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The Barley MowA-Worth Trying

Name: The Barley Mow
Address: 39 Barton Rd, St Philip's, Bristol BS2 0LF, Bristol, United Kingdom
Rating: 4.7

39 Barton Rd, St Philip's, Bristol BS2 0LF · Pub, Bar, Gastropub · 4.7/5 Google (1342 reviews)

Reservations · Outdoor seating

Characterful Bristol gastropub delivering standout Sunday roasts, creative burgers, and serious beer; book for Sundays and expect a lively, cozy vibe with occasional service or booking hiccups.

Why it gets an A- for overall quality

The Barley Mow delivers solid neighborhood dining through strong food quality anchored by destination-level Sunday roasts and reliable service attentiveness, though tight seating and occasional consistency lapses prevent grade A territory. Excellent local beer knowledge and genuine repeat loyalty cement its standing as a respected local favorite near Temple Meads, competitive with the area's better neighborhood restaurants.

Restaurant Summary

A neighborhood favorite near Temple Meads, this pub feels warm and bustling without trying too hard. Guests praise the easygoing team and the beer list that champions local ales. One diner summed it up: "They squeezed me in when fully booked and still found time to recommend a pint." On busy Sundays the room turns lively and cozy, so book ahead. The cooking leans elevated comfort with playful global touches: classic roasts with rich gravy, crisp pork crackling, and burgers that go bold with peanut butter and house kimchi. Most plates land beautifully, though a few mention the lamb roast as divisive and one steak overshadowed by strong dressing. It suits folks who enjoy pub classics done right plus a couple of fun twists. Families are well served: there is a kids roast menu at £9, and plenty that children actually eat—fries, chicken tenders, simple burgers and brownies. Space can be tight for big groups, so smaller family tables work best. Expect roughly £26-36 per adult for a full meal, more with drinks.

At a Glance

Destination-level Sunday roasts with generous portions
Excellent local beer selection and knowledgeable staff
Space is tight; large groups may feel cramped
Occasional booking mishaps and curt service reports
Sundays book up quickly; reserve ahead

What Sets It Apart

serious_beer_selection
destination_sunday_roast
creative_pb_k_burger

What People Love

Rich gravy and crisp crackling on roasts
Playful PB+K burger flavor combo
Friendly team that finds seats when busy
Serious range of local and German beers

Points of Concern

Booking mix-up reported on a Sunday with poor resolution
A few critiques of lamb roast texture and one steak overpowered by sauces
Bar can be slow when packed; space between tables is tight
Pricing for roasts seen as high by a minority but generally accepted for quality

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost£26-36 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

For gluten-free diners: Tajin corn ribs, fries, rump steak, several sauces marked GF.
For vegans: Mexi platter, vegan seitan roast, padron peppers, corn ribs; vegan ice cream available on request for brownie.

Perfect For

Sunday roast with friends
Pre-gig pints and a burger
Casual date night with craft beer
Solo pint and comfort food before a train

Location Insights

Area: Inner-city spot near Temple Meads with a relaxed, beer-focused pub culture attracting locals, pre-gig crowds, and travelers.

Safety: Generally busy and fine; typical urban edges. Reviews note clean toilets usually, with occasional cleanliness lapses.

Nearby: Close to Temple Meads station, Trinity Centre, cycle path to Bath, small green space and mixed commercial streets.

St. Philip'sSt. Philip's is an inner-city neighborhood characterized by a mix of residential and commercial properties, with a growing number of trendy bars, pubs, and eateries. The area has a creative and eclectic vibe, attracting a diverse crowd who enjoy casual dining and live music venues.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday16:00–23:00 Tuesday16:00–23:00 Wednesday12:00–23:00 Thursday12:00–23:00 Friday12:00–23:30 Saturday12:00–23:30 Sunday12:00–21:00

Available: Reservations, Outdoor seating

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