of venues which had made the most important contribution to jazz music in the UK - a proud accolade.

Even the toilets are named after jazz greats - the gents is marked with a sign for ‘Dukes’ and the ladies is for ‘Ellas’ - after singer Ella Fitzgerald.

Fading old gig and jazz festival posters are plastered on the tobacco-coloured walls and ceilings of this unspoilt pub which still has frosted windows etched with words like ‘spirits’ and 'vaults'.

Visit the pub today and it has barely changed for years.

The food offering is still limited to crisps and nuts and there are five ciders and six real ales on tap.

When I visited this week, the beers were Oakham Citra, Wye Valley HPA, Otter Ale, Timothy Taylor’s Boltmaker, Doom Bar and Butcombe Rare Breed.

For cider drinkers, the choice was three types of Thatchers (Gold, Haze and Dry), Cheddar Valley and Old Rosie.

In an area of the city centre where many pubs have become trendy and expensive craft ale bars, The Old Duke has barely changed since the first time I went there 35 years ago and it’s still as busy as ever. 

The Old Duke, 45 King Street, Bristol, BS1 4ER.