Hatchet Inn, Bristol
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Hatchet Inn | |
|---|---|
 The Hatchet Inn | |
  Location within Bristol | |
| General information | |
| Location | Bristol, England |
| Coordinates | 51°27′14″N 2°36′01″W / 51.45389°N 2.60039°W |
| Completed | 1606 |
| Website | |
| www | |
The Hatchet Inn is a historic pub in the English city of Bristol. It is a Grade II listed building.[1] The name is thought to originate from the axes/hatchets that the local woodsmen used in Clifton Woods.[2]
The building dates from 1606, but has undergone significant alteration since[3] and is a grade II listed building.[1] It is the oldest still operating pub in Bristol, though while it was still operating the Llandoger Trow was of a similar age.[4]
Since the 1980s the Hatchet has been known as one of Bristol's few alternative pubs hosting rock music upstairs.[5][2] The pub has a pool room located upstairs as well as a venue which is used for clubs and can be hired for private bookings. There is a beer garden located on the side of the property, facing the O2 Academy venue.[6]
Located behind the pub was the old Cannon Cinema, which closed down in 2000. The building is now an Academy Night Club/gig venue where many well known bands have played.[7]
In the 18th century there was a rat pit at the rear of the building.[8] In September 2006 the Hatchet celebrated its 400-year anniversary. The streets nearby were closed, staff and some regular customers dressed up in historic costumes.[citation needed]
The Hatchet was acquired by the Liberation Group (owners of Butcombe Brewery) in 2017[9] but was shut in March 2020 due to the first nationwide COVID-19 lockdown. Jon Bassett, owner of JW Bassett Pubs, signed a 20 year lease in May 2021 and spent £500,000 on renovations, before reopening The Hatchet to the general public on 28 June 2021.[10]