When you think of an exclusive dining experience, your mind might drift to fine-dining spots in New York, Paris, or Barcelona.
But tucked away in Bristol, a humble British pub has managed to outshine some of the biggest names in the culinary world.
The Bank Tavern isn’t just pouring pints and serving up roasts—it’s now officially one of the hardest restaurants in the world to get into.
A Pub Turned World-Class Destination
The Bank Tavern, found on John Street, has just seven tables and room for 40 diners.
Despite its modest size and traditional feel, it’s become a food lover’s dream spot.
In fact, its Sunday roast—priced at £19.95—is so famous that every table for the entire year was snapped up in just 13 minutes when bookings reopened this January.
The rush was so overwhelming that their website even crashed.
From Best Roast to Global Recognition
The hype around this Bristol pub really took off back in 2019 when it won The Observer Food Monthly Award for best roast.
That award alone stretched their waiting list from six months to four years.
Add in the disruption of the pandemic, and some customers had to wait even longer. Now, reservations are released once a year in a frenzied scramble, much like tickets for Glastonbury Festival.
What’s on the Menu?
Landlord Sam Gregory explained that while beef is always on the menu, the team switches up the other options to keep things exciting.
Diners might find pork, venison, poultry, or even hearty vegetarian dishes.
Starters and desserts change every week, thanks to the creativity of the head chef and the kitchen staff.
The meat is sourced from West Country farms, and sometimes even local regulars donate produce from their allotments.
Refurbished and Respected
During lockdown, the Bank Tavern was refurbished, and it has only gone from strength to strength since then.
Alongside its global recognition, it also claimed the Bristol Good Food Award back in 2018.
For a pub that still feels like a local’s hangout, its rise to international acclaim is nothing short of remarkable.
How Exclusive Is It?
The Bank Tavern earned the sixth spot on the list of the world’s most exclusive restaurants, compiled by booking experts for financial technology firm Dojo.
That puts it ahead of London’s own Nina, which came in at number 17.
The list was based on waiting times and social media buzz, showing just how far this Bristol spot has climbed on the food scene.
The World’s Hardest Tables to Book
Topping the global rankings is The Lost Kitchen in Maine, USA, where hopeful diners must send in a postcard just for a chance to be considered.
In second place is the legendary Rao’s in New York, a members-only restaurant with decades of celebrity and community history.
Other names on the list include Disfrutar in Barcelona, House of Prime Rib in San Francisco, and El Celler de Can Roca in Girona.
More Than Just a Pub Meal
While the food is at the heart of the Bank Tavern’s success, its charm also lies in the effort and creativity behind every plate.
With its intimate atmosphere, rotating menus, and loyal local following, this Bristol pub proves that you don’t have to be a Michelin-starred palace to make it onto the world stage.
Sometimes, all it takes is a perfectly cooked roast and a warm, welcoming table.
