Bristol Live readers have been spilling the beans on the Bag of Nails pub in Bristol, which is creating a buzz not only for its beers but also for its rather unusual bunch of furry inhabitants. The ‘cat pub’ phenomenon seems to have captivated visitors from across the globe, yet local opinions are divided about these purring patrons.
It baffles many that this small Bristolian watering hole is luring tourists from places as distant as Japan and Thailand, mainly thanks to its distinctive appeal. Established in the 1800s, the Bag of Nails has transformed into a sanctuary for a clowder of cats that found their home there almost by chance.
When Luke Daniels became the landlord of the Hotwells-based Bag of Nails back in 2012, little did he know his pub would turn into a feline haven housing 14 cats, nor did he anticipate it becoming a magnet for cat enthusiasts worldwide. Initially just an authentic real ale pub located on St George’s Road, things took a turn when Luke adopted his friend’s cat, Malcolm, leading to a gradual increase in the cat population, reaching up to 24 after several batches of kittens were born.
The once quiet locale gained sudden fame after a story went viral following coverage by the Bristol Evening Post in 2015. Reflecting on the sudden spotlight, Luke said: “From that moment onwards my life went completely mental for six months straight,” recalling a period when his phone was incessantly flooded with calls from major newspapers, each eager to capture the unique tale.
The pub has even seen international attention after being featured by numerous websites in Russia, Thailand, and Japan, leading to a surge of visitors, including two Japanese film crews in 2016. “For about six months, the pub was rammed. The furthest distance someone travelled just to come to our pub was Tokyo. Imagine someone flying all that way just to see the Bag of Nails? It’s just a bit mad.”
Reader Theboiledstocking asks: “Surely this place gets a hygiene inspection?”
Jesus’s adds: “I think it’s a great idea it’s home to the cats and bring people in new way to see how the cats behave in the pubs I have two cat very play together and eating out the same dishes and water ball and sleep together as well very do have their monument at times but very happy together even play with the dog she loves the cats playing around all together happy days for the pubs cats and people lovely idea.”
Antionetta comments: “Not for me, thank you. Cats on a bar while drinks being served.”
Webbo3 agrees: “Cats and cat food on the bar, no thanks.”
Badgerfriend says: “My daughter has been there and loves it. I must go myself.”
Vivox80pro jokes: “The house special is a whiskers & coke on the rocks.”
As you can see the pub is dividing public opinion amongst our readers – so it begs the question – Will you drink amongst the cats at the Bag of Nails pub in Bristol? Let us know in the comments below or HERE.