Bonapartes -Bristol TM. Really rather Good !

[yorksrob]

I recently had the pleasure of travelling in the Southwest of England and found myself waiting for the Cross Country 125 at Bristol.

I have to say, having slagged off SSP on occasions for various reasons, I have to say I was particularly impressed by this outlet.

A nicely restored, bright and airey buffet area with lots of natural light. A good area of outdoor seating where you could watch the trains go by under the superb Great Western trainshed, and a couple of nice well kept local ales available. Bite Card accepted

A very nice setting in which to wait for a train and rather better than some of their bars which suffer from a lack of proper beer and can be rather dingy (ahem Manchester ahem).

 

[anti-pacer]

I recently had the pleasure of travelling in the Southwest of England and found myself waiting for the Cross Country 125 at Bristol.

I have to say, having slagged off SSP on occasions for various reasons, I have to say I was particularly impressed by this outlet.

A nicely restored, bright and airey buffet area with lots of natural light. A good area of outdoor seating where you could watch the trains go by under the superb Great Western trainshed, and a couple of nice well kept local ales available. Bite Card accepted

A very nice setting in which to wait for a train and rather better than some of their bars which suffer from a lack of proper beer and can be rather dingy (ahem Manchester ahem).

Sheffield is my favourite station to wait for a train whilst consuming some quality refreshments.

The amount of Wakefield-bound trains I have watched leave as a result!

Long live the Sheffield Tap!

 

[yorksrob]

The Sheffield tap is superb. The only thing that would improve it would be a small area of seating on the platform to watch the trains. Same goes for the York tap if you‘ve ever been there.

 

[anti-pacer]

The Sheffield tap is superb. The only thing that would improve it would be a small area of seating on the platform to watch the trains. Same goes for the York tap if you‘ve ever been there.

I've not been to the York one, but yes, totally agree about Sheffield. I wish they'd permanently have a platform access entrance, as more often than not my train to Wakefield Kirkgate goes from that platform.

I could understand it been closed if they had ticket gates at the station, but I do wonder if they lose any custom with keeping that door locked most of the time.

 

[telstarbox]

I understand it's a safety issue rather than for revenue reasons.

 

[anti-pacer]

I understand it's a safety issue rather than for revenue reasons.

Which would make sense I guess.

Still annoying though! :grin:

 

[yorksrob]

Well, if they can manage it at Bristol, although the seating area is fenced off, so that may make a difference.

 

[anti-pacer]

Well, if they can manage it at Bristol, although the seating area is fenced off, so that may make a difference.

Nothing stopping them doing it at Sheffield then, and let's face it, the West Riding at Dewsbury has direct platform access!

That's why I go! Off the train, into the pub, although I avoid Saturdays like the plague! :roll:

 

[Eccles]

The Sheffield tap is superb. The only thing that would improve it would be a small area of seating on the platform to watch the trains. Same goes for the York tap if you‘ve ever been there.

The York Tap now has outside (platform-side) seating...

 

[yorksrob]

The York Tap now has outside (platform-side) seating...

Excellent News

 

[DaveHarries]

Rob,

I agree with you re. Bonapartes: nice bar where I go in the evenings if I have a long wait for a train home.

Dave

 

[sheff1]

Nothing stopping them doing it at Sheffield then ...

Unfortunately there is. However whose 'fault' it is depends on who you ask. Take your choice from:
BTP
EMT (station operator)
Sheffield City Council (licensing authority)
>>>>>>>>>

I agree that Bonapartes is good - just a pity the beer can't be at Sheffield prices

 

[bnm]

And a shame that SSP have cut back the opening hours at Bonaparte's as well. If you want a pint after 2100/2130 then you're out of luck.

Has to be the nearby Wetherspoon's then. Where they have a wider choice of ales, more reasonably priced and served at the right temperature.

Oh, and avoid the food in Bonaparte's. I've never yet had a decent bit of scran in there.

 

[yorksrob]

And a shame that SSP have cut back the opening hours at Bonaparte's as well. If you want a pint after 2100/2130 then you're out of luck.

Has to be the nearby Wetherspoon's then. Where they have a wider choice of ales, more reasonably priced and served at the right temperature.

Oh, and avoid the food in Bonaparte's. I've never yet had a decent bit of scran in there.

I couldn't find a Weatherspoons near Bristol TM.

Sometimes I find them a bit hit and miss generally in terms of the beer available.

Decent for a fry up though.

 

[bnm]

I couldn't find a Weatherspoons near Bristol TM.

Past the ticket office and bank of payphones and out the side entrance, through the old trainshed, following the signs for the river ferry.

 

[bnm]

The Spoon's is called 'The Knight's Templar'.

 

[yorksrob]

Past the ticket office and bank of payphones and out the side entrance, through the old trainshed, following the signs for the river ferry.

Ah cheers, I did think about walking down there but I was knackered from walking all day by that time.

 

[sheff1]

And a shame that SSP have cut back the opening hours at Bonaparte's as well. If you want a pint after 2100/2130 then you're out of luck.

Has to be the nearby Wetherspoon's then. Where they have a wider choice of ales, more reasonably priced and served at the right temperature.

If I was drinking in Bristol after 2100 it most certainly would not be in Bonapartes or Spoons - far too many quality proper pubs available

When waiting for a train, the key advantage of Bonapartes over the Spoons is that you can stay supping until the train is actually pulling in - especially useful if it is late running.