Not many spots can count Alan Carr, Russell Howard and Russell Kane among those who have propped up the bar. But then again, there aren’t many pubs like the Smoke & Mirrors.
The backstreet boozer’s selling point is that it’s home to a 46-seat theatre accessed through a ‘secret’ door at the back of the pub. Intimate in nature, the pub welcomes some of the top magicians and comedians from across the UK, as well as local acts looking for a chance to show off their talent.
Although there are lots of people in Bristol who are aware of this special space, there are many others who have no idea it exists. “We have a little stage at the front of the pub which is what people first see when they come in,” said manager Syd Roseblade, who runs the Denmark Street business alongside owner Mark Bennett, back in 2020.
“It’s quite amusing because most people think that’s where the magic or comedy event is going to take place when they arrive, and they often look a tad disappointed.
“The reaction on their face when they’re shown through to the actual theatre is priceless and one of my favourite things about this job.”
The small stage Syd refers to in the bar area plays host to live music every weekend, adding further to the wide range of live entertainment Smoke & Mirrors welcomes. Director Mark said that although the Covid pandemic has had a bruising impact on his bar, as it has on hospitality venues across the city, the Smoke & Mirrors will “not be going anywhere”.
In recent years he has made improvements to the venue including changing the secret entrance to the theatre from a curtain to a door, upgrading the pizza oven and creating a green room for comedians and artists.
Smoke & Mirrors has been ranked as the “top thing to do in Bristol” on TripAdvisor for a number of years. Visitors praise it on a regular basis and one reviewer labelled it as Bristol’s best kept secret, writing: “The entertainment was outstanding, the food and drink was high quality and the service was amazing.”
Another visitor added: “Absolutely fantastic from start to finish. This was bought as a Christmas gift from a family member for myself and my partner and would 100% recommend.
“The comedy/magic show was fantastic, the décor and atmosphere was lovely, pizza well made and tasty and staff friendly and knowledgeable.”
Syd said the venue attracts a wide range of customers, from tourists who discover the place on Tripadvisor to people nipping in for pre-theatre pints.
“A lot of people don’t know what to expect when they come here,” added Syd.
“As we’re doing really well on Tripadvisor we get a lot of tourists, who are always really impressed with what we do, but we also get people who come here for a few pre-show pints before heading to the Hippodrome and O2 Academy.
“It’s so nice when we get those five star reviews because each one is a sign we’re doing the right thing.”
You might think Smoke & Mirrors is only worth visiting when there’s live entertainment going on, but that’s not the case. It has a decent selection of ales to choose from and delicious pizzas, which make it worth your time even when the region’s finest magicians or comedians aren’t gracing the stage.
There’s a reason the Smoke & Mirrors is seen as one of Bristol’s top attractions, and we recommend stopping in next time you’re passing. Who knows, you might just catch the next Russell Howard or Russell Kane…
More information about Smoke & Mirrors can be found on its website.
This article was first published in January 2020 and was republished in January 2025.