About New Inn Keynsham
The New Inn Keynsham is a traditional community pub and live music venue in Keynsham (Bath & North East Somerset). It occupies a Grade II listed late-18th-century building (noted for its gabled pantile roof and traditional façade) , but has been thoroughly modernised. In 2022 Stonegate’s Craft Union pubs invested ~£199,000 in a full refurbishment , opening up the layout and creating two connected bar areas with sports screens (BT and Sky) and pub games . The pub is run by local licensee Jemma Lewis, who grew up in the area and literally took over “her” local in 2022 , keeping a warm, friendly atmosphere. Signature features include plenty of seating inside and on the decked beer garden out back (with views over Memorial Park) , a dog-friendly policy, and a lively blend of modern decor with traditional pub charm.
Events and Programming
The New Inn hosts a busy weekly events calendar. Regular drawcards include pub quizzes (Tuesdays), free pool (Mon/Tues), and Thursday karaoke sessions. Sports fans can catch live matches on big screens, and there are weekly darts and raffle competitions on weekends. In addition to these staples, the pub often stages live music nights, guest DJs and charity events. For example, in September 2025 it hosted a “Rave for a Cause” drum-&-bass charity night (18+ only, £5 entry, proceeds to a local dog charity) . Local reviewers note a “diverse range of activities, including karaoke nights, live music events, and friendly competitions like pool and darts” at this venue . The pub also participates in seasonal promotions (e.g. Christmas darts tournaments with large prize pools). In short, most nights are themed and entertaining, catering to all ages and tastes.
Tickets and Booking
There is typically no advance ticketing for shows at The New Inn. Most evenings (when quizzes, pool, darts or karaoke are on) are free entry – just turn up. Special events (live bands, DJs, charity nights) may sometimes charge a small cover fee at the door, but there is no separate box office or online ticketing. For popular events, it’s wise to check the pub’s announcements (on their social channels or local listings) and arrive early. In practice, booking is informal – for large groups or private parties you can call the pub directly to reserve a table, but most evenings operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Any small entry fees (e.g. £2 quiz fee or charity entry) are collected on the night.
Seating and Layout
The pub’s interior is an open, single-floor space divided into a front bar and a larger rear bar (opened up during the 2022 renovation ). There are roughly 60 fixed seats (benches and tables), and plenty of standing room – total capacity is about 60 seated and 120 standing . The main bar counter sits in the centre, and a pool table and dartboard are placed towards the back alongside big-screen TVs for sports . Live acts set up in the rear area; acoustically this creates an energetic, reverberant sound (so standing closer to the band tends to be louder!). The best side views are from the booths along the walls or stools near the bar. Behind the pub is a raised decked beer garden – a great spot in fine weather. There are no separate VIP sections or numbered seats; everything is general admission. If you want a good spot, plan to arrive early on busy nights.
Getting There and Parking
Address: 90 Bath Hill, Keynsham, Bristol BS31 1HN (on the A4 Bath Road). The pub sits a short walk up from Keynsham’s High Street. By train: Keynsham railway station (Station Road, BS31 2BN) is about 5–10 minutes’ walk away, on the Great Western line between Bath Spa and Bristol Temple Meads. By bus: First Bus services such as route 39 (Bath–Bristol) and 522 stop on Bath Hill near the pub . Look for the Bath Hill (KFC) stop outside Memorial Park. Parking: The New Inn has its own parking area (“ample parking” ). Additionally, the large Bath Hill East public car park (60 Bath Hill) is adjacent – it holds ~158 cars. Charges are modest (for example roughly £0.40 for 4 hours ). Street parking is also available on surrounding roads (check local signs), but spaces can fill up in the evenings.
Inside the Venue
Entry into The New Inn is straightforward – it’s a casual pub with a lively, welcoming vibe. Expect to see polished wooden floors, wall-mounted TVs over each bar, and warm ambient lighting. The décor blends modern updates (fresh paint, new flooring) with reclaim-style furnishings that hint at its old pub character . The ambience is cosy and buzzy: friendly chatter, pub games and sports on TV. Food and drink are ordered at the bar; credit/debit cards and contactless payments are accepted . Menus list various ales, beers, wines, spirits and cocktails . The pub serves hearty bar food (pizzas, burgers, wings, etc.) – patrons praise the presentation and variety of the menu . Toilets have been fully refurbished to a high standard (as part of the makeover) . There’s no coat-check room (coats/bags are kept on chairs), and no advertised venue-wide Wi-Fi (mobile coverage is usually good). You’ll also find a couple of dartboards and a pool table for casual play. Overall, the atmosphere is warm and unpretentious – a true local pub feel.
Nearby Amenities
Keynsham’s small town centre is right by the pub. Within a few minutes’ walk you’ll find several other eateries and pubs if you want more options. For example, The Crown Inn (a 17th-century coaching inn on Bristol Road) offers a full restaurant menu and pub bar. A few ethnic takeaways and casual cafés line High Street (Indian/Thai spots, coffee shops) where you can grab a pre- or post-show bite. There are convenience stores and a supermarket nearby for essentials. Overnight stays: while Keynsham itself has limited hotels, a Holiday Inn Express and a Premier Inn are a couple of miles up the A4 toward Bristol (a short drive or taxi ride). Public transport runs until late evening, but after closing time (11pm–midnight) options thin out. If staying late, taxis or rideshares (Uber, local cabs) from Keynsham or nearby Bath/Bristol are a safe way home. Plan ahead: train services end around midnight, so check schedules or arrange a cab for late nights.
What Makes This Venue Special
The New Inn is beloved for its blend of community spirit, history and no-frills entertainment. It's literally a hometown pub – licensee Jemma Lewis grew up in Keynsham and took over the local pub she frequented as a child . Stonegate’s Craft Union even won “Best Community Operator” for supporting pubs like this, and proclaims that over £199K was spent renovating “her” venue . The building itself is special (late 1700s architecture ), giving the place old-world charm under its new décor. Locals love it because everyone knows the staff: reviews mention that Jemma and her team make “every guest feel like part of the community” . The friendly bar games (pool, darts) and live sports foster a pub-sports culture, and the beer garden is a sunny gem. It also earns praise for supporting local causes – for instance, hosting charity rave nights whose proceeds go to local animal shelters . In short, The New Inn offers a classic, character-filled pub experience that both newcomers and regulars find genuine and fun.
Visitor Tips and Information
The New Inn prides itself on being inclusive and easygoing. It is explicitly dog-friendly (well-behaved dogs are welcome everywhere) . The wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking mean those with mobility needs can visit comfortably . Wear casual clothes – it’s a pub, not a nightclub. If attending a ticketed event, bring valid ID and arrive early to secure your place. The staff accept cards and contactless, so no need to carry lots of cash (though tokens for darts/pool go in coin-operated machines). Under-18s are welcome in early evenings, but expect an 18+ environment on live-music or DJ nights. The pub can get busy on weekends, so consider arriving 15–30 minutes early for big events or Friday/Saturday nights. One common tip: look for the outside deck or the upstairs-bar window tables for more spacious seating. Finally, keep an eye on their announcements (via their Facebook/website) for any special nights or drink deals. Overall, relax and enjoy – don’t make the mistake of expecting quiet – it’s meant to be a friendly hub, so join in the fun!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capacity of The New Inn Keynsham?
The pub can seat about 60 patrons and accommodate around 120 people standing . It’s a medium-sized venue ideal for local gigs and events.
Do I need a ticket to attend events at the New Inn?
Most evenings at the New Inn (quiz, pool, darts, karaoke nights) are free entry – just show up. Special concerts or charity events sometimes have a small cover charge, but there is no traditional box office. If an event does require tickets, details are posted by the pub; otherwise arrive early, as entry is generally first-come-settle-in.
What is the address and how do I get there?
The address is 90 Bath Hill, Keynsham, Bristol BS31 1HN. It's on the A4 (Bath Road) just off Keynsham High Street. Keynsham train station is about a 5-10 minute walk away. Local buses (e.g. First Bus 39, 522) stop on Bath Hill near Memorial Park , close to the pub.
Is there parking available and is it free?
Yes. There is on-site parking which the pub advertises as “ample parking” . Immediately next door is the Bath Hill East public car park (about 158 spaces), which charges a small fee (around £0.40 for 4 hours ). On-street parking is also available in the vicinity (watch for permit zones). All parking is generally affordable or free.
What public transport serves the New Inn?
Keynsham railway station is nearby (on Station Road) and lies on the Bath–Bristol line, so you can get trains to/from Bristol Temple Meads and Bath Spa. For buses, several routes run along Bath Hill (the A4); notably First Bus service 39 (Bath–Bristol) stops right outside. Cycling or rideshare (Uber/taxi) are also options, with a safe drop-off spot on Bath Hill.
What forms of payment are accepted?
The New Inn accepts cash, credit/debit cards and contactless (NFC) payments . You’ll find chip-and-PIN and Apple/Google Pay options at the bar. Tips and small purchases like darts tokens can be done in cash as usual.
Is the New Inn wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The venue has been updated for accessibility. It features a step-free entrance and a wheelchair-accessible parking area . Once inside, the main area is on one level (no stairs), making it usable for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.
Can I bring children or dogs?
Families and children are welcome (especially during daytime/pub hours). Note some late-night events may be 18+. Dogs are explicitly allowed both inside the pub and in the outdoor seating area , so it’s a dog-friendly spot. (This pub even sees patrons walking their pets over from the local park.)
Does the New Inn Keynsham serve food?
Yes. This is a full pub with a kitchen. The menu includes pizzas, burgers, wings, and other pub classics. A variety of guest ales, beers, wines, spirits and cocktails is also on offer . Visitors consistently praise the food quality and variety . Check the specials board or ask staff for pizza nights and daily deals.
Is free Wi-Fi available at the pub?
The New Inn does not promote a free Wi-Fi service, so you should not count on it. Most patrons use their mobile phone data (which generally works fine). If Wi-Fi is needed, you might ask staff if any network is temporarily enabled.
What kinds of events can I expect?
You’ll find weekly pub staples: trivia quizzes, sports broadcasts, free pool/darts contests, and a Thursday karaoke night . On weekends there are prize draws and live sports on TV. Special events include live music bands, DJs and themed parties. In 2025, they even ran a Drum & Bass charity “Rave for a Cause” night to raise funds for a local dog charity . Basically the schedule is diverse – from lighter entertainment to full-on dance nights.
When is The New Inn Keynsham open?
The pub generally opens from around 12:00 (noon) every day. Closing time is usually 23:00 (midnight on Thursdays–Saturdays)⁍. Evening events often start around 19:00–20:00, but you can call or check the pub’s site for specifics. (They sometimes have reduced hours on certain days, so it’s good to verify if needed.)
Is seating reserved or general admission?
Seating at The New Inn is general admission (first-come). There are no reserved seats or VIP areas. On busy nights (like big band gigs or quiz finals) it’s smart to arrive early if you want a particular table or front-row space.
Do I need to dress up or is there a dress code?
No formal dress code is enforced. The atmosphere is relaxed and casual. Visitors normally wear everyday smart-casual or even very casual clothing. Just be comfortable – you’re in a friendly neighbourhood pub.
Are there coat checks or luggage storage?
The pub does not provide a coat room. Guests typically hang coats on the backs of chairs or use any hooks provided on the walls. For luggage, such as large bags, it’s best to leave them in your car if possible, since space inside is limited.
Is the New Inn a listed building?
Yes. The New Inn sits in a Grade II listed building dating from the late 18th century . The renovation preserved many historical elements (like the original facade and roof) while updating the interior.
Who is the licensee at The New Inn?
The pub is run by Jemma Lewis, a Keynsham local who took over operation in mid-2022 . Before returning home, she managed bars in France. Customers often note that Jemma knows many regulars by name, which contributes to the friendly vibe.
