Bristol Live readers have spoken about the fate of The Old Tavern in Fishponds, a former pub with an 18th-century heritage, which could soon be redeveloped into student accommodation if developers have their way. Christian Grant Properties have proposed to Bristol City Council to convert the Grade-II listed building on Blackberry Hill into a two-storey block of flats designed to house 33 students.
The site has been vacant since its closure in 2018, aside from a period of occupation by squatters. Planning officers are set to advise the development control A committee to reject the proposal at their meeting on Wednesday, October 23, following nearly 50 public objections that highlight issues such as student overpopulation, traffic congestion, and parking problems in the area.
The Bristol branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) is also against the development, pointing out that the University of the West of England campus opposite the pub is expected to relocate and be converted into housing. The fate of the disused pub has become a hot topic among locals, with the Bristol Post reporting varied reactions. One reader, Crustycrab, quipped with a touch of humour, “Turn it into a brothel.”
Meanwhile, Saytoday35 believes: “Anything is better than the derelict mess it is now.”
While Banksstuart2 asks: “Why not convert the pub into family apartments for the local citizens with families desperate to get affordable social housing for rent on the council waiting list. Don`t these people who are long term homeless deserve a home they can call their own ahead of transient students temporary accommodation according to the green counclllors leading Bristol City Council?”
Keither thinks: “I guess it will be turned into a HMO at some point, as it will bring more money in.”
Bmw says: “Why student flats when the campus in Fishpond is closing?”
TalbotHill reminisces: “A good venue for live music over the years and in the days of Bernie Stone as Landlord, it was very busy. His widow and her sister ran it afterwards. It’ll be a sad loss if it goes!” ArnyD joins in with: “Yeah, That was Lynn and Sue the twins. Superb pub back then. Such a shame it’s gone to ruin.”
Over on the Bristol LiveFacebook page – Joanna Hall had this to say: “I think the council should buy it, knock it down and widen the road. It’s a bottleneck there every morning.”
Sharon Baker believes: “People don’t go to the pub as much now so due prices etc they can’t make a living so more will close. Unless the council as going to support it financially they should accept it’s closed and give permission.”
Ian Wiltshire adds: “Was a great pub 30-35 years ago when Bernie was landlord. Great beers and bands on a Saturday night after football at Glenside St Gabriel’s.”
Linden Gray thinks: “We have enough student flats being built or already built…open up as a pub im sure the locals would appreciate it i know i would i go past it often and think that used be a really nice pub and they served good food…and the locals dont need to drive to the pub…and as for more student flats i direct you to the hundreds being built around bedminster and st phillips and the temple quarter… SAVE OUR PUBS BRISTOL.”
So what do you think should be done with the abandoned pub? Let us know in the comments below or HERE.