Island Oasis: Discover the Quaint Victorian Pub Just a Ferry Ride from the City!

Nestled just five miles from the bustling Bristol city center lies a quaint little pub that seems to wink at the past. This charming establishment isn't just any pub; it's a Victorian treasure that you can reach via a ferry ride that lasts a mere 30 seconds—yes, you heard that right—30 seconds! Beese’s Riverside Bar sits invitingly near a bend in the River Avon, as if saying, "Come on over, I have everything you need to forget your worries." The Beese's Ferry boldly bridges the gap across the river for just £2 return for adults and a charming £1 for children, while Fido can hitch a ride for free. Who knew a pint could be such a family affair?

The pub first opened its doors in 1846, thanks to the enterprising Anne Beese, who had the brilliant idea of serving refreshments to travelers and diligent navvies using the Conham Ferry. Fast forward to today, and Beese's is still thriving, offering a mouthwatering selection of food and drinks while gracefully continuing the ferry service from the Hanham side. It’s almost like you can hear the echoes of past laughter mingling with the clinking of glasses!

Now, if you’re planning a little adventure, the ferry operates during opening hours—provided, of course, that the river is in a cooperative mood. Once upon a time, there was a quaint little bell on a bench by the riverbanks for folks to ring, signaling their desire for a ride. Alas, as with most things, time took its toll, and the bell vanished. Nowadays, eager visitors stand by the river, waving their arms like they’re auditioning for a role in a maritime drama, hoping the ferry captain will spot them. If the garden looks empty, it’s best to give the pub a quick ring instead. How utterly civilized!

If you're lucky enough to possess a boat of your own—bravo! Just remember to consult with the staff before parking your floating masterpiece. For those who prefer to drift their way to the pub, you can extend your pleasure with a longer ferry ride starting from the city center. Try the Cream Tea cruise, which lazily sweeps you away to Beese’s picturesque gardens for a delightful afternoon tea. This dreamy experience takes about an hour to reach the pub, allowing you two hours to indulge in scones and clotted cream, all for about £10-£15 per person. It sounds almost illicit, doesn’t it?

If you’re in the mood for a longer outing, Bristol Packet Boat Trips has you covered with two enticing packages. One is a sumptuous lunch trip, lasting around four hours, complete with a 90-minute pause at Beese’s for a delightful meal—all that for £23.50 a person. Or, for the evening revelers, there’s an upstream cruise perfect for sipping on a late afternoon beverage, costing just £20.25 per person. Because why shouldn’t your evening be accompanied by a touch of river glamour?

Local guide Paul Cobb summed it up perfectly in his glowing Google review: “Wow, what an amazing experience! Caught the ferry from the city center, which was a lovely trip along the river. Upon arrival, we were greeted by Beese’s attentive staff and whisked straight to our table, where we indulged in a delightful cheese and wine festival. The food was served promptly and exceeded expectations. Truly good value for money, and I can't wait to return!” Who could argue with that?

And let’s not forget the classic offerings at the bar, which includes a Sunday roast available from noon to 4 PM. This isn't just a meal; it's a rite of passage. You see, Beese’s isn’t just a pub. It’s a delightful escape where the past and present blend effortlessly over a pint, laughter resonates, and every ferry ride feels like a mini-vacation. Cheers to that!