Anticipation

So, I'm back in Bristol for a week.  I need to catch up with a few things here and I do miss my flat here, and the things I love about the city.

One of those things is having a brilliant pub on my doorstep:  The Barleymow.
Actually, there are at least a further four really good pubs almost as close...but we tend to think of the Barleymow as the Bristol Local.

It had a revamp during last year as the brewery changed its strategy for its business and I like that it now has a wider range of beers available. But it was also good before when it had just four Bristol Beer Factory brews.
It's now also introduced a range of keg beers - and although it makes it feel a bit trendy, it hasn't lost its feel of being a proper pub - and that makes it top notch.

Now, I've only had this flat for a year - but I can't deny that having the Barleymow nearby had a bit of influence on my choice of living accommodation.  

So why do I like the place so much?
It's a subtle combination of things:

Friendly staff - who appear friendly, engaging and knowledgeable.

Excellently kept beer - I don't think I've ever had so much as a "tired" pint in this pub. In fact, when I've been there three days in a row, I think all the guest beers had changed each day.
I don't always like the beers I choose - but that's a taste thing, not a condition issue.

A good variety of beers:  Even before they started having guests on tap, there was a variety of styles from the BBF family.

Good food - this isn't a pre-requisite but it's a good addition to the list.  Previously they did pretty "standard" pub food, but did it really well.  Now they do a mix of high class meals, bar snacks and small plates.  It's not everyone's taste - but I like the approach because I don't always want a big meal.

Open fire and a nice courtyard garden - how nice it is to have a pub which is good in all seasons.

Since I stumbled on it for the first time with a work colleague, I've taken countless friends and family there and everyone has liked it.

S&I went there for a pre-train-home drink on his first trip to Bristol and it was the perfect place to chat over our beers - not so noisy that you had to shout and not so quiet that you felt people could hear your conversation.  Perfection, or what?
We both like it even more now that it's not just a pre-parting destination.

So tomorrow I'm meeting my Brother and Sister-in-law for lunch and beer.  We're sorely in need of a catch-up, some planning and some fun and it should be the perfect venue.

Oh - and the Barleymow is definitely a 3+pint pub.

Here's to tomorrow....