Bristol Sunday Roast at The Shakespeare in Redland

Posted on: 2015-05-03

Our rating:

This impressive rejuvenation of The Shakespeare is undoubtedly wowing the punters with both its new, impressive makeover and its first-class menu of superbly cooked food.



Competition for Sunday roasts in Bristol is getting fierce. With practically every pub restaurant in the city proclaiming how sensational their version of the traditional British classic is, any newcomers had better pull out all the stops and deliver something a cut-above. The Shakespeare in Redland emphatically, categorically does under the confident and assured direction of Neil and Olivia Greenwood who also preside over The Royal Oak on Gloucester Road. 

The Shakespeare has undergone a major refurbishment which has seen the once separate public and lounge bars being knocked into one. The red-brick building actually dates back to 1903 and now has a beautifully spacious, light and airy feel comprising of high ceilings, lovely chunky wooden tables, contemporary decor and a horseshoe bar. In the garden there are plenty of wooden benches and a rather nice woodland themed mural on the wall. 

The Shakespeare, Lower Redland Road, Redland, Bristol, BS6 6SS

There's a good range of real ales such as Sharp's Doom Bar and Bath Ales Gem, ciders such as Symonds and Thatchers Heritage, and an extensive selection of wines and spirits. But to the Sunday roast menu which offered leg of lamb, belly of pork, vegetable Wellington and dry-aged silverside of beef. 

I went for the belly of pork and it was absolutely sensational. The crackling was like no other crackling I've ever tasted, one massive, thick, crunchy and utterly delicious shell which gave way to soft, melt-in-the-mouth layers of superlatively cooked and exquisitely tasty pork. 

Bristol Sunday Roast at The Shakespeare in Redland

My friend opted for the beef which had been just as masterfully cooked, packed with flavour and falling apart with barely a touch of the knife. Each of the roast dinners were accompanied by leeks and greens, expertly cooked roast potatoes, all sitting in an adequate pool of rich gravy and topped with an obscenely huge Yorkshire pudding. 

For £12.50 and the amount of food that was piled on to the plate, this Sunday roast represents exceptional value for money. In fact, it left us so monumentally bloated we couldn't even manage to force down a dessert. 

Manager Olly Slym is a jovial, affable host, and in chefs Mitch Abery and Adam Green the Greenwood's have clearly surrounded themselves with some premiere, consummate kitchen talent. 

The pub was packed when we visited, and many of the Sunday afternoon crowd could be heard animatedly commenting on how the place has changed so much from its previous incarnation. This impressive rejuvenation of The Shakespeare is undoubtedly wowing the punters with both its new, impressive makeover and its first-class menu of superbly cooked food.  

4.5/5

Reviewed by Jamie Caddick for www.365Bristol.com - the leading events and entertainment website for Bristol.

The Shakespeare, Lower Redland Road, Redland, Bristol, BS6 6SS

Tel. 0117 9733909

Web. www.theshakespearebristol.co.uk

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Massive Yorkshire Puddings at The Shakespeare in Bristol



Article by:

James Anderson

Born and raised in the suburbs of Swansea, Jimmy moved to Bristol back in 2004 to attend university. Passionate about live music, sport, science and nature, he can usually be found walking his cocker spaniel Baxter at any number of green spots around the city. Call James on 078 9999 3534 or email Editor@365Bristol.com.