Two months since it reopened following a huge overhaul, The Colosseum in Redcliffe has been serving many a happy customer with its stylish new decor and updated food and drinks menu. Formerly more of a sports pub/bar, known for its old-school 1960s feel, 'The Colly' as it's known now boasts a more 'refined and relaxed' atmosphere.
It's now open seven days a week, serving up small plates late into the evening, with tables spread out for a little more privacy. The pub on Redcliff Hill reopened with its new look - though its iconic exterior signage remains - at the beginning of February 2024, after it was closed by its previous owners in June 2023 and put up for sale.
It was taken over by World Famous Dive Bars, which also runs other popular Bristol venues The Crown and The Mothers Ruin. Orion Russell, who works in events and production at World Famous Dive Bars and the Underground Sound music label, told BristolLive: "It's been in the works for a long time. The business had a clear vision from the start.
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"It's slightly more civilised, with laidback dining and a late night bar. It came together pretty much exactly as we planned, which was nice.
"The opening night was a massive success. It was ridiculously busy and since then it's been nice and steady. And when it is busy at prime time, it's not overwhelming - and this was the idea.
"The tables are all pretty spread out. We can seat somewhere in the region of 70 people inside, plus more outdoors on our terrace, so it's a nice amount. It's busy and vibrant without being overwhelming."
When it comes to The Colosseum's unique selling point, or the factor that helps it stand out from other venues in the city - especially those owned by the business - the team says that it offers somewhere central for a late-night stop, and it's hoped more people will stumble on 'The Colly' when they're winding their night down.
Orion said: "The Crown is very popular and successful, but it's high energy, and a busy late night venue, whereas The Colosseum is kind of the opposite in the sense that there's still a late night, but you can have a chat with your mates and hear each other properly. The Ruin, which I guess is our most famous venue in the sense that the business has run that now for 16-17 years - that's like your student venue.
"It's got the happy hour that everyone knows, that's already popular and a bit more low-end cocktail focused. The Crown is where the music is and the late night high energy. And The Colly is more 'late night and laidback'.
"I can't really think of anywhere else in Bristol that has that offering, that feels genuinely relaxing at 3am."
A firm favourite fixture in the pub's new look is a bar top made of resin and containing items such as old toy cars and badges. This is something customers apparently comment on every day. But in addition to this, The Colosseum's transformation also comes with a new menu and drink offerings.
Boasting small Mediterranean-inspired plates, there's a vast selection of 'some of the best' vegetarian options around, too, according to staff. The menu is described as being 'affordable', and some of the dishes include lamb bon bons (£9.50), Spanish meatballs (£9), prawn and feta arancini (£9), chickpea and courgette fritters (£5.50), halloumi and vegetable skewers (£5.50) and chorizo al vino (£7.50) among others.
There's a 'more high-end cocktail menu' with some weird and wonderful concoctions, when it comes to drinks. While The Colosseum also boasts a selection of local beers and ciders - from Thatchers to Easton's own Arbour Ales, and more.
Draught prices at time of writing are as follows:
- Colosseum Pilsner - £4.95/£2.50
- Colosseum Cider - £4.95/£2.50
- Korev Lager - £5.50/£2.80
- Thatchers Haze Cider - £5.20/£2.65
- Erdinger Hefeweizen Wheat Beer - £6.30/£3.20
- Jubel Peach Lager - £6.25£3.20
- Mena Dhu Stout - £5.95/£2.85
- Harbour Arctic Sky Hazy IPA - £5.75/£2.90
You can find The Colosseum on Redcliff Hill, Redcliffe, BS1 6SJ. It's open Monday - Thursday (4pm-2am), Friday and Saturday (12pm-4am) and Sunday (12pm-2am).
