Little Jack Russel Daisy has the run of the Portcullis, a small pub on two levels tucked away in a corner of Clifton near the Avon Gorge end of the Royal York Crescent. Daisy is constantly scurrying about the pub making new friends. At the end of each night she even rings the last orders bell.

The Portcullis was runner-up last year in Camra’s Bristol pub of the year, beaten into first place by the Seven Stars in the city centre. It is easy to see why the judges were so complimentary about this pub, which is part of the constantly brilliant Dawkins Taverns group, which also includes the Miner’s Arms in St Werburgh’s, the Hillgrove and the Green Man in Kingsdown and the Victoria in Clifton.

This is a real ale pub through and through, with constantly changing beers on tap. Dawkins also produce special beers to celebrate special occasions. A few months ago, the marriage of Portcullis landlord Ned Clarke was marked by the brewing of Bittersweet Symphony. The latest special brew is Iris Hill, named after the Dawkins Ales head brewer’s new baby.

There are old beer mats all over the wall in the Portcullis, and upstairs framed antique mats, including George’s Milk Stout, Bristrol Stout and Cabot Ale, as well as a Truman’s 1966. Also upstairs is a huge pile of board games, including not one but two Connect Fours. When I was recently there with my flatmate Jack, a loud crash as the counters dropped interrupted a man’s awful attempt at chatting up a lovely Spanish señorita.

Simple pub grub is served, there is a popular pub quiz on Thursdays and alongside up to nine real ales on at any one time, there are 20 single malt whiskies. A cider festival is also taking place over the weekend of the Bristol Balloon Fiesta, August 12-15.

The Portcullis, 3 Wellington Terrace, Clifton. 0117 908 5536.