Bristol is a city in the southwest of England, known for its vibrant and artistic culture. One of the most popular ways to explore the city is by pub crawling, especially the famous A-Z Bristol Pub Crawl. Among the must-visit pubs on the tour is The Old England, located in the Montpelier area of the city.
The Old England pub is believed to be the only one in the UK that has its own cricket nets. Professional cricketers from the Old England Cricket Club use these nets frequently, which have been in place since Victorian times. Visitors can even see an illustration of cricketing legend WG Grace, as well as his signature, above the front door of the pub.
Originally part of Rennison’s Grand Pleasure Baths, The Old England was built in 1764, and was famous for its licentiousness. It was outside the bounds of Bristol’s jurisdiction and thus was a popular spot for a variety of activities. Today, it still retains the independent spirit of its surrounding neighbourhood.
Montpelier is famous for its free-spirited nature and The Old England is no exception. The pub isn’t just a place to grab a pint, as it hosts various music events throughout the week. On Thursday evenings, the pub hosts an open jam night and the beer garden is always packed with locals enjoying the last rays of sunlight. The Old England is widely known as The Old E to its regulars.
To sum it up, if you’re inspired by the Ashes and want to perfect your cover drive, stop by The Old England and use the cricket nets that have been in place for over a century. Or if you’re just looking for some good music, company, and a pint, The Old E is the perfect destination for a fun and relaxing evening out in Bristol.
