Nobody likes change. When the much-loved Cross Hands in Fishponds closed early last year, it was tough news to swallow. Many were happy to hear then that it’d reopen under new owners, but many more were outraged to learn it’d reopen at The All Inn – even stating a petition to ‘Leave the ‘Cross Hands’ pub name alone’.
It’s a bit of a silly name for sure – other pubs from the Oxford-based Dodo Pub Co. include The Up In Arms and The Last Crumb – but time heals most things. Now, almost a year later, The All Inn is almost as loved by locals for its traditional yet quirky aesthetic, as the Cross Hands ever was. And unsurprisingly too.
Serving a wide selection of craft beers, authentic Neapolitan pizza and signature dirty burgers, The All Inn has continued Dodo Pub Co’s mission of giving a second life to down-and-out boozers. Its aim is: “To create great neighbourhood pubs, for the people of that neighbourhood to eat, drink and be social.
“We’ve been wanting to find the right place for a Dodo pub in Bristol for several years now,” said co-founder Leo Johnson, at the time of opening. “Two of us lived there for a while and we all love its vibrancy and the feeling of inclusion that seems to permeate the city. It’s got a great mix of pubs, bars and restaurants, and we firmly believe that our neighbourhood vibe will fit right in.”
The hard work has now paid off, as the 2024 National Pub & Bar Awards County Winners list sees The All Inn crowned the best pub in Bristol. But the celebrations might not end there… The Staple Hill Road boozer is now invited (along with all 94 county winners) to the National Pub & Bar Awards Grand Final on June 26.
The evening will then see 15 Regional Winners revealed – with Bristol’s The All Inn up against other South West winners like The George Inn (Norton St. Philip) in Somerset and The Bottle of Sauce in Gloucestershire. Other prestigious awards include Pub Brand of the Year, Bar Brand of the Year, The Tyrrells Tyrrellbly Good Taste Award and the overall National Pub & Bar of the Year. To see all the winners head here.
2024 National Pub & Bar Awards, South West:
Bristol, The All Inn
Cornwall, The Barley Sheaf, Gorran
Devon, Masons Arms
Dorset, The Pure Drop
Gloucestershire, The Bottle of Sauce
Somerset, The George Inn, Norton St. Philip
Wiltshire, The Methuen Arms