If you remember the Colosseum in Redcliffe, it was either you’re favourite pub in Bristol or you crossed the street to avoid it. The rough-and-ready pub was everything the modern gastropub isn’t, but that brought a certain charm hard to recreate. A proper boozer, opposite St Mary Redcliffe Church, it was been an icon of Bristol since the 1960s. So it was a shock when it suddenly shut down last year.
It feels like we hear that news too often about our favourite places. So it was wonderful to learn that the Colosseum had been saved. The owners of Mother’s Ruin and The Crown – some of the best music pubs in Bristol – bought the pub (becoming part of the World Famous Dive Bars group).
Announcing the news last summer (July 21, 2023), The Mother’s Ruin wrote on Facebook: “We are so happy to finally be able to share this news, and we hope you’re just as excited as us for the day we open the doors. Follow the new page to stay in the loop.” It was initially set to reopen in October, but after some major refurbishment, will finally open its doors on February 3.
Knowing The Mother’s Ruin on St Nicholas Street and The Crown on All Saints Lane all too well, these pubs have bags of character and charm. So we expect the Colloseum to lose none of what made it initially special – and yes, the iconic sign will still be staying, while the bar has moved back to its original ’60s position.
It might’ve had a makeover, but The Colosseum has kept its traditional boozer feel for locals. Blessed with a 24-hour license, flexible hours could see it stay open until as late as 4am. So here’s to late-night drinking, a full menu offering small plates, and a cleaned-up beer garden. We’re sure there a plenty of more surprises in the pipeline, but it’s glad to see this iconic pub back!
To learn more about The Colosseum head to its Facebook page here.