It will come as no real surprise to Bristol pubgoers that the average price of a pint across the UK has now hit £5.08 – a hike of 26p since the end of last year. That’s according to pub industry trade publication The Morning Advertiser and its regular pint price survey.
In the past week, I’ve supped pints in Kent, Shropshire, Birmingham and London – each time, to my surprise, paying under £5.08 despite drinking in small independent pubs hit harder than large chains.
Disappointingly, it was only when returning to Bristol pubs that I seemed to be paying above the national average more often than not.
At the Jersey Lily, located on the Blackboy Hill end of Whiteladies Road, I stumped up £5.30 for a pint of Bob, a real ale produced by the pub’s owners, Wickwar Wessex Pub Co. Had I ordered Beavertown Neck Oil or Guinness, it would have been even more.
It’s no wonder there were only a handful of drinkers in the pub on Thursday evening. Had I visited on Tuesday or Wednesday, however, I could have enjoyed the same beer for £1.30 less – those two days are when the pub runs its ‘ale sale’ and all house ales are a more appetising £4 a pint.
Named after Lillie Langtry, the Jersey-born Victorian actress, socialite and racehorse breeder, the one-room pub is comfortable and welcoming. There are high and low tables, leather banquettes, vintage mirrors and boxes of board games – it’s a cosy pub and ideal for long winter evenings.
As well as pavement seating when the weather allows, there’s a small covered outside area to the right of the entrance. Large TV screens also make the pub a popular choice for live sport, especially the Six Nations.
Alongside Bob, there is Wickwar Wessex Pub Co’s Falling Star on draught and Devon-brewed Hanlons Citra IPA. Also on tap are three ciders – Scrummage, Orchard Thieves and Inch’s – and Guinness, Murphy’s, Amstel, Heineken and Moretti. And if gin is your thing, there is a vast selection – I lost count at 25 different types.
A two-minute walk from the Downs, The Jersey Lily has always been a favourite with university students. Many student houses and halls of residence are a leisurely stroll away although they probably break into a brisk canter on Mondays when many drinks are only £3.50 for students.
The Jersey Lily, 193 Whiteladies Road, Redland, Bristol, BS8 2SB.