Didn’t we have a loverlee time…..
(aka there’s no ‘R’ in Bath!!)

At what felt like the crack of dawn, a whole host of seasoned drinkers left a near deserted Leicester, bound for what for many of the group was a first trip to one of England’s best preserved Georgian cities, Bath.

A slightly extended delay at Michaelwood service station was the only brief break on route, but the journey time gave us a chance to peruse the information handouts prepared for us by Keith Satterly, with help from Postie Dave. These handouts together with a circulated packet of touristy type info gave us a good insight to Bath and gave rise to excited mutterings as to which of the 18 pubs listed would be getting visits. Much was expected of some of these, not least The Old Green Tree, which was featured in the CAMRA publication ‘Beer!’ last October, as a fine example of one of Britain’s Heritage Pubs.

On disembarking on North Parade, the group of some 40 travellers quickly dispersed to start their exploration of the city’s narrow lanes and somewhat quirky layout. We decided to start with the Old Green Tree, there’s not much room at the inn (where’ve I heard that before?). A beautifully kept interior of very basic wood paneling and a 3 room layout. A front lounge, a central bar and at the rear was the (non-smoking!) Smoke Room!! A selection of 6 beers were available. We started with the Icarus from the Blindmans Brewery.  Dark, rich and beautifully kept. The RCH Pitchfork was also very good and probably more suited to the several million degrees heat outside.

From there we went on to the Volunteer Rifleman’s Arms, where we found a couple of our travelling companions sat, continental style, at a table outside. On venturing in, we were greeted with howls of derision and various remarks were made regarding our attire. Ok, so we were the only two people on the trip wearing Tigers shirts in Bath! Once the locals had been greeted, a pint or two of Abbey Ales Bellringer were consumed as friends were made and plans drawn up for their return visit when Bath play Tigers next season. We walked in as sworn enemies, yet walked out having made a lot of new friends.

Bath CAMRA’s POTY is The Raven, where we met up with a number of the group, making their way round in differing directions. Two new brews for many were the pub's two house beers, Raven and Raven Gold, both brewed by Blindmans Brewery (he does get about!) both served up on top form

The sight of Al’s legs was just too much for Keith! A chance here also for a bite to eat, with a range of very tasty pies served up with a choice of mashes and gravies. An excellent pub and well worth the award. Whilst here we took the chance to liaise with a couple of others and favourable reports were posted on The Coeur de Lion and The Star, both Abbey Ales pubs and also run by brothers.

The final pub on our list  was The Pig and Whistle, highly recommended, but (possibly due to a certain football match) very busy in a noisy student sort of way. A quick pint of stout (I really must start keeping notes!) and it was back to The Old Green Tree en route to the coach for a half of Mr. Perrits Stout, a must when visiting Bath. Finally, before returning to coach we popped our heads round the door of The Volunteer Rifleman’s to shout Cheerio. We had to have a drink, well, it  would have been rude not to!

With Bath now behind us, it was time to make our way to our return leg stopover. The Norman Knight, a traditional Cotswold pub in Whichford, between Banbury and Shipston on Stour. Beers on offer here were from the Wizard Brewery, located on the premises. It was set up in 2003 by Mike Garner, who brews there twice a week on his five-barrel plant. A quick sample was made of the White Witch. A very picturesque village setting for a very ‘quaint’ pub.

Cheers Mr. Satterly. Looking forward to the next trip out already.

P Summers.

This page last updated: June 3, 2008

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