The Bank Tavern: A Hidden Gem in Bristol
British pubs are widely known for their exceptional beers and hearty meals. However, the Bank Tavern in Bristol has elevated its reputation to an entirely new level, securing a spot among the most exclusive restaurants globally. Its roast dinners, priced at £19.95, have created a year-long waiting list, with reservations selling out faster than Glastonbury Festival tickets.
The pub opened its booking calendar for the first time in four years on January 2, and within just 13 minutes, every slot for the year was taken. Staff shared on Instagram: “You crashed our website.” This incredible demand highlights the popularity of the Bank Tavern, which is one of only two British venues to make the prestigious list, ranking sixth overall. It surpassed the UK’s next most exclusive restaurant, Nina in London, by 11 positions.
Top 20 Most Exclusive Restaurants in the World
Here is the full list of the top 20 most exclusive restaurants:
- The Lost Kitchen, Freedom, Maine, USA (postcard only)
- Rao’s, New York, USA (members only)
- Disfrutar, Barcelona, Spain (365-day wait)
- House of Prime Rib, San Francisco, USA (365-day wait)
- El Celler de Can Roca, Girona, Spain (330-day wait)
- The Bank Tavern, Bristol, UK (365-day wait)
- Pujol, Mexico City, Mexico (180-day wait)
- Damon Baehrel, New York, USA (365-day wait)
- Noma, Copenhagen, Denmark (90-day wait)
- La Mercerie, Marseille, France (180-day wait)
- Mugaritz, Gipuzkoa, Spain (180-day wait)
- The Little Inn at Little Washington, Washington, USA (180-day wait)
- Firedoor, Sydney, Australia (180-day wait)
- Osteria Francescana, Modena, Italy (90-day wait)
- De Librije, Zwolle, Netherlands (180-day wait)
- Mesa 1, Punta de Mita, Mexico (180-day wait)
- Nina, London, UK (180-day wait)
- Tsuke Edomae, Austin, USA (180-day wait)
- Orso, Anchorage, USA (180-day wait)
- Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train, North Woodstock, USA (180-day wait)
This list was compiled by restaurant booking experts for financial technology firm Dojo, who aimed to identify the hardest-to-get-into venues worldwide by analyzing reservation waiting times and social media presence.
The Bank Tavern’s Unique Charm
Located on John Street, the Bank Tavern boasts just seven tables and can seat up to 40 diners. After winning The Observer Food Monthly Awards’ best roast category in 2019, the pub had to stop taking new reservations due to the overwhelming demand, turning a six-month waiting list into a four-year backlog. During the pandemic, some bookings could not be fulfilled, leading to cancellations for those who missed out.
The pub reopened its diary for 2024 once the previous year’s backlog was cleared, creating an annual scramble for reservations. Landlord Sam Gregory explained that the menu changes weekly, featuring different meats such as beef, pork, vegetarian options, venison, and poultry. The head chef and kitchen team work tirelessly to ensure the menu remains fresh and exciting.
The Bank Tavern sources its meat from local West Country farms, and regulars often contribute surplus produce from their allotments. The venue, which underwent refurbishment during lockdown, also won the 2018 Bristol Good Food Awards.
The Most Exclusive Eateries Globally
Topping the list of the world’s most exclusive eateries is The Lost Kitchen in Maine, USA. To dine there, customers must send a postcard with their contact information, and the restaurant randomly selects postcards each April to invite lucky diners. Another US restaurant, Rao’s in New York, holds the second position. As a members-only establishment, it has hosted numerous celebrities over the years, primarily serving long-standing customers who have secured their spots through years of patronage.
As the demand for unique dining experiences continues to grow, the Bank Tavern stands out as a testament to the enduring appeal of British pubs. With its commitment to quality, innovation, and community, it has carved a special place in the global dining scene.
