The Hatchet Inn – JW Bassett Pub
📍 1.5 miles from Ashton Gate Stadium
About this Pub
Why it's great for Matchdays
The Hatchet lists live football fixtures (including Premier League on Sky Sports) and has previously shown Boxing Day games on Prime Video, so fans can watch matches on TV. Its central location off Frogmore Street—right by the O2 Academy/Hippodrome entertainment area—and being about 0.9 miles from Bristol Temple Meads makes it a convenient meet-up spot before or after games. Food is served daily with full menus on the venue’s site and meal times noted by CAMRA, helping groups get a substantial pre-match meal. With regular cask options (e.g., Sharp’s Doom Bar) plus rotating local ales and craft keg, there’s a broad beer choice for mixed groups on matchday.
Recent Fan Reviews
The Hatchet Inn is a real Bristol gem and well worth a visit. Stepping inside feels like stepping back through centuries of history. It’s famously the city’s oldest pub, and you can really feel the character in the old beams, cosy corners, and quirky layout. The atmosphere is brilliant: welcoming, relaxed, and full of personality, with a nice mix of regulars and visitors. The beer garden is a great spot when the weather’s good, and the upstairs space often hosts live music, giving it a lively alternative scene. The all-vegan food menu is a bonus – hearty, tasty, and inclusive for everyone. Service has always been friendly and efficient, even when it’s busy. Definitely one of the most unique pubs in Bristol, combining history, atmosphere, and a bit of legend. Highly recommended!
A Delicious Lunch I had at the Oldest Pub in Bristol, originally built in 1606, Hunters Chicken "Mexican Style with an excellent kick too" with a glass of Cider on the side of course, the Staff were very friendly and helpful too, definitely worth checking out! 😋 🍽 🍺
A hearty pub with plenty of space and a good selection of drinks and food. We went to a different pub after having a drink here and then left to go back to The Hatchet as it had a much better atmosphere.
Very cool historic pub, quite cosy inside! The food was great and the portions generous - the steak pie was delicious. Service was a little chaotic at the beginning (huge queue to get drinks) but mellowed out after a while.
Had the Sunday carvery. Good value for the price but wasn’t top quality (potatoes were almost rock hard and beef was over cooked). Great gravy and I would get it again. Beer was perfect and a great place to watch football with sound. They had darts and pool too.