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Hours
Sun
12:00 - 0:00
Mon
12:00 - 0:00
Tue
12:00 - 0:00
Wed
12:00 - 0:00
Thu
12:00 - 0:00
Fri
12:00 - 0:00
Sat
12:00 - 0:00
Ratings and reviews
4.0
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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PRICE RANGE
£10.00 – £45.00
CUISINES
Bar, British, Pub, Gastropub
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
meals, features
Can a gluten free person get a good meal at this restaurant?
Details
About
Located inside a former pumping station, The Pump House boasts an enviable waterside location where the city docks meet the River Avon. The warm and welcoming interior is divided into a spacious bar and informal dining area, and an elegant upstairs restaurant. Chef and proprietor Toby Gritten, former head chef at Bell's Diner and The Albion in Clifton Village, is in charge of the frequently changing menu which features classic British dishes with a European influence. Everything is prepared on site using top quality ingredients like fish and seafood delivered daily from the coast and meat sourced locally wherever possible. The Pump House also offers an extensive wine and champagne list, as well as some excellent West Country ciders.
PRICE RANGE
£10.00 – £45.00
CUISINES
Bar, British, Pub, Gastropub
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours, Drinks
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
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4.0
784 reviews
Excellent
322
Very good
210
Average
79
Poor
87
Terrible
86
Lovebud
Martock136 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
We used airmiles to stay in a top central Bristol hotel for Valentine's Day, and booked the taster menu at The Pump House. The city is buzzing, interesting, and has a lot to offer the casual tourist. The Pump House can be reached by the little Harbour Ferries, ut is only 15-20 minutes stroll from the city centre. The menu was superb, the wines also excellent (they have a new, young and knowledgeable sommelier) and the building is really attractive. The pub was less busy than I had expected, but the staff were great. The choice of gins was also top notch. We had a really great night.
Written 16 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ruth P
233 contributions
Oct 2020 • friends
We came here for the roast and were very eager to see just how good it was going to be... coming in at £18.50 for roast beef and £17 for pork!
It was nice but nothing more special than the average roast out in Bristol. The beef was tasty and we really liked the selection of veggies.
Service was extremely slow and the gravy was water. My partner’s crackling was impossible to eat and was more like “bendling”.
There were 4 of us on a tiny table and we had to move our drinks and sides onto the bar to make enough room for our plates.
There are better options for a better price in the area.
Written 5 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wurzel_10
Bristol11 contributions
May 2021 • none
My friends and I enjoyed a lovely lunch at the Pump House on our first opportunity since the covid pandemic to meet in a pub and sit inside. Fortunately, when we arrived the weather was good enough for us to sit outside in the large dining area alongside the river. The serving staff were prompt and obviously eager to please us. The menu was perfect for me and we had delicious mussels, fried chicken, and battered fish and chips. Although some covid restrictions are still in place for example: hand sanitisers, face covering required when not at the table, and card payments only. None of these spoiled our time there because we should all know the drill by now. The Pump House has a free car park, a new delicatessen as well the best chef in Bristol with a very professional team working for him. I am already planning my next visit.
Written 21 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BobandJosie
Reading957 contributions
Mar 2020 • none
We had booked for Sunday Lunch and arrived in good time. It took ages for firstly our drinks order to be taken and then for our food order - which somehow or other they contrived to lose, meaning that several other tables who arrived after us got served first. In fairness they did offer a free round of drinks to compensate, but we did lose so much time that our plans for the afternoon were wrecked.
When the food did arrive it was a bit "curate's egg" - some of it was good, whilst others complained of fatty meat.
To add insult to injury - when we got the bill they had already added in the Service Charge (which we declined to pay).
Will not be going back.
Written 14 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Saderrick
11 contributions
Aug 2020 • family
Went for a roast dinner - queued for over 15 mins for a table outside when there were over 5 available - finally got seated. Waited over 10 mins for someone to offer us a drink. Drinks came then no one came to take our food order after 20 mins my husband got up to go and get a waiter. Food came out quite quickly husbands came first, waited for knife and fork for 5 mins, another 5 mins later mine came along with our starters of bread and olives at the same time as the main. Everything was cold. Horseradish was definitely not horseradish in the slightest. £18.50 for a cold roast dinner is an absolute joke. Never sent a meal back in a restaurant before but we had no choice. The waiter blamed covid for the fact that the food and service was terrible but we came in February and it was the same thought we’d give a second chance but it was even worse this time.
Written 31 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emma D
Bristol35 contributions
Jul 2020 • friends
Great location and nice fish and chips, terrible service. We went at lunch time and ordered one main course and one dessert to be brought at the same time (for 2 different people). It wasn’t very busy and there were quite a few people serving the tables. 45 mins later they came to say the dessert wasn’t on offer, did we still want the main! We said yes, and re-ordered a different dessert. 40mins later(!) they brought the main course, still no dessert. A further 20mins later they sent a young boy, maybe 14, to tell us the second dessert was also not available, would we like a very small tub of ice cream. We declined and asked if we could please pay as by that time the main course was gone and we had finished our drinks done time ago. We had to ask 3 more times to pay, and when the bill came they had charged us full price for the original, non-existent, dessert!! And again had sent the young boy to take our payment, we assume because they think disgruntled customers won’t have a go at him. Useless!!
Written 23 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Georgie M
Bristol35 contributions
Aug 2021 • none
We were a group of six who had chosen the pump house as our first group meal out together after lockdown. It has great undercover outside seating so we felt it was a good way to ease ourselves in!
The food menu had no notices to state whether a meal had dairy, nuts, veggie or vegan friendly. Two out of our group had specific needs (vegan & dairy allergy) so had to ask questions about the menu to work out what they could eat. Whilst the waiting staff were helpful they didn't really know much about the ingredients so had to take our questions to the chef, this happened a few times as we had follow on questions that couldn't be answered.
We found out that there was only one meal suitable for them both (cabbage!) and that they couldn't even have a side of fries as the deep fat fryer was used for all fried items instead of having a separate one for veggie items.
They both ordered the cabbage but unfortunately one had an allergic reaction. We don't know for certain, but we feel that this was due to cross contamination as we were told there was no dairy, but the allergy she has is really easily triggered. She couldn't choose another meal as there was nothing suitable so had to not eat whilst everyone else did. She did however get her drinks for free due to her experience.
The standard of food for the everyone else was ok, but not great. The mussels were severely overdone with many of the shells broken and the buttermilk chicken was greasy and salty. The portions were large though.
We were all disappointed with our experience. What should have been an enjoyable post lockdown catch up turned out to be a bit of a wash out, we won't be returning.
Written 21 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joel D
Bristol5 contributions
Jan 2021 • couples
I would like to complain about service yesterday.
I ordered a very simple oat milk hot chocolate and bacon, sausage and egg sandwich, the young lady kindly asked me if i wanted ketchup, i said yes.
After waiting 30minutes(!) outside, i discovered my sandwich was missing an egg and had no ketchup.
How such a basic order can take so long and be so badly messed up is beyond me.
This also cost me £10. Which is a total rip off. For just £2 more i can order an entire roast dinner from an award winning kitchen, which is exactly what im doing today. I will be reluctant to return to the Pump House when you reopen properly.
I see youve turned reviews off on facebook also. Over to Trip Advisor then..
Written 17 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter C
2 contributions
Nov 2021 • none
Four of us visited on Saturday 6th November 2021 because it was one of the only dog friendly restaurants available. On arrival we waited in the entrance lobby as requested. We were totally ignored by all staff so just walked in and announced our arrival. The service was casual to say the least and the staff were unaware of the menu and unable to answer our questions, one was unable to operate the tablet to take our order.
Our table was near the door which was constantly being opened, so us and the 2 tables nearby sat with our coats on all night. We were also next to display fridges and a drinks fridge. The place is more of a deli than a restaurant.
You're certainly not going to get fat by eating here. The starters were acceptable but tiny, especially for the price. The mains however were terrible. My son and I had rump steak at £22, which we thought was pricey but perhaps would have been extra special. Rather than a piece of rump steak as you would expect we were served 2-3 medallions of meat that I could barely get the steak knife through, let alone chew. The quality of the meat was very poor, they were also both overcooked (we asked for a rare and a medium rare, the medium rare was not pink at all and the rare was barely pink and it was dry). My wife had the gnocchi, which was tasty, but 6 tiny pieces for £16.50??? We had sticky toffee pudding for desert and it was lovely.
When the bill arrived 12.5% is automatically added on for 'Service Charge'. I'm a generous tipper where it's deserved, but being so presumptuous to automatically add on 12.5% really got to me. The service was adequate at best. After all, if the staff know they are getting 12.5% of gross turnover why should they try hard to go the extra mile? They're getting their tip anyway! It also means the restaurant can get away with paying minimum wage and the staff get it topped up by us, the customers.
Perhaps we got unlucky, make your own minds up, but we certainly wouldn't eat here again and would not recommend this restaurant.
Written 11 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MANOFBRIST0L
Bristol37 contributions
Jun 2021 • none
We called in for a drink, went through all sorts checks etc. to get a drink, we didn't mind of course.
We sat down the waitress took our order eventually, getting it confused several times.
Eventually a waitress walked aimlessly around with our order, she could not find our table (Table numbers?????). When serving, she gripped the glasses from the top of the glass (where we supposed to drink from) and put them on the tables, why not just put down the tray???
When it came to paying, we complained about how the glasses were put onto the table, we were not asked about service charges etc. offered no receipts but the bill was paid, I did requested a receipt, (which was grudgingly supplied ). Later I found we had a 12.5% service charge even though we complained about the service. No wonder they didn't want to issue a receipt.
My advice go elsewhere, thus not being ripped off
Written 23 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael O
Bristol57 contributions
Dec 2021 • family
I had fond memories of the pump house and the gourmet meals I enjoyed there in the past. Unfortunately it has completely lost its sparkle. The main pub is cold and lacks coziness. There is an odd mix of a deli/takeaway and a pub stripped of all character. The place is run down and chaotic. The food was average at best and significantly overpriced at £16-18 for a main.
BE AWARE, they have the audacity of adding 12.5% service charge for an average overpriced meal in a cold sad run down pub.
Don’t know when the ownership changed but best to avoid this place now.
Written 19 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David H
1 contribution
Aug 2020 • friends
We went for lunch and were told they were just doing sandwiches which was fine. That said, they made us wait 35 minutes even though there were six tables free. The blonde, stroppy waitress seemed very able to chat but almost incapable of wiping a table down. After 30 minutes of trying to amuse ourselves with how many times she could wander about doing nothing we were finally sat at a table that had been free for 25 minutes. The service was so bad that customers in the queue had gone through the seven stages of rage and had now entered an entirely new emotional state of exasperated, sardonic ridicule.
We sat down and were left to wonder what the process was for guessing the menu. We cajoled several members of our group to wait for the undoubtedly byzantine method of ordering. After 45 minutes of us having had nothing to do, we were told that the menus were all online.
At this point we decided that giving any money for this scandalous, shambolic, solopsistic, sinecure of service would be an abdication of our duty to mankind. Upon which terminus of human despair we reverted to our home up the street to muse at the depths of moronity of the owners of such a vacuous economic enterprise.
Then we had some ryveta and dips and were happy with the world. Bar The Pump House, Bristol.
Written 31 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Blackth0rn
Bristol1379 contributions
Jan 2022 • none
A large and prominent pub in a great position alongside the river, this is a great spot to sit outside on a sunny afternoon and while away a few hours. On a cold January evening though, it’s a different story. One side of the pub seems to be given over to some sort of deli/shop, although whether this is still used I’m not sure as it didn’t seem to have any stock. This obviously detracted from any atmosphere, but there wasn’t really any in the rest of the pub either for some reason, although it’s difficult to pin down why. Perhaps the very high ceilings and slightly cool temperature maybe. On approaching the bar we were told that it was table service only and to take a seat, but then had to wait quite some time for a drinks menu to appear. A couple of beers from Glastonbury sounded interesting, but these were served so mind numbingly cold, they had lost any semblance of flavour they may have once had. All the gins were priced as doubles, and when my wife said she only wanted a single the barman looked exceedingly non-plussed by this as though it was a very odd request that he didn’t know how to deal with.
A 12½% service charge was added to the bill which we declined to pay, not only because I didn’t ask for table service it was forced on me, but we had to wait quite some time for our menu, then to order, then for the drinks to arrive, then to get the bill and finally to pay. Oh, and they don’t take cash, despite there being no signs to this effect or telling us when we ordered. This used to be a pretty decent pub, but going on this experience I can see no reason to return, unless it is just to sit outside in the summer.
Written 15 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
H M
London4 contributions
Feb 2023 • couples
A second visit but some constant themes. Slightly intense atmosphere. A dizzying circle of signs instructing you on routes to the exit and toilets cycling around other signs instructing compliance with exclusive card payment, table service only ordering and other messages that could just be inferred.
Prices are not competitive but the quality of drinks is good.
The mackerel pate was very enjoyable, the accompanied shredded pickle was especially good.
The olives were poor. Stones and a spittoon were rather graceless.
Compulsory table service and then the presumption of a 10% service charge smacks of a management paying minimum wage and topping up with tips. The young staff were busy but no one seems to be enjoying their time there.
We’ve given the place a couple of outings but it won’t be getting a third.
Written 4 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sarahsue66
Bristol10 contributions
Feb 2021 • none
After a walk round the harbour we fancied a coffee so put on masks and went in..it was empty so we walked from the door to the counter only to be asked to walk round the one way system.. okay back to the door, round the shop and to the counter where we asked for a drinks list. No list available so we asked what drinks they had,got a vague reply & the lady said all drinks were around £2/3 pounds.i went to pay only to be told they didn't accept cash .I said that I hadn't seen a sign saying cash wasn't accepted.. that's because there isn't a sign we were told
No sign listing drinks or prices,no sign saying cash wasn't accepted..ok then
I fished out a credit card (I've got contactless but many don't) & paid £8.50 for 2 small,very average coffees and a chocolate bar
Going to the Spar round the corner in future so as not to repeat the experience
Written 12 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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