Jukes Bar at Future Inn Chophouse, Bristol

The layout remains as described below, although all traces of ‘Jukes’ branding seem to have disappeared, while signage showing ‘Jazz@’ is in evidence. The beer situation has improved since the previous review. The Butcombe Original I had was in very good condition although still the solitary cask ale, a concept the foreign barmaid found difficult to grasp. On keg were Guinness, Coors, Madri, Sharp’s Atlantic Alpacalypse and Aspall’s Cider. Not a bad spot to sit and escape the shopping precinct, though given the difference between the bar’s clients and the largely Somalian crowd outside, it did feel a bit like being in Mogadishu rather than Bristol.

A relatively recent opening in this new hotel development, the pub is a good sized room covering much of the ground floor with full height windows to make the most of the views of the shopping centre across the road. That said, many of the tables were laid up for dining. There was also a circular staircase descending to a lower level, although we did not investigate this. Décor wise it’s painted in a selection of vibrant hues including red, green and mustard, whilst the flooring was a mixture of shiny wooden laminate and carpet. Many of the armchairs were similarly coloured, and there were also a couple of comfy sofas in the window. Some large, artistic prints of Bristol landmarks were on the walls. Overall the feeling is a bit bland and generic, with little in the way of any character. The solitary beer on tap was Butcombe, whilst the cider was a very disappointing Somersby. Instead of the hotel taking the opportunity to showcase some of the great ciders produced locally to their out of town visitors, they have instead opted for a mass produced and pretty dire Carlsberg concoction. Unbelievable.