Robin Hood Retreat

Overall it is fine. Food is good, if rather pricey for the surroundings, but most of the staff are very friendly and helpful. Sometimes the choice of real ales is a bit scrappy. Most RA pubs manage to keep a fair number of their pumps stocked up all of the time but the RHR can be a real let down!

There is one major failure which neither the management nor the staff (customers?) appear to be aware of! This is the BRASS fittings around the pump handles. The vast majority of pubs in England, whatever their "social status", usually keep the brasses gleaming!  If there is a lull in the cleaning schedule (this can happen of course) it is still clear to the eye that regular polishing takes place. Not at the RHR! Ever since it re-opened in its present form, the brass fitting have had that "dirty" unclean look: gray, "solidified dust", appearance - almost a spot of verdigris?  Not so long ago, someone obviously had a go with the Brasso but only a half-hearted attempt, and it doesn't appear to have been kept up? Very bad. It is not just visual appearance; it is far more than that. One has to think: "If they keep their brass in that state, what is it like behind the scenes?" They ought to start using the elbow-grease right now - and keep it up!

Martin's profile     Other reviews by Martin     Martin likes    

This is my local and I go there 2-4 times a week for their beer. This is kept very well in the main. The selection keeps changing - too often in my view but it means that real ale drinkers are kept interested. The manager, Gareth, is a very mellow and pleasant bloke, so I don't really trust what the other reviewer has said above. The food is nicely presented and tasty. It has a reputation of being very good if a bit pricey. It's got a lovely friendly atmosphere in my view. A five star bristol pub for sure.

philip's profile     Other reviews by philip     philip likes    

Fantastic Pub, great friendly staff and lovely home cooked food with a twist. Best pub in bristol

sandy's profile     Other reviews by sandy     sandy likes