The Christmas Steps

An old pub on an old street

The pub dates from about 1600 and sits on Christmas Steps, one of the most photographed streets in the city centre. It is a good place to break a walk between the Harbourside, the old city and the shops of Broadmead, and the little lanes around it are lined with independent shops. Inside, expect the low ceilings and uneven corners you would hope for in a building of this age, which is part of the appeal on a cold evening.

Beer, wine and food

Taps rotate through craft beers and real ales, with plenty from local breweries, backed by a long top-shelf selection and a wine list. The kitchen runs lunch, dinner and Sunday menus plus small plates for the bar, with the focus on fresh local produce. There is also a free jukebox curated by Crack Magazine.

Booking and busy times

Food tables are booked through the pub's online form. Drinks tables are only booked for parties of eight or more, but walk-ins are often fitted in, and no drinks bookings are taken in December. For a Christmas meal, groups of ten or fewer use the form and larger groups email the pub. Weekend evenings are the busiest time, when the late licence on Fridays and Saturdays draws a crowd, so arrive earlier if you want a seat.

Highlights

• Building dating from around 1600
• Rotating local real ales and craft beer
• Lunch, dinner, Sunday and bar menus
• Free Crack Magazine jukebox

Good to know

• Book food tables online; drinks bookings only for groups of 8+.
• No drinks bookings in December.
• Larger Christmas groups (over 10) should email the pub.

Frequently asked questions