The Wilkins Tradition
The Merchants Arms is looked after by the Wilkins family who have a longstanding history of pub management.
Mike Wilkins, the head of the family, has owned the Merchants Arms for 7 years . Its fair to say he is very experienced in the pub trade; For 40 years, he was Area/Operation Manager for Marstons, Smiles, Young’s and Bath Ales.
Among other members of bar staff Mike is joined behind the bar by his daughter Clare and occasionally his son Matthew who runs their sister pub The Eldon House in Clifton.
Listed in The Good Beer Guide 2023.
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Best pint of Guinness I've had in Bristol and the pork pies with proper English mustard are very much appreciated. No nonsense and well priced!
Proper boozer with ale on tip top form. And a robust cheese and onion sandwich does not go unnoticed. It’s the ideal fortification for more ale.
Licensed since 1832, this cosy street corner, 2 room, wood panelled pub in Hotwells transferred from the Bath Ales estate around 2016 to be run by Mike Wilkins and his family. This is what a traditional pub is all about with a good landlord at the helm. Quiet, no machines, log fire in winter, where good beer and conversation are the order of the day. 4 real ales in excellent condition from £3-50/pt. The pub is famous for its old school food: Pork pies, Pasties, Scotch eggs, plus some well filled rolls at just £1-50. A gem not to be missed and best on the Cumberland Basin crawl.
Nipped in for a pie and pint before the footie. Decent range of ales was complemented by reasonably priced bar snacks. Main bar was very busy and a bit too noisy for me. Still, nice to see a pub busy. Would certainly visit again.
This is a proper pub. Bar food at ridiculously cheap prices. £1.50 for a ham or cheese and onion cob. Scotch eggs the size of your fist. Beer choices are good and lovely friendly atmosphere. Not for anyone that wants nachos and chicken nuggets but bloody great pub. Proper.
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Hotwells, Bristol, BS8