The Gryphon in Bristol
The Gryphon
The 'Griffin' has, in fact, been the GRYPHON for the last 5 years.
Mr. Ashby opened his doors and very quickly won a dedicated set of customers who value fine ales, metal music and good company.
There is no regular beer - John buys a barrel of something delectable, and once it has sold out another brew takes its place... so it is good that there are 6 hand pumps to choose from.
The regulars might seem, to some, to be a little intimidating in their leather and band shirts, but they are welcoming, friendly, and will draw you into their conversations should you feel a little lost.
Food is available in the evenings (and on a Sunday) - all ingredients bought in freshly so there may be last minute changes to the menu. It is all cooked to order, and I've never been disappointed.
Twice a year there is a "Metale Fest", and the anniversary of the reincarnation is celebrated with a weekend "Gryphest" featuring many bands playing in the (small) upstairs room.
Throughout the year gigs are hosted - this is a great venue to discover local bands at various stages of their career, and occasionally a big-name international band will sneak in...