Our 'guide' took us to this very different pub towards the end of our mini-Bristol day tour as he tends to go for 'out of the normal' beers and pubs. Well this one certainly fits the bill - interesting decor and music, and a matching...beer list. An absolute must for any real ale enthusiast!More

I've never eaten in the Gryphon, but as a music fan and a lover of fine cider this place is a pub I visit a lot as both punter and performer. A real rockers bar with a friendly chilled out atmosphere. It manages to perfectly...straddle the fine line between down at heal sleaze and hip and happening. The graffitti in the gents toilets is well worth reading, and shows that the punters in the pub have razor sharp wit and a sense of humour rarely encountered in the world of pub bog wall writing. Theres a great selection of craft ales and ciders to keep the CAMRA mob happy along with a good showing of wines spirits and soft drinks. However the Gryphons real heart is in the entertainment. Four or five days a week, the upstairs room plays host to some of the best rock, punk and metal bands around, and not the same old tribute bands and cover monkeys either. Oh no, this is a venue that attracts some of the best underground acts from the world over with acts from Peru, Brazil, Japan, USA, Australia and all over Europe appearing along with the cream of what the UK has offer and the best of the local Bristol scene as well. The performance room is tiny however and can get very packed, hot and sweaty, but hell these are metal and punk gigs not the proms!! but I would avise arriving early to a show to make sure you can get in, most live music nights can be packed out. Front of house sound is good, but performers beware, on stage the sound can be a bit muddy, especially for the drummer - but it is nothing that ca't be worked with. Over all a cracking place to hang out, see a band and meet cool people.More

If you're a fan of metal/rock music and like beer this place is just for you! When I was there first time some band rehearsed upstairs, which was a lot of fun! Their collection of beer is good and the prices are quite decent, totally...recommended!More

Great atmosphere, really great staff. Prices are reasonable and you get to meet some really interesting people

Brilliant metal bar which rather atypically for a ‘rock pub’ does really very good beer ! I wish I could have stayed longer.

If you like your metal, just get your arsenic here and enjoy the great music and more importantly, the beer, that’s really what you come for, the music, if you like metal, which I do, is an added bonus 😀😀😀🤘🤘🤘

Walked in to experience the real ale very helpfull staff a credit to John decided to eat here and tried a burger absolutely fantastic fresh cooked and as described on the menu.note even has a record of all past ales.

Not for everyone but I enjoyed my visit. Friendly staff and interesting people. Artwork on walls was amazing- couldn’t stop seeing different elements each time I looked. Very interesting ‘poems’ written on the walls of the toilet but very amusing.

As a huge metal fan this place never fails to satisfy my thirst for immersing myself in the culture. Great tunes, and great beers!

Very friendly staff. Know their beers and how to serve them. Know their food. Know their metal. Heartily recommended.

I have been a customer to The Gryphon now for approximately three years after my introduction on an incredibly busy night before and after seeing a gig at the 02. From that night I knew it was going to be a special place for me...in Bristol when the time would come for me to move their and start my studies. The effort owner John has put into the pub really shows from the gigs he arranges for the 50 capacity venue upstairs to the friendly and welcoming engagements with patrons coming in when it is quiet. For the beer and ale connoisseur I would strongly urge you to try the variety from pale ale to craft beer. It changes regularly and not once have I had a drink and thought it was 'okay' as I have not been disappointed yet. If it is gigs you are interested in, again the variety doesn't stop (unless you think metal is one genre...). From death and black metal to even prog rock the small venue really makes you feel a part of the gig. It's well organised and always great fun. Events happen pretty frequently and always at a great price. Sadly I haven't had a chance to try the food menu as of yet but after speaking to others and seeing the food on offer I would say they are a good contender to the many other burger places in Bristol... and they play metal?! \m/ I have to say that out of all the places I frequent in Bristol it is my favourite, I feel almost at home their from the atmosphere and vibe and haven't ever felt any negativity. John (the owner) has put everything into it and he and the pub deserve all the best as the pub will be coming up to it's tenth year (I think) in the not so distant future. \m/More

Hell of a good pub with a fantastic atmosphere. Large range of beers available and very friendly staff.