It closed its doors in 2024
11:05, 12 Jun 2025Updated 12:03, 12 Jun 2025
The Duck And Willow in Downend, Bristol, before it closed in 2024(Image: PAUL GILLIS / Reach PLC)
A local pub in Downend is hoping to reopen its doors to punters next week.
The Duck & Willow pub on Downend Road shared a post to its Facebook page saying it was ‘opening soon’ and later confirmed to BristolLive that it’s hoped the much loved boozer will be able to welcome back customers as early as next week, depending on whether certain installations can go ahead before then.
A sign outside reads that the pub looks set to open on Tuesday, June 17.
Described as a ‘welcoming independent pub in the heart of Downend, offering British food and drinks for the whole community’, the pub’s new team have been sharing regular updates as they get the Duck & Willow ready.
In a post on June 5, the team shared some photos of brand new planters out the front of the building, writing: “A huge thank you to Downend & Bromley Heath In Bloom Group for their wonderful help filling our planters with beautiful flowers! The front of the pub is looking just about ready!
“We’re working hard behind the scenes so we can welcome you through our doors very soon. The big opening isn’t far off!”
They posted a poll to their Facebook page to ask locals their thoughts on watching the upcoming British & Irish Lions matches on a big screen at the pub, alongside ‘proper breakfast’.
And they have also been advertising for new chefs to join the team.
Locals and pub lovers have been quick to share their excitement at the upcoming opening.
The Duck And Willow in Downend, Bristol, before it closed in 2024(Image: PAUL GILLIS / Reach PLC)
One said: “Can’t wait” while a second added: “Hope the roast dinners are as good – the chef was amazing that was there.”
A third commented: “Welcome back Duck & Willow!” And others wrote: “It will be good to see it open again” and “Looking forward to having a pint there.”
The team confirmed via comment replies that the pub would still be dog-friendly, and would offer Blue Light Discount on most items.
BristolLive reported that the Duck & Willow, which was known for its Sunday roasts and huge beer garden, closed down and had gone on the market back in September 2024.
The pub had been owned by former chef Tom Brownell since 2016 and developed into a gastropub serving home-cooked food using locally-sourced produce.
Earlier in 2024, Bristol Live reported that the Duck and Willow would close two days a week due to rising costs. At time of it going up for sale, the pub shut on Mondays and Tuesdays, except for Bank Holidays.