
Yes, you’ve read that correctly. There is a rumour that the front door of The Hatchet Inn is covered in human skin, beneath layers and layers of black paint. The skin is said to have belonged to an executed convict, but is there any truth to the claim? Well, there’s no real evidence supporting it. But no one’s examined the door intensely enough to disprove it – and we’d guess the owners prefer it that way!
Dating back to 1606, The Hatchet Inn is undoubtedly the oldest-running pub in Bristol. The name comes from the axes of woodsmen who used to visit from the nearby Clifton Woods. Later, it became a favourite haunt of the infamous pirate Edward Teach aka Blackbeard.
During the 18th century, The Hatchet Inn also became notorious for housing some pretty violent sports. There was a cock-fighting ring, a rat pit for rodent teasing and also a popular place for bare-knuckle boxing. Both English champions Jem Belcher and Henry Pearce built their reputations at the pub. If walls could talk, hey?

While all that might make the Hatchet Inn feel rather intimidating, it’s actually a very friendly pub these days. Tucked away on Frogmore Street, the Tudor-style pub sits next to the O2 Academy Bristol, while Bristol Beacon isn’t far away, so is popular among music lovers looking for a pre-gig pint. You’ll also find Banksy’s Well Hung Lover a stone’s throw away too.
It is inside what counts, however, where you’ll find all the familiar trappings of a proper traditional boozer – a range of cask and craft beers, and a Sunday roast. Upstairs, you’ll find a couple of pool tables and all the biggest sporting events on big TV screens. Check out the superb beer garden on sunny days too.
The Hatchet Inn is still one of Bristol’s most popular pubs – even if it does look like it might tip over – after all these centuries for a reason. So whether or not the front door really does contain human skin, doesn’t matter much. It’s not this gruesome rumour that has helped it stay open for 400 years. To learn more about The Hatchet Inn head here.