The Beehive

My previous encounter with the Beehive left me less than enamoured with my experience and a consequential average review ensued (see below) I noticed yesterday that the review still pops and it's not fair such an old review is still there so here's my update for 2023. They worked hard to keep us happy and I'd say the service we got for a Bristol suburban pub was exceptional. The gent cruising the tables kept everyone topped up (like the best hotels and restaurants do) and my fellow diners commented on how good a salesman he was. The food is certainly less pretentious than it was but far more honest for it. They were busy and honest about it but this didn't slow down the service and our food came out timely and well presented. The ale is still good and they're nailing the basics better so I'm happy to dole out a star upgrade. Come on though Google - time to gradually fade those old pub reviews out so people don't get the wrong impression. Old review: When I had quick nose at the 194 previous reviews of this place, depending on what you want to believe when you read reviews, I was to expect a warm welcome in a gentrified cozy gastropub with an overpriced menu serving great value average food by staff who are both polite and amenable whilst being frosty and unconcerned. Now I know that pubs are a bit like schools (one bad experience and the whole place needs an Ofsted) but I'm starting to think that if you're going to review a pub then you should at the very least stick to the facts and avoid hyperbole. Google could help here too by removing any review over 4 months old on pubs since they change hands and managers so frequently that anything older might as well be a fossil discovery. Anyway - sticking to the facts... Ling is a cheap fish so a £13 portion of it on mash with capers, cabbage and crispy chorizo needed to be special to, well, earn it's place on the specials board. Sadly the fish was overcooked, the piggy bits burned and the cabbage somehow less yielding than the boots I had on. Similarly, the prawns (in my partner's linguine) had seen too much of the sun. The menu was quite exciting so it's a shame we dropped on the one food the chef probably missed that lesson on when they were at college. The beer was good as was the cheesboard (at £8 it had no excuses) which came with a delightful little richly sliced tomato pickle. Not cheap but not expensive but if they want the foodies in you've got to nail the basics down.

We booked a table for the family including a wheelchair user and a dog after a recommendation as we aren't local to Bristol. We were made to feel so welcome with the dog being given her own water bowl, and treats. Staff were so friendly and helpful, we sat a long time over the meal and didn't feel at all rushed. Food was lovely, portions enormous. Would absolutely choose to book again if we are in the area. Thank you

We just had a wonderful evening at the Beehive - a fond farewell to the area before moving house. Dan was especially brilliant - he even played football with our kids and brought out ‘special’ water with fresh berries for them. He really made the evening! The food and atmosphere were great too. Highly recommended!