You’ve heard of cafes for dogs serving puppuccinos, but what about a cat pub with purr-fect pints? At the Bag Of Nails, sitting in the shadow of Brandon Hill, more than a dozen cute kitties roam the tables and bar – but don’t worry they’re very loving and friendly!
There’s no gimmick here, however, no extra charges to cuddle up with a cat. This Hotwells spot is just a traditional pub full of cats. That’s it. While the pub dates back to the 1860s, it didn’t become known as Bristol’s cat pub until Luke Daniels became landlord in 2012. After unassumingly taking in one cat, the feline population of Bag Of Nails quickly grew to nearly as many as two dozen – although that number is a little smaller today.
And these furry friends are only part of the reason Bag Of Nails has remained among Bristol’s best pubs for the past 10 years. You’ll also find some of the cheapest pints in Bristol here. There are pints of real ale costing as low as £3.70, with many more at similarly low prices.
But not only is their good beer but lots of great entertainment too. There are quiz nights every Tuesday, regular poker evenings, and a large selection of board games too. And when there aren’t live musicians playing, expect eclectic records playing from an old gramophone.
This is not a pub for everyone, however, and there are some strict rules to follow. Unfortunately, no dogs are allowed – which is a given due to the large number of cats running around – and no pub crawls either. Our favourite rule is: Babies and toddlers must be stored in the cellar. But the rest you’ll have to pop your head in to learn.
Don’t get us wrong though. Bag Of Nails is a friendly and inviting pub. One that aims to create an enjoyable atmosphere for all to experience. Whether catching up with some old friends or looking for somewhere to relax and read your book. Or of course, in desperate need of a cat cuddle.
To keep up-to-date with Bag Of Nails head here.