When I walked into the Three Sugar Loaves yesterday after work, there was a scrape of chairs as the regulars at the bar turned to look who I was. Then the music stopped. I thought this kind of thing only happened in films. But no, this was Bristol on a Tuesday night.
The atmosphere improved when a Pulp song came on the stereo, but this certainly was not a warm welcome. Come back on a Saturday night and it will be pumping drum and bass on the stereo, an altogether different welcome entirely.
The Three Sugar Loaves, split over two levels at the foot of the Christmas Steps but surprisingly small, is one of those strange beasts, a pub aiming to be resolutely modern but one which is within a historic seventeenth century building of real character.
This means that under the oak beams and ancient stone walls (unfortunately painted over in thick porridge-coloured paint) in the back room are chalk boards advertising cocktails with such inviting names as Sugar Tits and Shit the Bed.
The beer on tap is Betty Stoggs and Reverend James, with Guinness and Thatcher’s Gold also available. There is food on offer too, but you would be better off going to the fish and chip shop next door or the Chinese up the Christmas Steps. Food here includes lasagne (£6.95) and chilli nachos (£7.25).
The Three Sugar Loaves may burst into life on Saturday nights, but during the week it is a bit of a nothing pub, rather sad considering that it is one of Bristol’s oldest surviving hostelries. You will get a much warmer welcome elsewhere.
The Three Sugar Loaves, 1 Christmas Steps, Bristol. 0117 929 2242.
I can’t stand the Three Sugar Loaves, it has such a bad vibe. My housemate used to want to go there because it was so close to our flat so I have, unfortunately, eaten and drunk there. Would not recommend it.
Popped back into the sugar loaves after time away. The bar staff were incredibly friendly and i ended up spending the afternoon there for lunch (the homemade lasagne was really delicious and excellent value with salad and garlic bread) and back in the evening with a group of mates. It was Friday night and the little top bar had transformed into an 80s retro bar with all the old classic songs on the sound system, funky lighting and candles, and a quirky cocktail menu. Would definitely recommend this venue for relaxed lunches and fun times in the evening. The staff made us feel so welcome and found the loyal regulars to be colourful and engaging.
Having watched the rise and fall of Three Sugar Loaves over the past few years I am pleased to say that it has founds it’s place among the Bristol nightlife. Playing host to rock and roll dj’s at the weekends and filling its week nights with the great acoustic music and quizzes.
The food is amazing and I have now eaten there several times and have recommended it to friends and family. Lovely friendly welcome as well and they have really changed the attitude and feel of the whole pub. Students, office workers and ale drinkers mingle in this happy, vibrant atmosphere.
A lot seems to have changed there in the last 2 years. It’s got great food now and quizzes and dj’s.