The Gryphon reopens following successful trial run

The Gryphon reopens following successful trial run

Posted on: 20 Oct 2020

The popular heavy metal pub is finally back in business after months of closure.

 

Renowned Bristol pub and much-loved heavy metal venue The Gryphon reopened to the public over the weekend, having been closed since the beginning of March due to the coronavirus crisis.

 

Celebrating their tenth birthday in 2020, the pub is a firm favourite for metal fans up and down the UK, and has become a hub for the genre in Bristol over the years.

 

Earlier this year owner John Ashby launched a crowdfunder to safeguard the venue for the future, covering essential maintenance work and enabling the ongoing support of staff, which eventually raised more than £15,000.

 

Now, with new safety measures in place and a successful trial run carried out, The Gryphon has finally been able to host its long-awaited reopening, and will be welcoming the public back through its doors six days a week.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Looks like we made it! We have been closed since 20th March, and we finally had our reopening night last night. It's great to be back. Whilst routines have changed, the soul of The Gryphon remains. Thank you for all the positivity and support over the past 7 months. We are constantly adjusting to the rules and regs, but I think we've got most of it sussed out. We now have a table booking system (highly advised after 6pm) https://tableagent.com/bristol/the-gryphon/ We also have new sexy artwork on our tables, ready to be gorped at! ???? We hope to see you soon. Stay safe. Stay Metal ???????? #GryphonBristol #HeavyMetalPub #HeavyMetal #Pub #Bristol #IndependentVenue #Freehouse #Alehouse #GoFunYourself #LocalPub #MyLocal #Local #VisitBristol #365Bristol #Bristol247 #AllHailTheAle #DarkerShadeOfAle #LiveMusicVenue #GoodBeerGuide #LoudMagazine #DestinationBristol #BestPubInBristolWinner #BestPub #Open #2020

A post shared by The Gryphon Bristol (@gryphonbristol) on

 

Despite pubs getting the go-ahead from the government to open in early July, The Gryphon's doors remained firmly closed in an effort to safeguard staff and members of the public. 

 

Sharing his decision not to reopen back via Facebook, John explained that he believed it would have been irresponsible to open amid ongoing safety concerns.

 

"The safety of my household, the well-being of my staff, and making sure you folks aren’t put at unnecessary risk is paramount," he said at the time.

 

"Staying at home, washing your hands, and wearing masks in public, are the simplest measures we can do to reduce risks to yourselves and others."

 

The extended closure has, however, given John and his team the chance to fine-tune their approach to a COVD-safe operation, minimising risk to staff and visitors.

 

John took to Facebook once again this month to reveal a set of ground rules for The Gryphon's reopening, and released updated operating hours last week.

 

For the foreseeable future, keeping in mind the ongoing 22:00 government curfew for hospitality venues, The Gryphon will be open from 16:00-21:20 Tuesday to Friday, and 14:00-21:20 Saturdays and Sundays.

 

 

The pub's reopening has been a long time coming and was welcome news for loyal regulars and heavy metal fans across Bristol, with tables selling out on the first two nights of business.

 

In an effort to ensure the pub remains as safe as possible, the team will be operating table service at all times. Visitors will be required to sign up to the NHS Track & Trace service upon entry, and wear a mask at all times unless seated.

 

Tables must be booked in advance, and are bookable in groups of up to six people. You can book yours here.

 

For more information on The Gryphon's reopening, or to follow news and updates in the coming weeks, head to The Gryphon's Facebook page.


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Article by:

Matt Robson

 

Editor - 365Bristol.com & LOUD Magazine
 

Matt is a Journalism graduate and writer, passionate about supporting Bristol music, art and independent business. Get in touch via email at matt@365bristol.com.