A pub steeped in history is about to undergo a refurbishment which will enhance its traditional features.
While many believe the oldest pub in Bristol is either the Hatchet Inn or Llandoger Trow, which has been closed for almost a year, The Shakespeare Tavern claims to have the longest-serving alcohol licence of any boozer in the city.
Run by Greene King for the past 15 years, the Prince Street pub's popularity has soared in recent years, prompting the firm to carry out a "careful" renovation.
The pub, known for its impressive range of real ales, is run by Nick Ashby, who has worked in branches run by the group across the South West for the past six years.
Its rich history was one of the aspects that attracted him to the pub.
"Pubs like the Llandoger and the Hatchet were closed down and had their licences revoked many years ago, which means we boast the longest-serving alcohol licence in Bristol," said the 26-year-old.
"Our licence dates back to 1722 which means we're the oldest serving ale house in the city, which is something we're really proud of.
"The history of the building is amazing; it's got original Victorian staircases across the five floors, original wood panelling, original coving and stained glass windows at the back."
The Shakespeare Tavern is one of the last remaining original Georgian buildings on Prince Street.
Riots in the seventeenth century saw many buildings around Queen Square burned down, with only three - including the pub - escaping severe damage.
A hub for real ale
People rave about the Shakespeare Tavern's offering behind the bar and it's easy to see why.
Alongside the common options like Amstel, Peroni and San Miguel, there are always some more unusual ales on offer and Nick ensures the barrels are kept in tip-top shape in the cellar.
"I'm a lover of real ale so this pub was the perfect fit for me," he said. "Every time I go somewhere I'll make sure I try one of the rare, unusual beers. I like to experiment as much as possible.
"We tend to go for local breweries within a 60-mile radius where possible. We've got a few Bristol Beer Factory beers and some from Box Steam in Trowbridge which are going well at the moment.
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"We always have a dark ale on like a porter or stout which are always popular as there aren't many places left that sell rare ale anymore."
The 26-year-old said he "treats the barrels as if they were his own children" in order to ensure the pub's Cask Marque grade remains at the highest level.
How will the pub's aesthetic change?
Alarm bells ring when a refurbishment is lined up at a historic, traditional pub such as this one, with fears it will lose its identity.
But that will not be the case at the Shakespeare Tavern - far from it in fact, said Nick.
Instead, the pub will follow Greene King's 'heritage branding', which is rolled out at all of the group's London pubs and only one other outside the capital, in Oxford.
"This refresh is all about enhancing the pub's existing features. We're restoring some of the wood paneling that's been painted and highlighting some of the stained glass windows a bit more," he said.
"I'm also searching for vintage items to bring into the pub to really push its history, for example glass decanters for all the cordials and more brass.
"Out the front we want to enhance the views so people can see Redcliffe and the waterside from the pub.
"We're treating this refurbishment carefully and putting a lot of money into it because it's such a special building. It's going to be really exciting."
The work is expected to begin at the end of March, but opening hours will not be affected with much of it taking place overnight.
And what about food and drink?
Hearty pub snacks like sausage rolls and Scotch eggs will be introduced, said Nick, while traditional pub classics like fish and chips and bangers and mash will remain.
More pies are being added to the menu and Nick said the pub will also serve biltong, a form of dried, cured meat, which is "absolutely delicious".
He added: "As we're located near lots of museums it's a really good place for visitors to visit for a spot of grub as well as locals.
"The new menu is expected to be rolled out at the end of April and we can't wait for people to try it."
Drinks will become "more premium" with San Miguel being replaced by Estrella and Carling being swapped out for a more upmarket pilsner, while Amstel and Peroni will remain.
"exciting" - Google News
March 08, 2020 at 05:49PM
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Historic Bristol pub The Shakespeare Tavern to undergo 'exciting' refurbishment - Bristol Post
"exciting" - Google News
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