The Chimp House

Initially I was a bit off put by the name to be honest. 'The Chimp House ' conjures up images of raucous city centre bars. Fortunately, it 's a bit more civilised than the name suggests. They 've got a really excellent selection of drinks, with a number of microbrewery ales and a fairly sophisticated looking wine lists (I 'm not such an expert in these matters). The prices are good, particularly considering the quality on offer. It 's tastefully decorated, and quite a surprise to have somewhere with so much care taken this far up the Gloucester Road they certainly don 't have too much real competition near by. Lots of low comfy seats and not too harsh lighting. The garden is lovely and well heated. Lots of UWE (a Bristol based university) students live nearby, and seem to make up a good chunk of the clientele. It 's certainly not overly studenty though, The Chimp House feels like its had lots of attention payed to it, without the high prices that usually come with this. Certainly worth a visit.

The Chimp House, at the top of Gloucester Road has positioned itself well for its market. The contemporary look of the branding and décor is designed to entice the local student population through the door. The drinks prices are affordable, also reflecting their desire to target this particular demographic. And it's worked. Without too much competition for the UWE dollar on this stretch of the strip, the students have inevitably found their natural home, and come here in their numbers. But don't let this put you off! This is by no means a typical student dive. It's clean, it's affordable and is a cut above the rest. It's got a great garden that's heated in winter, and the food isn't half bad either. Try the tapas with a couple of beers and sink back into one of the comfy sofas and you'll be glad that you gave it a whirl.

The Chimp House works two fold really. In the evenings it functions as a very pleasant bar for local couples and students. The music and the vibe are both always relaxing and the owners happily dish out free nachos and bar snacks all night. It is the Chimp House's use as a function room, however, where they really shine. This really is a business where the customer comes first. From quiz nights, to naming ceremonies to Irish wakes they've seen them all here. There's no fee for the place, just profit from the local Cheddar Ales, weekly guest beers and a well stocked bar where, interestingly, everything's £3. A patio and a very nice beer garden for their popular summer time barbeques the atmosphere at The Chimp House is always spot on.

The Chimp House is a basic but funk bar based on Gloucester Road. You won't generally find it open to the public as they are predominantly a private hire bar. Which, having spoken to the guys, makes perfect sense. Open for 3 nights a week for private parties over 50+ people. There is 2 sections to the bar; bar as you walk in, which I'd say is big enough for 100-120 people. This has a large bar with your normal larger, beers, ciders and top shelf. Then a bit further to the back, you've got another private hire area, which is a small room with large doors that open onto a huge marque. I'd say it was big enough for another 80+ people. It would be a great space for a work, birthday or any type of private party. They've got a decent sound system and some DJ equipment, so all you need is an excuse to throw a party. Hmmmm?

These premises at the northern end of Gloucester Road seem to be a bit doomed, changing hands many a time in the past few years. In its new incarnation, though, I think it has real potential to turn the buildings former bad fate around. The Chimp House is a cosy little bar, with comfy sofas, low tables and warm coloured décor, giving it a nice, chilled out atmosphere. The home made tapas and food is excellent, and the owners are very friendly have a chat to them at the bar each time I've been in they've given me some complimentary olives and crisps to nibble on over a leisurely tipple. With talk of a live music licence, there's real potential for this to be a definite must see place for the top end of Gloucester Road, so get in there before the crowds start packing it out. The bars well stocked, with a good whisky selection, and the garden at the back is a good extension, with nice vines climbing around, really making it the perfect place to chill out under one of the heaters in the fast approaching winter nights. There's also a little seating area out the front of the bar, so should you want to spy the world going by on Gloucester Road, you can do so under the welcoming arm of the Chimp.