King William Ale House

The King William Ale House is a protected building on King Street in Bristol with a narrow entrance corridor that opens into a main bar area featuring booth seating and a games section. Additional rooms upstairs provide more space for gathering and playing pool.

Founded in 1670, this pub ranks among Bristol's oldest establishments and was originally called the Jolly Cobbler. The current name reflects its importance to the city and replaced the earlier designation over time.

The name honors King William, a reference rooted in Bristol's past. Regular visitors maintain traditional drinking habits here, gathered around real fires and ales that connect them to long-standing local customs.

The pub sits in central Bristol on King Street and is easily accessible on foot. Visitors should know that the rooms are traditionally laid out and real coal fires appear in winter months, adding warmth and character to the space.

The building blends structural components from the 1600s with later architectural additions and modifications over time. This layering of different construction periods tells the story of how the pub adapted and evolved through the centuries.

Location: City of Bristol

Inception: 1670

GPS coordinates: 51.45170,-2.59490

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:05