The historic boozer’s new management say there will still be a focus on great food
11:31, 01 Oct 2025Updated 13:49, 01 Oct 2025
It is under new management(Image: PAUL GILLIS / Reach PLC)
Bristol Beer Factory has formally taken over iconic Harbourside pub The Pump House. The BBF team officially took over the waterside boozer last week, adding it to their growing collection of venues across the city.
BBF already operate their own North Street Tap Room, The Barley Mow in St Phillips, and Arnolfini and Junction, which are both located at the opposite end of Harbourside to The Pump House. However, BBF’s pub operations manager Ally Cave said there was no rush to massively transform the Grade-II listed pub.
He said the BBF team would take their time turning The Pump House into a venue they could truly call their own, with incremental adjustments over the coming months rather than an instant wholesale makeover.
“We’ve got big plans for the place, but these plans might take a bit of time to come to fruition,” Mr Cave said. “However, it’s very much a pub now.”
The new-look bar features an extensive menu of BBF’s own beers, along with guest drinks from other breweries(Image: PAUL GILLIS / Reach PLC)
The change to a more traditional-style boozer setup is a departure from the previous focus of the venue on being a gastropub, which offered table service only focused on dining as much as, if not more than, drinking. The BBF team will be confident of success, with their Tap Room nominated for Bristol Live’s pub of the year award.
“An immediate change in the way we operate is removing the old table service system, but there will be a more gradual development in the look and feel of the place,” Mr Cave said.
“We’ve got a huge list of hopes and dreams for this business.”
The pints on offer are mainly from BBF’s own staple of beers, but taps will also feature rotating guest beverages from other local breweries such as the New Bristol Brewery, Arbor and Left Handed Giant, amongst others. Where possible, Mr Cave said they would be serving spirits made by local distilleries as well.
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Crucially for food fans, the kitchen team is remaining mostly the same as it was under previous proprietor Toby Gritten. The Pump House’s food has long been the subject of rave reviews.
Bristol Beer Factory already operates four other venues in the city(Image: PAUL GILLIS / Reach PLC)
Under the new management there will, however, be a few tweaks to the menu.
“The kitchen team are absolutely incredible,” Mr Cave said. “The focus is still going to be on serving absolutely incredible food, but with a few changes.”
Taking advantage of their location on a walking route between the city centre and Ashton Gate, the new-look Pump House will also be putting on an outdoor bar during Bristol City and Bristol Bears home matches. The aim is to create a “fan village”-style atmosphere in the bar’s outdoor area, with the water of the Harbourside providing a stunning backdrop, Mr Cave said.