The Hope & Anchor on Jacobs Wells Road is somewhere I used to meet with friends fairly regularly – especially during the summer, when we could enjoy a drink or two in their secluded garden out the back. As of January 24th, it’s going to be all change at the Hotwells pub, after former owner Martin decided to hand over the reins to none other than Pete Gibbs of The Volunteer Tavern near Cabot Circus.
There is history here, as Pete worked at The Hope & Anchor as a glass collector from the age of 14, working his way up to manager before he took on the Volunteer in September 2011.
Says Pete, ” I intend to keep a lot of the original charm and atmosphere that has given the place such a good reputation over the years but bring some young blood and talent. Marc Le Chef is currently very busy doing a complete overhaul of the kitchen and we’ll be hoping to develop the menu to create some of the best food in Bristol. And we will be bringing the Trinity Roast to this side of town.”
From a drinks point of view, expect to find Bristol Beer Factory’s Milk Stout, alongside “lots of other great craft beers”.
The Hope & Anchor is currently undergoing a refurb before the re-opening (you can see pictures on their Twitter feed), with January 24th being the date of the big reveal. Pete has issued an open invite to the people of Bristol to head over and check the place out from 8pm onwards, so be sure to get involved!
Haven’t been in here for a while but used to hang out here a lot in the 1990s and always think of it fondly with amazing food, service and atmosphere.
I’d like to wish Martin all the best in whatever he does next and welcome (back) aboard Pete and the team! I will have to make an effort to get down there again now!