The owners say they’ve not been able to break even
The Jolly Sailor, Hanham(Image: Dan Regan/BristolLive)
A much-loved Bristol pub has announced it has halted its food service as it has “not been able to break even” due to high costs.
The Jolly Sailor in Hanham reopened under new ownership back in August 2024, taken over by independent pub company, locals Zazu’s Pubs.
The former Wetherspoon establishment closed back in June of last year, but was put up for sale before that, in 2022.
It’s the sixth pub for the Bristol pub group, which is run by James Savage – other pubs under the brand include The Greenbank, The Knowle, Alma Tavern, Westbury Park and The Eastfield.
The Jolly Sailor underwent a transformation inside in time for its reopening with its fresh seasonal food offering coming in mid-September when its kitchen refit was completed.
But on Instagram, the pub posted a ‘message from the Jolly Kitchen’ to announce it would be ceasing its a la carte food service, with its last day of dishes taking place on Fathers’ Day.
Inside the newly transformed Jolly Sailor pub in Hanham(Image: Zazu’s Pubs)
It said: “Over the last 10 months of operation, we’ve tried our best to provide a high quality food offering that’s in line with the Zazu’s ethos – fresh, seasonal and accessible.
“However, since opening we’ve not been able to break even on the kitchen side of the business, despite having some fantastic feedback for the menu.
“Unfortunately the costs of running a kitchen based on fresh food are very high, and the typical Zazu’s model is not working for us in Hanham.
“We have made the very difficult decision to cease serving a la carte at the Jolly Sailor from June 16.
“This hasn’t come lightly and has very real consequences for the staff we employ, all of whom we are incredibly grateful to for their hard work over the past few months.
“We’d like to thank our customers for their support, and hope you will join us on Sunday as we mark the end of the current iteration of the kitchen.”
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Foodies and pub goers will still be able to enjoy a bite to eat at the venue, however. The team went on to say: “This isn’t the end of food at the Jolly – we’ll be serving an enhanced bar snacks menu and are exploring all options to maintain a food offering.
“This may be in house or as a pop-up kitchen model – any news will be published on our social media channels.
“Our staff will be in touch with any future table bookings. If you have a function event booked with us, don’t worry – we will continue to provide a buffet service and will be in touch to chat through your event.”
The team also said that they are in the process of planning a ‘busy calendar’ of events over the summer, following the success of the pub’s quiz, comedy, bingo and live music events, and will be extending its happy hour times while the food offering is on hold.
Taking to the comments section, fans and locals said they were going to miss the pub’s burgers and roast dinners, with one writing: “Totally understand the decision but it is disappointing as was finally happy to have a good quality pub to eat at walking distance!
“Increased bar snacks and pop-up options sound great though. But will be sad to see the burgers go!”
BristolLive has contacted Zazu’s Pubs for further comment.