The Masons Arms is one of those tucked away village pubs that doesn’t see many new faces. But then you get the impression that the locals are quite happy with that and that’s all part of its charm.
A timeless red-brick Victorian pub dating from the 1880s, it was refurbished in the late 1950s by Bristol’s George’s Brewery and not much has altered since. And that’s why it is one of the few Bristol pubs to be handed a star by the CAMRA Pub Heritage Group for its interior which is of ‘special national historic interest’.
The Masons Arms’ name refers to a time when the pub would have been frequented by dusty, thirsty workers at nearby Huckford Quarry. Running along the River Frome, it’s now a beautiful nature reserve and woodland so ramblers often stop off at the pub for a pint.
Landlord Carlos Rodrigues took over The Masons Arms in December 2021 so is approaching three years at the helm. The previous landlord, Steve Moyse, was there for 38 years and Carlos says he did such a great job that all he had to do was ‘keep the pub running as he had and I was on to a winner’.
A few tweaks here and there to put his own influence on the place was all Carlos needed to do when he took over but the pub is lucky to have a strong customer base of loyal regulars. The interior, however, is pretty much the same it has been for the past 40 years.
Carlos says his predecessor was ex-Navy which explains the surprising nautical theme of marine clocks, barometers and wooden ship wheels. The pub also has an impressive Formula 1 theme including a signed tyre on one wall and a picture of Nigel Mansell, as well as signed shirts from both Bristol City and Bristol Rovers.
In the smaller of the two bars, another unique feature is the wooden flooring which came from an old cheese factory. It’s distinguishable by the circles along each board – a result of how the cheese was stacked.
Behind the bar, there is a row of old china water jugs. Most have whisky brands on them, although one advertises Hamlet cigars.
On draught, there’s Butcombe Original, San Miguel, Peroni, Amstel, Cruzcampo, Thatchers Gold and Haze. When I visited, there was sign on the bar advertising £10 for a bottle of Chardonnay – clearly a popular deal as two women were well into their second bottle on the afternoon I was there.
When it comes to food, it’s all about the crisps, the £2 filled rolls and the Naked Pig pork scratchings served straight from the smart, glass-fronted warmer on the bar. Warm pork scratchings with a cold pint of cider – it’s the stuff dreams are made of.
Carlos says: “Due to the location we don’t see a lot of new faces as it’s more of a hidden gem in the village. Sometimes walkers, cyclists, dog walkers may stumble across the pub and I’m happy to say all have a similar response in that they think it’s a nice old-school boozer.
“It’s a typical small village pub with a very welcoming atmosphere. That has always been my aim and what my wonderful staff present to every single customer.”
The Masons Arms, 41 North Road, Winterbourne, BS36 1PT.