The Eastfield Inn is one of six Bristol pubs run by James Savage’s Zazu’s Pub Company and if there’s a common thread between them, it’s that they are all at the heart of their community.
In the case of The Eastfield Inn, which Savage took over in 2021, this large 1930s-built pub is a popular meeting place for Henleaze residents. It also has one of the biggest pub beer gardens in Bristol, including a pond and children’s play area.
When he took over the pub, Savage said the pub used to be his local when he lived in Henleaze and he always wanted to add it to his growing collection of pubs. He also owns The Alma in Clifton, The Westbury Park in Henleaze, The Knowle in Knowle, The Greenbank in Easton, and his most recent opening The Jolly Sailor at Hanham.
“I lived in Henleaze for many years and we spent many a sunny afternoon in the garden while the kids enjoyed the play area. I always thought it was grand old building and said I would love to run it myself one day so this is a dream come true.”
Three years on and The Eastfield Inn has certainly regained its status as a community hub. As well as the large garden, there’s a spacious conservatory which is often used for functions and parties.
There’s a skittles alley, dartboard and boules in the garden when the weather allows. Add in Sunday roasts, pizzas (they’re two-for-one on Sunday evenings) and a full food menu all week, and this is very much a pub that caters for everybody.
Cocktails are one reason locals flock to the pub at weekends, but there’s a frequently changing range of beers and ciders. Recent ales have included Wye Valley HPA, Bath Ales Gem and Butcombe Original, with pints only £4.70 – an increasing rarity these days.
For cider drinkers, the choice is often between Inch’s and Orchard Thieves, while fans of lager and continental beers can enjoy a range of draught options including Heineken and Birra Moretti.
With its numerous nooks and crannies, rugs on stripped boards, leaded art deco windows and chunky retro radiators, it’s as stylish as it’s cosy.
“It’s very much a hub of the community pub, with many locals groups and organisations using its various rooms for get-togethers,” says Savage. “It’s a huge pub with many different areas. There’s the garden room, a skittle alley that’s also a function room and four distinct areas in the main pub itself.
“The size and layout means we can stage events without getting in the way of being what is our main purpose – a traditional pub. Then there is the huge garden, which again has many different areas for different purposes.”
With so much on offer all year round, The Eastfield Inn is very much a pub for all comers and a bolthole for all seasons.
The Eastfield Inn, 219 Henleaze Road, Bristol, BS9 4NQ.