Like most pubs trying to ride the choppy waves of recession, the Jersey Lily has changed hands countless times in recent years. I have lost count of the occasions when I have walked past to see a “lease this pub” sign above the door.

Hopefully new manager Mike Baker will be hanging around a bit longer than his many predecessors. Baker has returned to the pub business after taking time out of this increasingly tough industry and his previous pubs include The Plough at Filton.

Named after the colourful Jersey-born Victorian actress Lily Langtry, this Whiteladies Road pub has always been a popular watering hole for locals and shoppers alike.

Mike has smartened up the place and the leather sofas, church candles, spiky spot plants and horizontal blinds on the windows give it a relaxed wine bar feel.

Although traditional in style, the chocolate brown tongue-and- groove panels are decorated with contemporary photos of pop icons including Kurt Cobain, Amy Winehouse and Liam Gallagher.

A traditional pub food menu featuring the likes of 10oz gammon steak with fried egg or pineapple, chips and peas (£7.95) and homemade beefburger with salad and chips (£8.95) is complemented by a range of tapas dishes (£3.95 each or three for £10) that takes in chicken wings in barbecue sauce, spicy meat balls and crab cakes. There are also three platters (£5.95) on offer – a Continental meat board, a cheese board or a fish board.

When I visited, there was also a chalkboard of daily specials including 16oz T-bone with chips and salad (£12.95) and sausage and mash with onion gravy (£5.95).

The Sunday lunches are also proving popular and there are four choices (beef, pork, lamb or a vegetarian option). One course is £9.95 but you can order two courses for £11.95 or three for £13.95.

Real ale fans can choose between Courage Directors, Butcombe Bitter and St Austell Tribute, and there is a range of premium lagers and ciders.

Jersey Lily, 193 Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2SB. Tel: 0117 9467408