We visit the popular Bristol riverside pub with good food and gorgeous views

In an idyllic location at Hanham Mills, the Chequers Inn is a traditional British pub with stunning views overlooking the River Avon.

The pub is next to the River Avon Trail and Bickley Wood, which is part of the Avon Valley Woodlands, making it a perfect spot to rest and grab a bite or drink during a day out walking.

Chequers Inn has both indoor and outdoor seating, including a beer garden when the River Avon is not overflowing. On our visit after torrential rain, the outdoor seating was surrounded by flood water.

It is a large venue with a relaxing and bustling atmosphere. There is parking outside the pub, and the windows overlook the river, moored boats and passing trains. They are also dog-friendly both inside (bar area only) and outside, and they have a “snug corner” inside.

The menu includes specials like hickory smoked pork ribs, skin-on fries, barbecue marinade, crispy shallots and apple and fennel slaw (£21); starters like the roasted heritage beetroot soup, chestnut gremolata and toasted bloomer (£7.50); sharers like the garlic and fennel salami, Long Clawson Stilton, candied hazelnuts, watercress and cranberries (£23); sides like sweet potato fries with curried mayo (£5); and mains like pan-roasted chalk stream trout, sauteed new potatoes, caper and fennel butter and samphire (£22); as well as soft drinks, cask ales and craft beers, wines from around the world and craft gins.

We decided to pay Chequers Inn a visit on a rainy Friday lunchtime and although not too many tables were occupied when we arrived, it slowly started filling up as we had our meal.

We ordered triple-cooked chips, truffle mayo (£5) from the sides and beef shin croquettes, celeriac and truffle, pickled vegetables (£8) and Gressingham duck breast, port and fig sauce, mashed potato, and buttered kale (£24) from the specials menu, which arrived at the table about 25 minutes after ordering.

The chips were thick, and the sauce was placed on the side of the dish. The chips had a crunchy exterior, and soft, fluffy middle whilst the truffle mayo was not overpowering.

As for the croquette dish, it only came with one crisp breadcrumb coated croquette which had a slightly chewy filling with a strong flavour that lingered. The pickled vegetables had a slight sweetness that contrasted with the croquette. Overall, it was a slightly underwhelming dish.

On the other hand, the meat on the duck special was slightly chewy on the edges and also had soft tender pieces and was juicy. The port and fig sauce uplifted the flavour of the meat with its slight sweetness. As for the mash, it was very soft and creamy without any overpowering seasoning. The kale was slightly sweet, soft and slightly crunchy.

Overall, the duck special and the chips were the highlights of the meal, the staff were friendly, the three dishes were just enough to satisfy two people, and whilst the meal was on the pricier end, the gorgeous views made it worthwhile.

Scroll through for 11 photos of our visit to the Chequers Inn:

Chequers Inn, Hanham Mills, Ferry Road, Bristol, BS15 3NU.