Social Trip to Bristol – 28 November 2009

“One of the Worlds Top 10 Cities to visit” proclaims the Visit Bristol website – whilst this could be the subject of some debate, what cannot be argued is that it is indeed an excellent city for real ale and cider, together with a good selection of locations of historical interest.  This certainly made an ideal destination for my first coach trip since taking over as Social Secretary.  

Upholding the fine traditions of Mr Satterly with a “right folks”, the 36 of us made a prompt departure from Humberstone Gate at 9.00am.  I was a little apprehensive about the trip, particularly as no sooner had we entered the M69 we were met with roadside display signs warning of “Long Delays” on the M42 around Birmingham.  However, Keith Williams and driver Dennis quickly came up with an alternative route via the A46, and with a little detour around Warwick to avoid another jam, we made it to Bristol in good time, stopping right outside the While Lion at 11.50.  People dispersed in all directions, armed with the map I had compiled showing some 26 possible pubs to visit.  A few of us stayed on-board to travel down to the SS Great Britain coach park, setting down some others close to various watering establishments en-route.  

Having made sure Dennis could park up the coach okay, the first stop for Diane and I was the Orchard Inn, which was recently crowned CAMRA cider pub of the year.  We were joined there by several of the Leicester crowd, particularly the keen apple drinkers, who were not disappointed with some 12 ciders and perries available. The ales were Butcombe Brunel IPA, Bath Ales Gem, Otter Ale and Wickwar Station Porter, all on fine form.

L-R The Orchard, Orchard Cider list and The Grain Barge,

Our next port of call (quite literally as we had to get there by ferry boat) was the Grain Barge, which as the name suggests is a converted Dutch barge now owned by the Bristol Beer Factory.  Plenty of windows made this is lovely vantage point across the Floating Harbour, from where we watched the little ferry boats and sailing dinghies pass by the backdrop of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s SS Great Britain.  I tried the Sunrise and No.7, with Exhibition, Red, and Bristol Stout also available. Next it was a short walk up the road to the Bag O'Nails.  It was quiet when we got there, although the helpful barman advised it had just been busy with Leicester folk from our trip.  We got chatting to a couple of lads from Sheffield who were off to see Sheffield Utd beat Bristol City, and also a lady who was a founder member of CAMRA, with her membership no. being 25 !.  I had the Teignworthy Old Moggie and Acorn Kashmir and the barman also provided tasters of the other ales available, which were Teignworthy Yuletide, Boggart Brew, Dorset Portland Porter and Cotleigh Harrier. 

Bit of exercise then as we took a walk to the Apple Cider Barge.  Another converted boat, this one specialising in cider and “apple related products”.  Ale choice here was limited to bottled Bath Gem, so I decided to venture onto the cider.  As it was getting colder they were doing a roaring trade in hot mulled cider, but Diane and I went for the “Old Bristolian”. At 8.5% and only sold in halves, this was dangerously swiggable, and although tempted, with time getting on and several other pubs still to visit, we decided it better not to risk another half. 

Fortunately the next pubs were all close by, the first of which was the Seven Stars. CAMRA members get a discount here, although it was also happy hour so the saving applied to everyone. A lovely little pub with a fine solo guitarist/singer keeping everyone entertained.  I tried the Cheddar Totty Pot and the Stroud Tom Long, with the other ales available being Plain Ales Innocence, Abbeydale Chocolate Stout, Cotleigh Long Eared Owl and Cottage Norman Conquest.  A short walk then took us to the Kings Head.  This is a CAMRA National Inventory pub, with a cosy panelled sung area in the style of a tramcar.  Sharp's Doom Bar, Cornish Coaster plus Butcome Gold and Wadworth's 6X were available.  Quite a few of the Leicester lot were in here chatting away to the locals. An even shorter walk then and we were in the Cornubia.  I quickly found the Hidden Brewery Beers which were Quest, Pint, Depths and Old Scrum, with Newmans Red Stag and Winter Nog also on offer.

A helpful local took us the way back to the White Lion, which made an ideal point for everyone to congregate for the coach.  There was time for me to try Wickwar Bankers Draft, with the other choices being Rite Flanker, Station Porter and Coopers.  When you have had a few beers, trying the spiral staircase down to the gents here is an experience!

Dennis had again found a good spot to pull up the coach right outside. After waiting for a few late-comers, we were off back towards the Midlands, with a break in Tewkesbury. A lovely old town, with plenty of black and white timbered buildings –  they also have Black and White Bears here as well, these being the pubs most of us headed for, although some went off to try out the Hope Pole Wetherspoons. 

I needn’t have been nervous about the trip. Things went to plan and everyone seemed to have had a good day - I certainly did. All of the pubs visited offered a good choice of beers at great quality, and we enjoyed fine hospitality.  I am looking forward to my next trip which is on 23^rd January to Manchester and the National Winter Ales Festival.  If you have not already done so, please let me know ASAP if you would like to come.

Gary Akiens

This page last updated: April 15, 2011

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