The Ashville in Southville, Bristol - a pub, restaurant and bed and breakfast
Posted on: 17 Jun 2015Here at 365Bristol we enjoy getting out and about across our beautiful city and meeting the many amazing characters whose entrepreneurial spirit contributes so much to the vibrancy of Bristol. Recently we met up with Sandor, the owner of The Ashville, a pub and restaurant located in Southville.
The Ashville has been steadily building up a great reputation for superb food since opening in early 2014. 365Bristol decided to find out a little more about Sandor and popped along to meet him and grill him with some quick fire questions!
1.When did you set up The Ashville?
I took over in January 2015.
2. Are you from Bristol?
No, I am originally from Hungary but have lived in Bristol for 5 Years so it is now my home city! I am a qualified chef and an ex soldier.
3. How's business?
I would imagine business is very tough for everyone, but saying that it is picking up here at The Ashville, we are getting some great feedback and reviews on Trip Advisor regarding the quality of our food and service. Towards the end of June we are planning on having live music in the restaurant on Friday and Saturday evenings. It will be quite low key Jazz and Blues music, but we hope that this will attract new clientele.
There is a 2-4-1 menu available from Monday through Saturday from 12-3pm and 5-6pm. We need to try different things.
4. Tell us about your business? .
Our Head Chef Simon Miller is extremely talented and prides himself on the preparation, cooking and presentation of all of his food. It is sourced locally and we only use the freshest of ingredients. Simon’s Saddle of Lamb and his home cooked Beer Battered Fish and triple cooked chips are to die for. My wife Christina bakes all of our homemade bread and rolls, they are delicious.
We are constantly offering new cask and guest ales alongside our ciders and lagers. We now have Strawberry and Lime Rekorderlig Cider on tap and to our knowledge we will be the only restaurant/bar serving this on tap rather than out of a bottle. We also have an extensive wine list which provides wines from many countries around the World.
5. Your Sunday Roasts are extremely popular, is it best to book in advance?
Our Bristol Sunday Roasts are indeed extremely popular and booking is strongly recommended - call us on 0117 939 6897 - I think they are popular because they are of the highest quality with very good portion sizes. We serve our Sunday Roasts from 12 Noon until 7pm.
6. How do you find running an independent business in Bristol?
Running any business takes a lot of hard work, perseverance and dedication and without a major chain backing you, it makes it harder. Saying that, it also has its rewards, when you get it right and we very often do, you know it is down to you and your staff that have achieved this. This provides you with a huge sense of pride.
7. Where do you like to eat out in Bristol when you are not dining at The Ashville?
Working very long hours here at The Ashville, we do not really eat out anywhere, although I do understand that there are some very good restaurants in Bristol. Being a Chef I cook a lot of family meals at home. It’s nice to relax and spend some quality time with my family in the surroundings of our own home.
8. What's your favourite place in Bristol?
Having a young son, we like to go to a lot of parks and open spaces. We are lucky in Bristol in that we have a lot of wonderful places to visit. A few of my favourite open areas are The Downs, Ashton Court and Brandon Hill. We also like to walk around Millennium Square.
9. Where do you see The Ashville in 5 years time?
I would like to see The Ashville recognised as the place to go and eat for the quality of its food and service. I want it known by people from all over Bristol and beyond.
10. What advice would you give to any aspiring Bristol small business owners?
If you put the hard work in from the start and provide your clients with a top quality service and product, you will see the rewards. This will take time and patience, but perseverance will pay off. Also do not be afraid to try different things to try and improve the business.
11. If you were Mayor of Bristol for a day which one thing would you change?
I guess that a lot of other people having been asked this question may say the same as me. I would prefer that the area does not implement a Residents Parking Permit scheme. At the moment many of my clientele drive to visit us, safe in the knowledge that they can park quite easily around the restaurant.
The Ashville can be found at 15 Leigh Street, Bristol, BS3 1SN and is open Monday to Saturday 12pm - 3pm for lunch and 5pm until 10pm for Dinner. All Day Roasts are served Sundays 12 – 7pm. To reserve a table please call 0117 939 6897.
For more information please visit The Ashville website at www.theashville.co.uk or connect with them via Facebook and Twitter.
Article by:
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.
