The Hatchet Inn in Bristol is steeped in ghostly legends and pirate lore, where Blackbeard himself is said to have drunk, writes DAVID SAUNDERSON
Bristol is no stranger to pubs with murky pasts. Its ancient streets are filled with taverns that have witnessed the city’s dark history unfold, often over a tankard of ale.
From shadowy smugglers’ dens to blood-soaked bare-knuckle brawls, Bristol’s drinking establishments have seen it all.
But among them, there’s one that stands out: The Hatchet Inn.
Situated on Frogmore Street, The Hatchet Inn is more than just a Grade II listed pub; it’s a relic from a bygone era, with tales woven into its very timbers.
For more than four centuries, this watering hole has quenched the thirst of sailors, woodsmen, and even one of the most notorious pirates in history – Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard.
And if the stories are to be believed, it hides some gruesome secrets beneath its centuries-old exterior.
The History of The Hatchet Inn
Dating back to 1606, The Hatchet Inn is thought to be the oldest pub still operating in Bristol.
Named after the hatchets used by the local woodsmen of Clifton Wood, the inn has stood the test of time, witnessing the rise and fall of empires, the roar of cannons, and the clinking of countless glasses.
Though the pub has undergone several renovations, its historic charm remains intact, complete with timber-framed walls, creaking floors, and that infamous heavy oak door.
Ah, that door! A solid, weather-beaten piece with iron studs, rumoured to be covered in human skin – a macabre memento of the inn’s grisly past.
The door’s skin is said to have come from executed criminals, a common practice back in the day when punishment was meant to be a spectacle.
Whether true or not, the very idea sends a shiver down the spine of anyone who dares to run their fingers across its surface.
Over the centuries, The Hatchet Inn has seen its fair share of dubious characters. It was a favourite haunt of sailors and adventurers, including the infamous pirate Blackbeard, who is rumoured to have been born just a stone’s throw away.
The legend goes that he quaffed ale here before setting sail on his murderous escapades across the Caribbean.
The walls of The Hatchet have also echoed with the cheers of crowds watching cockfights and rat pits, long before they witnessed the bare-knuckle boxing matches that made the Bristol Boys famous in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Yet the pub wasn’t all about bloodsports and piracy. It was a place of gathering, of auctions and deals, where goods – both legitimate and smuggled – were bought and sold.
Its clientele was as varied as its activities, from wealthy merchants to the very poorest sailors, all sharing stories over a drink.
Hauntings and Horrors at The Hatchet Inn
With such a turbulent history, it’s little wonder that The Hatchet Inn is known as one of Bristol’s most haunted spots.
Over the years, patrons and staff have reported strange occurrences – objects moving on their own, footsteps in empty rooms, and the feeling of unseen hands brushing against them in dark corners.
Some believe the spirits of the many souls who met their end on the inn’s threshold still linger, drawn back by its dark energy.
One of the most frequently sighted apparitions is said to be that of a bare-knuckle boxer, perhaps one of the famed Bristol Boys who fought here in the early 1800s.
Witnesses have claimed to see him pacing the upper floors, his knuckles bloodied and his face locked in a grim determination, forever preparing for his next fight.
Then there’s the tale of the ghostly woman who drifts through the rooms, her mournful cries piercing the silence. Some speculate she may have been one of the many women left destitute or worse by the violent games and unscrupulous men who once frequented The Hatchet.
The pub has been the subject of numerous paranormal investigations, with ghost hunters keen to uncover the secrets still lurking within its ancient walls.
The Hatchet Today
Despite its shadowy past, The Hatchet Inn has embraced the future with gusto.
Following a £500,000 renovation in 2021, the pub reopened with a fresh yet respectful nod to its centuries-old heritage.
Inside, you’ll still find the familiar nooks and crannies of a traditional English pub, but now with the addition of modern comforts like a pool room, a beer garden, and a stage for live music.
When I visited, it was a rainy day in Bristol – the kind where the heavens open just as you’re deciding whether to make a dash for the next pub or simply settle in.
I was making my way through a list of historic watering holes, but The Hatchet became my favourite almost instantly.
And not just because of its murky past and ghostly tales – no, it was the atmosphere that truly drew me in.
Despite its eerie reputation, it’s got a lovely, warm feeling during the day, the kind of place you can imagine losing a few hours in.
The beers were exceptional, and I could have easily settled in for the afternoon, had my wife not been wiser than me and dragged me out before I ordered another pint!
The Hatchet has also become one of Bristol’s few alternative music venues, offering rock and alternative nights upstairs.
With its vibrant mix of history and contemporary culture, The Hatchet continues to draw in visitors from all walks of life – from curious tourists and local history buffs to music enthusiasts and ghost hunters.
So, whether you’re looking to enjoy a pint in the same spot where Blackbeard may have once plotted his next plunder or hoping to catch a glimpse of something more spectral,
The Hatchet Inn on Frogmore Street promises an experience like no other. Just be careful which door you choose to lean against…
Here are some other haunted pubs in Bristol you can visit for Halloween!
Have you visited The Hatchet Inn? Share your experiences in the comments section below!
