We love a good riverside pub at Secret Bristol – so much so that we wrote an article about them and half-invented an epic pub crawl along the River Avon. Unfortunately, one of our favourites – The Lock Keeper – had to temporarily close in January due to flooding. But it’s back open following its refurbishment as a ‘foodie haven’.
About a 20-minute drive from Bristol or a two-hour walk, if you fancy it, the Grade II listed inn offers a beautiful backdrop of the Keynsham Lock. Take a seat in the pub’s bright and airy conservatory with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the river and countryside views. Or, wait until the summer, to check out the new and improved riverside terrace – leading down to the expansive garden and the lock.
The views speak for themselves. What we’re here to talk about is the exciting new menu, which shines a spotlight on seasonal British ingredients and is turning this historic pub into an incredible foodie destination. With a focus on hand-picked ingredients, the menu celebrates the changing seasons and pays homage to the British harvest, from succulent steaks from Newton Farm in Bath to sustainable game from Church Farm in Oxford.
Signature dishes include: Cured mackerel with rhubarb ketchup, chicory and blood orange and fennel dressing; Newton Farm 8oz rib-eye with triple cooked chips and smoked pink peppercorn butter; and Celeriac and cavolo nero cassoulet with herb crumb and samphire. But if you fancy some classic pub grub, you can also get your hands on everything from Scotch eggs and sausage rolls to Sunday roasts.
It’s not just the menu that’s had an upgrade. The historic pub has also been sensitively restored throughout, blending original features with contemporary flourishes. Meanwhile, behind the bar, you’ll from a range of British breweries taking centre stage – from Bath Ales to St Austell Brewery and Hop Union Brewery. Plus, a selection of wines and cocktails for those incoming summer days.
Sitting along the Kingswood Heritage Trail, The Lock Keeper is the ideal pitstop for a walk any time of the year. Open every day, you can also expect a range of community events, from Sip & Paint classes to wreath-making workshops, making the visit worth it. To learn more about this riverside pub we suggest heading here.
You’ll find The Lock Keeper at Keynsham Road, Keynsham, Bristol, BS31 2DD