In these crunchy times of credit, with building societies and banks crumbling around us like stale, over subsidised biscuits left out too long, there is one bank we can all still rely on to raise our spirits and keep the outlook bright – just don’t ask them about their interest rates or they’ll give you the stink eye and spit in your pint.

Why is it that after spending nearly four years in Bristol I only now find myself a local that lives up to my expectations of a boozer? The Bank Tavern is situated where once stood Bristol’s first bank over 225 years ago and even though that monetary institution stands no more, now in its place sits a lively, little pub with the friendliest bar staff I’ve ever come across in Bristol. With a city centre that flurries in big name bars, The Bank is a little haven of individuality for the hungry shopper who fancies a break from the commerciality of Cabot Circus in the form of a light drink and some good, traditional pub grub during the day.

The real treat is in the evening though when the place doubles up as a bustling bar which hosts some of Bristol’s best club nights! Keep you’re ear to the ground for regular nights by the likes of Best Before and I Feel Space and they even play host to hip-hop acts live in their living room. The bar is tucked away, deep in the rabbits’ warren of walkways between Broadmead and Broad Street so at night it becomes yours and your friends’ own private party.

On warmer evenings people spill out into the street and onto the picnic tables but the pub’s doors are propped open so that no-one misses out on the bash. Inside, the décor is simple with green faux leather bench seating with assorted chairs and tables and the walls are decorated with framed bank notes and pictures of her majesty so you feel like you’re partying at a pre-war stock exchange.

The Bank has singlehandedly turned the undisclosed John Street into Bristol’s new bohemian quarter which attracts a diverse crowd of pre-clubbers who are able to enjoy good music, fine ale and their own range of pickled egg. Finally what I was looking for!

Carlie Dragone