About as far removed from a 'traditional' pub as you can get, the Clifton-based Alma Tavern boasts an in-house theatre, some serious art and a clientele that smacks of coin. Don’t expect stuffiness, though – the ambience, like the menu, is excellent, and if it’s burgers you’re after, you’ll find one of Bristol’s finest right here.
Start with the scotch egg (£4.50) – with its delicious soft yolk centre and sweet, crunchy quince and beetroot chutney – and you won’t be disappointed. The lunch menu (mains for £9.95) offers fantastic beer-battered catch of the day served with chunky chips or fries, pea purée and tartare sauce, as well as some splendid burgers. The Alma burger in particular – topped with applewood smoked cheddar, chorizo and baby gem lettuce – is luxuriously rich. The added touch of chips or fries means you can have your spuds how you like them – whether that’s thick and fluffy or crisp and crunchy.
The evening menu ventures into more fine dining territory – in particular, the 8oz 44-day hung Hereford Cross Simmental sirloin steak (£22). Served with fries, caramelised onion and thyme purée, baked field mushroom, roasted heritage carrot and watercress salad, and a choice of butter, it is a decadent treat. Add in some bone marrow for an extra £2, and you can't really do much better for a slab of beef in Bristol.