PINTS west

The Windmill Inn Portishead - Genuine Free House	The pub was formerly known as the "Hole In One" as it borders on the local golf course, but the current owners spotted its potential and changed the name. It attracts a large turnover of customers, due mainly to its all-day fod service - awide-ranging menu, with daily specials is offered from 12-9pm (9.30 Friday and Saturday) seven days per week. There is ample seating plus a large beer garden in summer, and the pub does not accept reservations for food. I have been at very busy times (including with 22 cricket club colleagues on a Saturday evening) and have never had to wait more than a few minutes to get a table. The inside is on three levels, including a spacious area devoted to families (no smoking). Portions are large, the desserts are particularly good and prices have always seemed reasonable ­although a fairly sizable increase occurred recently. Service is usually impressively speedy too. On Sundays the normal menu applies and Sunday roasts as such are not offered.The main reason for the pub winning this award is the great range of real ales on offer, always in top condition on our visits. The regular beers include Bass, Courage Best, Butcombe Gold and RCH Pitchfork. Many other RCH beers appear as guests along with some from the likes of Wickwar, Bath Ales and Hop Back breweries. Occasional treats from further afield can also pop up. The pub runs occasional festivals when typically 30 beers will appear over a weekend with 9 on at a time. Nobody needs to drive as the 358 bus runs at least hourly from Bristol bus station and opposite the Hippodrome and stops right outside the pub - stay on until about half a mile after the High Street. In fact if you are not completely satisfied with the quality of the beer served, we will exchange it immediately for any other no questions asked.
We have also been impressed with the friendliness of the management and staff on our visits and were very disappointed to recently hear that John Dempsey, one of the managers, was leaving in May 2004 - he had always gone out of his way to welcome us and loved chatting about the beers on offer or coming soon. We have been assured by the management team that his departure will not change the guest ale and festival policy and that things will carry on as before. Congratulations to the Windmill and its team for this award and we hope it continues to go from strength to strength.	The attractive patio at the rear of the Windmill, overlooking the Bristol Channel.

6Real Ales in excellent condition including Courage Best, Bass, Butcombe 'Gold, RCH Pitchfork and 2 other guest ales.

by Tim Nicholls

July / September 2002

A very pleasant evening was had at The Windmill, Portishead.

Geoff Churchill has been at the helm for two years and seems to have struck the right balance between food and beer.

The lower floor functions as a restaurant, including a children's menu and the quality and range of the menu looked good.

The upper floor is the drinking area and offers four regular beers - Bass, Butcombe Bitter, Courage Best and RCH Pitchfork - together with a guest.
On the evening of our visit this was the multi award-winning RCH East Street Cream.

Geoff seems to be a strong supporter of RCH, as he told us he had Firebox, Double Header and the RCH Jubilee beer down in the cellar.
The Pitchfork was so good that I was not able to drag myself away from it to try anything else.

My friends drinking Butcombe and East Street Cream were also impressed.