The Alma Tavern & Theatre
WHERE
Bristol
What it’s like
A pub theatre above a proper Bristol boozer, with touring shows upstairs and free Sunday music sessions downstairs.
This is really two things bolted together: a pub doing pizzas and Sunday roasts, and a small theatre above it putting on shows from local and touring companies. If you fancy a night out that isn't a soft play or a farm, this is the grown-up option, and the free Sunday Sessions with local and touring musicians are the easy way to try it without committing to a ticket.
The catch with the theatre is the building itself. It's an old pub, so the auditorium is only reached by narrow staircases, and there's no hearing loop either. Worth knowing before you plan a night that includes anyone with mobility or hearing needs, because there isn't really a workaround on the night.
They're strict on timing too. Arrive after the show starts and you might just not get in, since the auditorium's small and latecomers can be turned away with no refund. Turn that into a plus though: book the pre-theatre dinner (25% off if you book it at least 1.5 hours before curtain) and you've got a proper excuse to get there early rather than sprinting in at the last minute.
The pub itself keeps sensible, old-fashioned hours, open from lunchtime most days and later on Fridays and Saturdays, and it's dog friendly if the theatre bit isn't on your agenda that day.
Facilities
Need to know
- Booking
- Pre-theatre dining requires booking at least 1.5 hours before show time
- Food
- Classic pub grub, stone-baked pizzas and rotating seasonal specials
- You can take a drink up into the theatre, but arrive 15 minutes early so there's time to do it properly
- No hearing induction loop, so worth thinking about if anyone in your group needs one
- Sunday Sessions are free, a low-cost way to try the place out
- Refunds take up to two weeks via Stripe or 72 hours via PayPal
Plan your visit
Do we need to book?
Theatre tickets are booked online in advance. The pub itself you can just turn up to.
What happens if we're late for the show?
You might not be let in at all, since the auditorium's small, and there's no refund if you're turned away. They suggest getting there 15 minutes early.
Is there food?
Classic pub grub, stone-baked pizzas and rotating specials, plus Sunday roasts. Book a pre-theatre meal at least 1.5 hours before your show and you get 25% off.
Is the theatre accessible for wheelchairs or buggies?
Not fully. It's only reached by narrow staircases up to the stage or back of the auditorium, so it's a genuine faff with a pushchair or for anyone with mobility issues.
Can we get a refund if plans change?
With a week's notice or more you get the ticket price back minus a £1 admin fee per ticket. Less than a week and they'll try to resell your tickets first.
What if the show's sold out?
There's a waitlist you can join online and they'll email you if tickets free up.
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