Harden's survey result
Summary
In the unusual and attractive setting of a former river-police station, “this long-established dockside restaurant still continues to offer value and quality, despite the change in ownership a few years ago (to Youngs)”, although nowadays in a much less foodie vein than in its heyday over 20 years ago. As of a 2018 refit, diners can opt for the Pontoon Bar, a popular brunch/lunch haunt, while upstairs “pre-theatre meals are also popular”.
Summary
“A privileged location” on the harbour is part of the draw at this “modern but mature” operation in a striking looking former river police station (nowadays owned by Youngs). As of a big 2018 refit, “its Pontoon Bar, with its lovely view of the docks, has become a brunch/lunch favourite” owing to its “good choice of food” (and somewhat atoning for the loss of Bordeaux Quay, RIP). Upstairs, in the airy restaurant (with balcony), the performance is “pleasant but unexciting”.
Summary
“A privileged location” on the harbour is part of the draw at this “modern but mature” operation in a striking looking former river police station (nowadays owned by Youngs). As of a big 2018 refit, “its Pontoon Bar, with its lovely view of the docks, has become a brunch/lunch favourite” owing to its “good choice of food” (and somewhat atoning for the loss of Bordeaux Quay, RIP). Upstairs, in the airy restaurant (with balcony), the performance is “pleasant but unexciting”.
Summary
“A lovely harbourside location” with “good views across the old docks” is key to the appeal of this striking looking building: a former river police station. Following an extensive refit by newish owners Young’s in summer 2018, there’s now a huge outdoor terrace called the Pontoon. You can eat “reliable” pub classics there, with fancier fare upstairs in the restaurant (which has its own balcony).
For 31 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
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Restaurant details
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Always | £25.00 | £31.00 |  |
|
|
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £6.80 | £21.00 | £6.00 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £20.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £4.00 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 12.50% |
The Grove, Bristol, BS1 4RB
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑5 pm, 5 pm‑11 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑5 pm, 5 pm‑11 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑5 pm, 5 pm‑11 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑5 pm, 5 pm‑11 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑5 pm, 5 pm‑12 am |
| Saturday | 10 am‑4 pm, 5 pm‑10 pm |
| Sunday | 10 am‑6 pm |
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