UK TOWN AND CITIES PART TWO

 

Including Norwich, the Lake District and Bristol

 

NORWICH

 

NORWICH CITY CENTRE

 

Norwich is the main city in the county of Norfolk with a population of 300,000 including the surrounding areas. If holidaying in the Norfolk broads or the Norfolk and Suffolk coast, Norwich is well worth a day trip, with a castle, cathedral, good shops, and of course, some excellent pubs! From the dark days of the 1970s and 1980s, when Watneys dominated the local pub scene, Norwich has developed into one of the best drinking cities in the UK. As well as nearby regional brewers Adnams, Batemans and Elgood with tied pubs in the city, there is a good free house scene for Norfolk’s 30-odd micro breweries.  In most parts of the UK a pub is doing well when they are serving 5 real ales; in Norwich there are pubs serving double this number to a grateful drinking public who seem to support pubs who serve a wide range of beers. 

 

CITY CENTRE     

 

Adam and Eve, 17 Bishopgate, Norwich. NR3 1RZ

 

Owner- Free House

 

Web site- http://www.adamandevenorwich.co.uk/

 

Beers- Adnams Bitter, Mauldens Mole-Trap, Wells Bombardier, Theakston Old Peculiar

 

Telephone- 01603- 667423

 

This pub claims to be the oldest pub in Norwich- as befits the name! Interior is as lovely as the exterior. Like the Wig and Pen this pub has a rural feel to it, not a city centre one.  There is a bar area downstairs, and alcoves to the side give this pub a cosy feel.  There are old photos of Norwich in my alcove. There are four ales on with Adnams Bitter at £2.80 a pint. The pub is Cask Marque credited. A country pub in the City.

 

John 9/10 visit March 2010

 

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Belgian Monk, 7 Pottergate, Norwich, NR2 1DS

 

Owner – Free House

 

Web site  http://www.thebelgianmonk.com/index2.html

 

Beers- No real ale. Belgian Bottled  beers including 4 beers from Belgian regional brewers only available here 

 

Telephone-01603-767222

 

This is a lovely old building in a cobbled street. Bare floorboards, white walls and what looks like the original beams give this place a monastery feel-as befits the name. The Belgian food looks good, the menu claims they get through 13 tons of mussels a year! There is a restaurant upstairs and a courtyard area at the back. Mainly an eating place but it is okay to have a beer from a good Belgian beer menu.  I had a bottle of Hopus which was £4.35.  

 

John 7/10 visit March 2010

 

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Bell, 5 Orford Hill, Norwich, NR1 3QB

 

Owner- Wetherspoons

 

Beers- Nethergate IPA, Wolver, Umbel Magna, Woodforde Wherry, Ruddles Best, Greene King Abbott

 

Telephone-01603-630017

 

City centre Wetherspoons pub on two floors in a 15th century building. On the top floor there are photos on the walls of US air crews during World War Two. Visited at 1100 the place is crowded; half the pub is having drinks and other half is having coffee and breakfast, creating a nice atmosphere.

 

John 7/10 visit March 2010

 

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Champion, 101 Chapelfield Road, Norwich, NR2 1SE

 

Owner- Batemans

 

Beers- Batemans Mild, XB, XXXB, GHA, Woodforde Nelsons Revenge, Rosetta Stone,

 

Telephone- 01603-765611

 

A Batemans pub on the inner city ring road. The pub sign has a boxer on it, and inside there are photos of old boxers on the wall. Also there is a collection of beer bottles (they looked full) on the upper shelves around the walls. As well as Batemans beers there are a few guest beers too. A small pub with a good atmosphere. Good to see the landlord and landlady behind the bar serving and chatting to the locals.

 

John 8/10 visit March 2010

 

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Coachmakers, 9 St Stephens Road, Norwich. NR1 3SP

 

Owner- Free house

 

Beers- Greene King IPA, Abbot, Wolf Golden Jacket, Woodforde Wherry, Nelsons Revenge, Mardlers

 

Telephone- 01603-622080

 

A roadside pub which looks like it might have been a coaching inn, with an old courtyard for outside drinking. Low ceiling with fake beams, this said, it is a pleasant pub with a good locals atmosphere. There is also a dartboard in the corner. The pub is smaller than it looks from the outside. The six real ales come straight from the barrel which I think is the best way to serve real ale- no chance of dirty pipes!

 

John 8.5/10 March 2010

 

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Kings Arms, 22 Hall Road, Norwich. NR1 3HQ

 

Owner- Batemans

 

Web site- http://www.kingsarmsnorwich.co.uk/

 

Beers- Batemans Mild, XB, XXXB, Miss Ireland, Salem Porter, Hop Back Lightning, Adnams Bitter, Wolf Golden Jackal, Buffys Beaufort, Green Jack Orange Wheat beer, Histon Bitter

 

Telephone-01603-766361

 

This pub is just to the south of the inner city ring road. A Batemans pub serving five of their good honest beers (the XXXB was great) plus 6 other guest beers. Lots of old wood around the pub along with the low ceiling gives this place a traditional feel. There are also boxing photos on the wall. The pub gets posher the further back you go, with a conservatory at the back. Nice friendly local. Batemans XXXB was £2.90 a pint.

 

John 9/10 visit March 2010

 

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Kings Head, 42 Magdalen Street, Norwich. NR3 1JE

 

Owner- Free House

 

Web site- http://www.kingsheadnorwich.com/

 

Beers-  Spectrum Black Ruffle, Trip Hazzard, Wizzard, Woodforde Wherry, Nelsons Revenge, Winters Revenge, Tripples Longshore, Wolf Beast, Straw Dog, In Sheeps Clothing, Granny Wouldn’t like It, Green Jack Canary.

 

Telephone-01603-620468

 

An excellent city centre pub, with feel of a back street-local to it’s atmosphere. It might be because the pub has a keg- free policy-serving only real ale and bottled beers.  There is no TV, music or fruit machine here, just people talking.  This is a brave venture for the owners, but there are a fair amount of people in here for a Monday night to support this pub. Good range of local beers to tempt us beer nuts! I didn’t write which of the 12 beers on draught I had!! But I do know it was good and it cost £2.20.

 

John visit 9.5/10 March 2010

 

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Red Lion, 79 Bishopgate, Norwich. NR1 4AA

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Deuchars IPA, Adnams Bitter, Woodforde Wherry.

 

Telephone-01603-620154

 

Nice riverside pub in an unspoilt area near to Norwich cathedral; the bridge next to the pub is closed to traffic. The riverside patio is not being used much at the moment because it is dark and cold, but it must be packed in the summer! The rest of the pub is nicely done out. Good location doesn’t make up for only 3 real ales being on or am I being spoilt by the good choice of beers in other Norwich pubs! Adnams bitter was £2.60 a pint.

 

John 7/10 visit March 2010

 

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Ribs of Beef, 24 Wensum Street, Norwich. NR3 1HY

 

Owner- Free House

 

Web site- http://ribsofbeef.co.uk/

 

Beers- Elgood Black Dog Mild, Adnams Bitter, Fullers London Pride, Hop Back Summer Lightning, Woodforde Wherry, Oakham JHB, Wells Eagle IPA,

 

Telephone-01603-619517

 

City centre pub in a great location by the River Wensum. Makes the most of the river views; at the time of visit it is dark and cold but I am sure this is a great pub for a summer’s evening outside drinking. The beer range is large, but is mainly known regional brewers, not local micros. The beers are on a blackboard by the bar. Décor is upmarket, including leather seats and carpet. Closed as a pub in 1958, but reopened again in 1985. A pint of London Pride was £3.00.

 

John 8.5/10 visit March 2010

 

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Take 5, 17 Tombland, Norwich. NR3 1HF

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- St Peters Organic Ale, Humpy Dumpty Porter, plus guest beer

 

Telephone- 01603-614210

 

The exterior is a Tudor style, but the interior is a continental style bar, probably the sort that new Labour was thinking of when they introduced 24 hour drinking! It does work here, giving it a good student/bohemian atmosphere with art- work on the wall. A change is as good as rest, as they say! Lots of people are eating here tonight. Only 3 beers on, but the beer was in good form. St Peter,s Organic Ale was £3.00 a pint.

 

John 8/10 visit March 2010

 

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Trafford Arms, 61 Grove Road, Norwich. NR1 3RL

 

Owner- Free House

 

Web site- http://www.traffordarms.co.uk/

 

Beers- Greene King Mild, Abbot Ale, Tetley Bitter, Greenshots, Adnams Witbier, Bitter, Irish Stout, Oakleaf Bitter, Winters Strom, Woodforde Wherry

 

Telephone- 01603-628466

 

Pub in a side street, just off the inner city ring road. Large pub with an upmarket décor, but with a cosy feel to it, there are exposed brick walls on one side, plus a display cabinet with empty beer bottles. Another Norwich pub with a wide choice of real ales, this time ten, the pub has more regional brewers than local ones. Pub has a vodka menu with 16 vodkas on it. Adams Stout was £2.90 a pint. Good honest boozer.

 

John 8.5/10 visit March 2010

 

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White Lion, 73 Oak Street, Norwich. NR3 3AQ

 

Owner- Milton

 

Web site- http://www.individualpubs.co.uk/whitelion/

 

Beers- Milton Minotaur, Colossus, Icarus, Dionysus, Pegasus, Nero, Caligula

 

Telephone- 01603-63233

 

Until I walked to this pub I thought Norwich was unyuppy!! But this area is. That said, this is a good down-to-earth pub with a good mix of people. A low ceiling, beams, slated floor and wooden tables and chairs all create a good laid-back atmosphere. Milton beers are named after Greek or Roman gods and are good. Another Milton tied house, to add to their two good pubs in London, the Oakdale Arms, London N4 and the Pembury, London E8. (see my London page)

 

John 8.5/10 visit March 2010

 

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Wig and Pen, 6 St Martins Palace Plain, Norwich. NR3 1RN

 

Owner- Free House

 

Web site-  http://www.thewigandpen.com/

 

Beers- Adnams Bitter, Chalk Hill Gold, Fullers London Pride, Oakham JHB, Ringwood Forty-niner, Shepherd Neame Bishops Finger.

 

Telephone- 01603-625891

 

An unspoilt pub in an unspoilt part of the city! The area that the pub is in is close to the cathedral, giving it a rural feel despite being in the city centre. Wonderful white-wall pub exterior and the interior is nicely olde worlde, as befits the area. The TV is switched off, but there is football advertised you think it might not be as quiet as it was when I visited.

 

John 8/10 visit March 2010

 

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EAST NORWICH 

 

Coach and Horses, 82 Thorpe Road, Norwich. NR1 1BA

 

Owner- Chalk Hill

 

Web site- http://www.thecoachthorperoad.co.uk/

 

Beers- Chalk Hill Tap, CHB, Gold, Dreadnought, Flintknappers Mild, Old Tackle, Fools Gold. Tiger Lager on draught.

 

Telephone-01603-477077

 

Pub is set back a little from the road; with an upper balcony it looks a little unpub like! Inside is pubby and busy with a good lively atmosphere for a Tuesday night. Modern décor with lots of wood, but with a traditional feel.  This pub is home to the Chalk Hill Brewery with 7 of their beers on draught. The Chalk Hill Tap was £2.20 a pint. The price of the beer was reasonable but I thought the food was a little more expensive, however a fair percentage of people are eating here. Live football on the TV, but there is no sound on.  An enjoyable visit.

 

John 9/10 visit March 2010

 

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Ketts Tavern, 29 Ketts Hill, Norwich. NR1 4EX

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Wolf Remus, Golden Jackal, Hero, Woodforde Nog, Wherry, Humpy Dumpty Porter. Budvar on draught and in bottles, plus Belgian bottled beers.

 

Telephone- 01603-628520

 

A pub close to a roundabout junction. Décor is Courage 1970s which means black beams, white ceiling and red seating; also has a fire which creates a cosy atmosphere. There is a conservatory with a pool table, and beer garden at the back of the pub. Articles on the wall include Norwich’s glory night in Europe when they beat Bayern Munich.   There are various food and beer bargains to be had here including 50p off a pint of real ale. Six local ales are priced from £2.60 to £3.10 a pint. The Woodforde Nog was £3.00 a pint. The landlord is doing his best to pull the punters in.

 

John 8.5/10 visit March 2010

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NORTH NORWICH 

 

Cottage Freehouse, 9 Sliver Road, Norwich. NR3 4TB

 

Owner- Mauldens

 

Web site-  http://www.thecottagenorwich.co.uk/

 

Beers- Mauldens Micawbers Mild, Suffolk Pride, Blackadder, Fullers Chiswick Bitter, Couch Vale Gold, RCH Pitchfork, Woodforde Admiral Reserve. Budvar lager and Dark and Bitburger.

 

Telephone- 01603- 665535

 

Nice one-bar pub just north of the inner city road. A Maulden’s pub; as well as their own beers there are other guest beers as well. Seven real ales in total are on, including Suffolk Pride at £2.70 a pint, which was in good nick.  There is a good choice of lager, with Carlsberg being the only mainstream lager.  Low lighting, cosy atmosphere and the radio on in the background. Friendly barman and pub dog adds to this under-rated pub.

 

John 9/10 visit March 2010

 

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Duke of Wellington, 91 Waterloo Road, Norwich. NR3 1EG

 

Owner- Free House

 

Web site http://www.dukeofwellingtonnorwich.co.uk/

 

Beers-  Elgood Black Dog Mild, Fullers London Pride, Hop back Summer Lightning, Wolf Golden Jackal, Straw Dog plus 9 beers on gravity in the middle of the bar. Pater Czech Lager

 

Telephone-01603-441182

 

Large back-street local with an excellent range of beers; most pubs in London would be happy with 5 handpumps on the bar-this pub has another 9 beers in barrels! There is a whiteboard off to the right of the bar with the beers and prices. A low-beamed pub with a lively atmosphere at the time of visit.  Yet another Norwich pub with a large range of real ales! Pub is about 10 minutes’ walk from the inner city ring road. A pint of Wolf Golden Jackal was £2.30.

 

John 9/10 visit March 2010

 

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Leopard, 98 Bulls Close Road, Norwich. NR3 1NQ

 

Owner- Batemans

 

Beers- Shepherd Neame Spitfire, Wolf Leopard Ale, Wychwood Paddy Stout

 

Telephone-01603-623505

 

A Batemans pub with no Batemans beer!! Maybe I missed some handpumps on the bar!! A small pub which looks like it’s has been decorated recently. The décor is impressive, including a tiled loo, as well as various bits of Batemans beer memorabilia on the green and white wall. Good cosy atmosphere in a pub you feel comfortable in straight away.  A pint of Spitfire was £2.60.

 

John 8/10 visit March 2010

 

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Whalebone, 141 Magdalen Street, Norwich. NR3 4BA

 

Owner- Free House

 

Web Site  http://www.whalebonefreehouse.co.uk/

 

Beers- Broadland Best, Fullers London Pride, ESB, Oakham JHB, Bishops Farewell, Hop Back Summer Lightning, Adnams Irish Stout, Woodforde Wherry.

 

Telephone-01603-425482

 

A pub close to the Duke of Wellington; the 8 real ales on the bar makes this pub well worth a visit.  The décor of the pub is wood-panelled walls and exposed brick, with two drinking areas either side of the bar creating a lively atmosphere. One side has live football on, which is Leeds V Millwall; important game for Norwich fans in their bid to win League One. A pint of Broadland Best was £2.30.

 

John 8.5/10 March 2010

 

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SOUTH NORWICH

 

Beehive, 30 Leopold Road, Norwich. NR4 7PJ

 

Owner- Free House

 

Web site- http://www.beehivepubnorwich.co.uk/

 

Beers- Wolf Golden Jackal, Wolf Ale, Fullers London Pride, Oakham Bishops Farewall, Nethergate Pub Boar, Tipples Lady Evelyn. Erdinger on draught, plus a few Belgian bottled beers.

 

Telephone-01603-451628

 

A pub which is about 30 minutes’ walk from the city centre, in a residential area. At the start of the road you don’t think there is going to be a pub! But not only is there a pub, but a used car dealership opposite the pub! A two room pub; one is full of sofas, the other room has a more public bar feel with a dartboard, TV and a pool table upstairs. Six real ales are on draught with prices ranging from £2.50 to £2.70 a pint. An excellent pint of Wolf Ale was £2.60. Opens 1700 hours on Monday, 1100 hours the rest of the week.

 

John 8/10 visit March 2010

 

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Eaton Cottage, 75 Mount Pleasant, Norwich. NR2 2DQ

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Theakston Mild, Winter Eaton Cottage, Crouch Vale Snowdrop, Amarillo, Wolf Golden Jackal, Straw Dog, Tripples Moon Rocket, Fullers London Pride. Westons Old Rosie cider.

 

Telephone- 01603-453048

 

Like the Beehive (above), this pub is in a residential area. The pub’s location is at the junction of Unthank Road (great name!).  A small pub with a colonial feel, with ceiling fans and tall plants. Ten real ales are on with some hard to find beers for some beer tickers, which is good for a small pub. Handpump beer clips are around the walls. Sky TV is at one end of the pub. Crouch Vale snowdrop was £2.85 a pint.

 

John 7.5/10 visit March 2010

 

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 WEST NORWICH

 

Alexandra Tavern, 16 Stafford Street, Norwich. NR2 3BB

 

Owner- Free House

 

Web site http://www.alexandratavern.co.uk/

 

Beers- Blackfriars White Swan, Fullers London Pride, Chalk Hill CHB, Brewery Tap, Gold.

 

Telephone-01603-627772

 

Cosy back-street local with a room off to the right of the bar making it bigger than it looks at first. Pool table at the back takes up a lot of room for a small pub. Good laid-back atmosphere, reasonably busy for a Monday. Pride of place in this pub gos to the vinyl jukebox, with mainly 1980s hits-£1 you can get 10 songs. The money put in the machine on Monday gos to charity Alan Partridge would be pleased!!  An excellent pint of Blackfriars which was £2.70.

 

John 8.5/10 visit March 2010

 

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Fat Cat, 49 West End Street, Norwich. NR2 4NA

 

Owner- Free Mouse!! (Say the pub)

 

Web site  http://www.fatcatpub.co.uk/

 

Beers- 12 beers on handpump including 4 Fat Cat brews and 14 beers on gravity. Budvar and Bitburger on draught and 50 bottled beers from around the world.

 

Telephone- 01603-624364

 

Where to begin? Looking at the above beer list alone should have most beer lovers falling off their bar stools! This pub is a permanent beer festival, with 26 real ales on draught; stand back from the bar and you will see all the beers on offer on a blackboard above the bar. Well done to the Norwich drinking public for creating the demand to keep this pub going; even London can not match this pub for the amount of draught beers they do. Décor is black and white checked floor, red wooden partitions with etched-glass above and of course various bits of beer memorabilia all around the pub, including a Watneys red barrel sign hanging from the ceiling! With no music, fruit machine and TV, creates a wonderful atmosphere! Deserved Camra national pub of the year in 1998 and 2004.   Fat Cat beers brewed at the Cider Shed in Norwich are from £2.00 to £2.60 a pint; other real ales are from £2.70 to £3.00 a pint. Living near this pub must push up your house prices! Beer heaven, beer paradise, how did I get out of this pub-I don’t know?

 

FN

If Carlsberg did pubs, this would be the perfect pub, especially as it doesn’t have any Carlsberg in it!!!!

 

John 10/10 visit March 2010

 

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Nelson, 122 Nelson Road, Norwich. NR2 4DR

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Deuchar IPA, Shepherd Neame Spitfire, Woodforde  Wherry, Adnams Cornhill

 

Telephone-01603- 626362

 

 A back-street local which is close to the famous Fat Cat. A good two room locals pub, with a model ship and blue boards on the bar. Friendly landlord and locals plus 4 real ales make this pub a worthwhile visit. Visited after the Fat Cat which is a little after the Lord Mayors show, but this pub is marked as an individual pub. A good pint of Woodforde Wherry, which was reasonably priced at £2.30.

 

John 8/10 visit March 2010

 

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Reindeer, 10 Dereham Road, Norwich. NR2 4AY

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Elgood Greyhound, Golden Neat, Cambridge, Chalk Hill CHB, Marston Pedigree

 

Telephone- 01603-762223

 

Elgoods only tied house in Norwich is a big pub close to a busy road junction. Nice wood-panelled décor with low lighting makes for a cosy atmosphere despite the lack of punters. TVs are on, but the volume is low. Student discounts here so there must be a university nearby! Chalk Hill CHB was £2.80 a pint.

 

John 7/10 visit March 2010

 

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LAKE DISTRICT

 

The Lake District is located in the county of Cumbria, in the North West corner of England. It truly has some of the most breathtaking scenery in the UK! Most roads are very scenic-doubly so when the sun is shining-as it did when I visited in April 2010 (I was very lucky!).The lakes attract a lot of ramblers and fell walkers who like to support local products including local beers-your average Ibiza lager drinker is a bit out of place here!

Cumbria did have two local independent breweries; Hartleys of Ulverston and Jennings of Cockermouth. Hartleys was taken over by Robinsons, with the brewery closed in 1991 and a few beers brewed with the Hartleys name in Manchester, which explains the 50 odd Robinsons pubs in the Lakes. Jennings was taken over by Marstons; the beers are still brewed in Cockermouth and Marstons are committed to brewing in Cockermouth-as proved by the repairing of the brewery after the 2010 floods.

There are 32 micro breweries in Cumbria including 6 brew pubs. Some of the brew pubs do accommodation which is well worth taking advantage of. Lots of pubs in the Lake District sell real ale to meet the demands of the locals and tourists. There are truly some of the best pubs in the UK, in this area. My only pet hate is that you are not considered a proper Lake District pub unless you have numbers on your tables for food!    

 

AMBLESIDE

 

Town at the North end of Lake Windermere

 

Golden Rule, Smithy Brow, Ambleside, Cumbria. LA22 9AS

 

Owner- Robinsons

 

Beers- Robinsons Unicorn Bitter, Hatters, Double Hoop,  Dizzy Blonde, Hartleys XB, Cumbria Way.

 

Telephone-015394-32257

 

A pub which is not easy to find and, due to double yellow lines all around the pub impossible to park! You have to park in the nearby main car park. What you get is a classic Lakeland town pub with a good atmosphere from the locals and barman. Red is the colour here from carpets to seats. Landlord is the last remaining from when Robinsons over Hartleys in 1991. There are 6 beers from the Robinsons range, the Hartleys XB was £2.70 a pint and in fine form! Cosy and homely like a good back street local should be.

 

John 9/10 visit April 2010

 

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BOOT

 

Village after Hardknott Pass which has great views

 

Woolpack Inn, Boot, Cumbria CA19 1TG

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Jennings Cumberland Ale, Stickle Path, Great Cable Bitter

 

Telephone-019467-23230

 

Web site http://www.woolpack.co.uk/

 

If coming from Hardknott Pass, this is the first pub you will see and you may feel like you deserve a drink! The pub has two bars: I am drinking in the walkers’ bar, a little basic but not unpleasant. Décor is wooden tables and chairs and lots of wood!  I visited this pub at the wrong time (maybe)-former landlord blogger Woolpack Dave has left the pub and the pub is no longer a brew pub. Still a very nice pub with some good Lakeland views outside. Great Cable bitter was £2.70 a pint.

 

John 8/10 visit April 2010

 

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BOWLAND BRIDGE

 

Village in the Lyn Valley to the SE of Lake Windermere

 

Hare and Hounds, Bowland Bridge, Cumbria LA11 6NN

 

Owner- Jennings

 

Beers- Ringwood 49ers and Old Trumper

 

Telephone- 015395-68333

 

Web site- http://www.brilliantpub.co.uk/harehoundscumbria/

 

The Hare and Hounds is down at the bottom of the valley from the Mason Arms (see Strawberry Bank) The pub is opposite the village shop/Post Office.  The exterior has white walls and hanging baskets with an outside drinking area with good views. The interior is slated floor and wood around the walls.  This is a Jennings pub with 2 Ringwood beers; a bit of a disappointment if you are expecting Jennings beers. More corporate than individual.

 

John 7/10 visit April 2010

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BOWNESS-on-Windermere

 

Town which is the self-styled capital of the Lake District!

 

Hole int’ Wall, Lowside, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3DH

 

Owner- Robinsons

 

Beers- Robinsons Double Hop, Unicorn, Hartleys XB

 

Telephone-015394 3488

 

I have great memories of this pub; it was where I had my first taste of Hartleys XB in the 1980s. A magic pint then, sadly not the same beer since owned by Robinsons! The pub is more upmarket than I remember, but is still the best pub in Bowness for atmosphere. The décor is low ceiling and beams with jugs hanging from them, and a fire which creates a cosy atmosphere. There is another room behind the bar area which had a folk singer when I first came in. Friendly bar staff very informative about the beers. Oldest pub in Bowness it’s been a pub since 1612. The sign on the door as you walk in says ‘mind the step’-guess who misses it!! And this was my first pub of the night!!!

 

John 9.5/10 visit April 2010

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White Horse, Robinson Place, Bowness-on-Windermere LA23 3DQ

 

Owner-Free House

 

Beers- White Horse Ale (brewed by Hawkshead)

 

Telephone-015394-43731

 

Web site  http://www.whitehouse-lakedistrict.co.uk/

 

A good name for a white walled building! Outside drinking area in front of the pub; inside is very modern white walls (of course), a glowing fire, sofas, modern art paintings and newspapers on the table. I am the only person inside on a Sunday at 1730 hours. Only one real ale on which was a house beer brewed by Hawkshead which was £2.90 a pint.

 

John 7/10 visit April 2010

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Churchills Tavern, Lowside, Bowness-on-Windermere LA23 3DQ

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Hawkshead Pale, Bitter

 

Telephone-015394-43548

 

Despite the name, a newish pub which looks like it might have been a restaurant once.  A slated floor runs throughout the pub; there is an eating conservatory area with the rest of the pub taken up by a pool table, music and TV and loud locals at the bar the sort who shout at each other, even when they are standing next to each other! Hawkshead Bitter was £2.90 a pint.

 

John 6/10 visit April 2010

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Stags Head, Church Street, Bowness-on-Windermere LA23 3DQ

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Stags Imperial, Moorhouse Blond Witch, Thwaites Bomber

 

Telephone- 015394-43132

 

Confusingly has 6 real ales advertised outside; one bar is shut and there are only 3 real ales on the other bar. This is a large open plan pub with football being shown. I was just in time to hear Wenger moaning about another Arsenal defeat!! After this a man was setting up the karaoke for later on tonight. Not an unpleasant pub but not my sort of pub really, despite a good real ale commitment and Cask Marque credited. Thwaites Bomber was £2.90 a pint.

 

John 7/10 visit April 2010

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Village Inn, Lake Road, Bowness-on- Windermere LA23 3DE

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Black Sheep Bitter, Hawkshead Red, Tetley Bitter, Windmill Golle Wobble, Bit’er Ruf . Erginger on draught.

 

Telephone-015394-43731

 

Despite the name, this is a large modern bar and restaurant, but it does have a good pub feel and atmosphere. White walls and low lighting with a combination of sofas stools and high tables and modern seats and tables mean you can choose what you are most comfortable with! Five real ales are on, with 3 from local brewers. Had a pint of Windmill Bit’er Ruff (get it!) which was £2.90 a pint-nice beer!  There is an outside drinking area at the front of the pub. Alistair Darling is banned from this pub- and so he should be!

 

John 8/10 visit April 2010

 

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Royal Oak, Brantfell Road, Bowness-on-Windermere LA23 3DB

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Barngates Red Bull Terrier, Coniston Bluebird, Jennings Cumberland Ale, Tetley Bitter, Timothy Taylor Landlord

 

Telephone-015394-43970

 

Web site-  http://www.royaloak-windermere.co.uk/

 

A good pub which is a little way up a steep hill.  One of the areas of the pub includes a pool table, with a touch jukebox with a great section of all types of music. Wooden floor on one side of the pub and slated on the other side.  This is a small pub which is full of tourists mainly drinking, which creats a good atmosphere. Nice laid back Sunday evening feel.  Good choice of real ales, apart from Tetley’s! Coniston Bluebird was £2.80 a pint.

 

John 8.5/10 visit April 2010

 

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Albert Hotel, Queens Square, Bowness-on-Windermere LA23 3BY

 

Owner- Robinsons

 

Beers- Robinsons Dizzy Blonde, Dragon Fire, Unicorn Bitter, Hartleys XB

 

Telephone-015394-43241

 

Robinsons town centre pub which is bigger than it looks on the outside, with rooms running off from the bar. Despite the size the pub is full. Upmarket décor with a lot of people eating food; in the area of the pub than I am in there is an impressive large portrait painting. Robinsons beers, the Hartleys XB was £2.80 a pint.

 

John 7.5/10 visit April 2010

 

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Mariners, Lake Road, Bowness-on-Windermere LA23 3AP

 

Owner- Jennings

 

Beers- Jennings Stickle Pike, Cumberland Ale, Marstons Pedigree

 

Telephone-015394-45678

 

 A Jennings pub to the north of the town centre; no tourists eating meals in this pub!  This is a smallish pub with nice décor, including old photos of Windermere, which were mainly to do with the lake. The pub also has a model ship as befits the name. The pub does karaoke on Friday and Saturday night, it also has a jukebox with some classic rock. Jennings Cumberland Ale was £2.90 a pint.

 

John 7.5/10 visit April 2010

 

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CHAPEL STILE

 

Village in the Langdale valley

Wainwrights, Chapel Stile LA22 9JH

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers-Jennings Cumberland Ale, Sneck Lifter, Banks’s Bitter, Bitter End Lakeland Bitter, Langdale Tup, Tirrel 1823, Stringer Pale Ale

 

Telephone-015394-38088

 

Web site http://www.langdale.co.uk/dine/wainwrights/index.htm

 

Nice pleasant upmarket pub with low ceiling and beams as well as low lighting which creates a cosy atmosphere. Not sure if this is Marston/Jennings pub as you walk in the first three beers you see are from this stable. Walk around the side and you see four beers from local breweries. I had a Lakeland bitter at £2.76 a pint.  Pub is named after the father of Lakeland fell-walking Arthur Wainwright.

 

John 8/10 visit April 2010

 

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CLEATOR

 

Village on the A5086

 

Brook, 93 Trumpet Terrace (on A5086), Cleator, Cumbria CA23 3DX

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Timothy Taylor Landlord, Hop Back Summer Lightning, Yates Gold, Hawkshead Gold

 

Telephone- 01946-811635

 

A roadside pub which is the last house in the village on the A5086. No red carpet or upmarket here; the décor is eccentric black gothic. There is a shop front dumbier to the side of the bar, chained up in case you want to take it away!  Food menu is written on  blackboards around the pub. The 4 real ales are on a blackboard behind the bar with prices. Friendly barman and locals. Landlord was £2.80 a pint; one of the best pints of Landlord I have had in a while.

 

John 8.5/10 visit April 2010

 

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 COCKERMOUTH

 

The birthplace of William Wordsworth, he of ‘wandering lonely fame’, and home to the Jennings and Bitter End breweries.

 

Bitter End Pub and Brewery , 15 Kirkgate, Cockermouth, Cumbria CA13 9PJ

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Bitter End Blonde Bitter, Amber, IPA, Jennings Cumberland Ale. Budvar on draught, plus various US craft and Belgian bottled beers.

 

Telephone- 01900-828993

 

Web site-   http://www.bitterend.co.uk/

 

Brew pub which is Cockermouth another brewery after Jennings! Three bar areas which are roughly the same; comfortable and upmarket with old photos of Cockermouth life throughout the years. As well as the pub’s own beers there are also Jennings beers-I am not quite sure why! Has a good bottled beer menu with Sierra Nevada as beer of the month as well a good choice of US and Belgian beers. There is a bottle takeaway of Bitter End beers if you want.

 

John 9/10 visit April 2010

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CONISTON

 

A lovely village close to the top of Coniston Water, famous in the 1960s for Donald Campbell and water speed records.

 

Sun Inn, Coniston LA21 8HQ

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Ennerdale Dark, Barngates Tag Lag, Kensham Island Pale Rider, Yates Gold, Loweswater Gold, Hawkshead Bitter, Coniston Bluebird, Black Sheep Bitter.

 

Telephone-015394-41248

 

Web site http://www.thesunconiston.com/

 

This is a wonderful pub up a hill with good views overlooking the village and hills. Modern walkers’ bar with a slated/stone wall, slated floor and black beams. The walls have old photos off Donald Campbell and Bluebird, a big thing here in the sixties. There are 8 real ales mainly from local breweries, the beer I had- Barngates Tag Lag-was £3.00 a pint and was spot on. Nice pub, nice atmosphere and friendly pub dog and bar staff.

 

John 9/10 visit April 2010

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Black Bull, Yewdale Road, Coniston, LA21 8DU

 

Owner- Coniston

 

Beers- Coniston Oliver Light Ale, Bluebird Bitter, Bluebird XB, Old Man Ale, No 9 Barley Wine, Oatmeal Stout, Loweswater Gold. Warsteiner on draught.

 

Telephone- 015394-41335

 

Web site   http://www.conistonbrewery.com/black-bull-coniston.htm

 

A pub which is right in the centre of the village. Exterior is a white wall building; the inside is red carpet, white walls and black beams plus photos of Donald Campbell. Home of the Coniston brewery which is behind the pub, which was the champion beer at the Camra national beer festival in 1998. There are press cuttings in a framed case on the wall with all the details. Full range of Coniston beers with 2 banks of 6 handpumps; if they don’t taste good here, then they are in trouble! Oatmeal stout was £3.50 a pint, dearer than most London pubs!

 

John 8/10 visit April 2010

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ELTERWATER

 

Village in the Langdale valley

Britannia Inn, Elterwater, LA22 9HP

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Coniston Bluewater, Jennings Bitter, Britannia Inn Ale, Gales Seafarers, Thwaites Wainwrights

 

Telephone- 015394-37210

 

Web site- http://www.britinn.net/

 

No real pub sign outside the pub, but it is a big white building in the centre of the village. Bar is to the right side as you walk in. There are other rooms down the corridor-some for drinking and one for dining. Small drinking area by the bar; luckily it is a nice day and there are a lot of walkers outside enjoying the lovely views. Décor looks like it has not changed much, which I think is a good thing- some Lakeland pubs are a bit too clinical! There are five ales on, including a house beer from Coniston. Prices are on the beer clips along with a description of the beer, Jennings Bitter was £2.80 a pint.

 

John 8/10 visit April 2010

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FOXFIELD

 

Village on the A595 with its own railway station and a great pub.

 

Prince of Wales, on A595, Opposite Railway station, Foxfield, Cumbria LA20 6BX

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Foxfield Tims Brown Ale, Some like it Stout, Green Jack Excelsior, Church End Gravediggers, Hawkshead Brodies Pride, Beckstones Border Steams.  Belgian and German Bottled beers and Silly Pils on draught.

 

Telephone- 01229 716238

 

Closed Monday and Tuesday, opens 1445 Wednesday to Thursday, 1200 Friday to Sunday

 

Web site http://www.princeofwalesfoxfield.co.uk/

 

Décor is basic or unspoilt depending on your opinion, but for atmosphere this is one of the best pubs I have ever been in. The pub has a nice traditional feel to it with bar billiards and a piano. The beer range is great, with 6 real ales on, including 2 beers which are brewed on the premises. The prices range from £2.00 to £2.50 a pint with the good home brew beers at £2.00 and £2.20 a pint- competitive even for Wetherspoons; all the beers were excellent.  There is a good choice of bottled beers on the blackboard from Belgium and Germany as well as the only lager on draught, Silly Pils from Belgium. Started quietly but the evening gets more crowded as people come off the train from the station next door. This is a pub with a loyal following, with everyone knowing each other, a pub where people will talk to you and the first conversation is always about beer. Tonight is a musicians jam night, no singers just people playing their instruments like an Irish country pub. Everyone here is drinking real ale enjoying themselves late into the night- good job I have a room here tonight (see website).  If you love good beer this is the pub for you. Thanks to the hosts, Stuart and Lynda, for a great night.

 

John 10/10 visit April 2010

 

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 GREAT LANGDALE

 

At the end of Langdale valley this is isolated pub

 

Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, Great Langdale, Cumbria LA22 9JY

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Black Sheep Bitter, Theakston XB, Old Peculier, Jennings Cumberland Ale, Wensleydale Poacher, Yates Bitter. Budvar on draught.

 

Telephone-015394-37272

 

Web site- http://www.odg.co.uk/home/index.cfm?id=1

 

First this pub is at the end of the B5263; on your way you will see the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel. I am not sure what that pub is like but this pub is the original Lakeland walkers’ pub so come here first! The location is in a wonderful valley, so the pub has benches outside. Inside is basic but atmospheric-looks like nothing has changed too much over the years.  Red floor, white walls and wooden benches, this is a place that walkers don’t have to worry about their muddy boots, after working up a thirst! A good range of beers at reasonable prices, the Yates Bitter was £2.60 a pint. Classic Lakeland pub.

 

John 10/10 visit April 2010

 

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HAWKSHEAD

 

Pedestrianised village close to Esthwaite Water

 

Kings Arms Hotel, The Square, Hawkshead, Cumbria LA22 0NZ

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Hawkshead Bitter, Windermere Pale, Marble Manchester Bitter, Coniston Bluebird XB

 

Telephone-015394-36372

 

Web site http://www.kingsarmshawkshead.co.uk/

 

Wonderful small pub in a now traffic-free village. Low ceiling and beams makes this pub look like it’s been around for a few centuries. There is an interesting life-size wood carving of an American Indian in the corner. A ex-coaching inn, you have an image of the horses pulling up in the square out front. Dining area is off to right as you go in. Two Hawkshead beers plus two guest beers are on; I had the Marble Arch Manchester Bitter at £2.70 a pint, a good beer. Despite the name, the Hawkshead beers are now brewed in Staveley.

 

John 8/10 visit April 2010

 

 

INGS

 

Village off A591 with a brew pub

 

Watermill Inn, Ings, Cumbria LA8 9PY

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers-Watermiil Collie Wobbles, A Bit’er Ruf, Dogth Vader, Wruff Night, Theakston Old Peculier, Wensleydale Falconer, Foxfield Some like it Stout, Sands, Bitter End Lakeland Bitter, Hawkshead Bitter, Moorhouse Black Cat Mild, Cumbrian Legendary Grassmoor Dark, Wolf Coyote, Blackbeck Blackbelle. Budvar on draught.

 

Telephone-01539-821309

 

Web site- http://www.watermillinn.co.uk/

 

Nice conversion from a guest house to a brew pub. As you walk in you have the choice of two bars: the one on the right is ‘restaurant’ in style, the one on the left is pubbier; it also has views of the river and brewery. Both sell a lot of food. White wall, flagged floor and black beams-so far so Lake District! There are guest beer clips on the beams and beer memorabilia above the bar plus a wall full of Camra awards. There are no TV, music or fruit machines here. One bar has a bank of 8 handpumps and the other bar has the same: two handpumps are unused so it makes a total of 14 beers on tonight, making this the largest beer range in the Lake District. All the beers are on a blackboard with prices at the bar. Pub is dog friendly- as you can tell by the names of the brew pub beers- there are 4 dogs in here at the moment.  This is another Lake District brew pub which does rooms for the night (see website). I stayed here, a nice way to relax at the end of the day. Prices for the real ales range from £2.60 to £3.10.

 

John 9/10 visit April 2010

 

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KENDAL

 

Historic town which is the gateway to the Lake District.

 

Brewery Arts Centre (Vats Bar), 122a Highgate, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4HE

 

Owner–Free House

 

Beers- Caledonian Brewers Passion, Deuchars IPA, Hawkshead Art and Arty, Jennings Cumberland Ale

 

Telephone-01539-725133

 

Web site http://www.breweryarts.co.uk/

 

There are two bars in the Brewery Art Centre, this bar the Vats bar is the more interesting one for us beer drinkers! Modern décor as you might expect with two large vat seats, as well as white walls and a lot of wood. There are 4 real ales on, including a house beer from Hawkshead which was £2.90 a pint. As the name suggests, there was brewery here once (there are photos on the way to the loo), this complex makes an interesting replacement. Friendly staff and atmosphere, with Latin music in the background.

 

John 7.5/10 visit April 2010

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Miles Thompson, Allhallows Lane, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 4JH

 

Owner- Wetherspoons

 

Beers- 7 real ales from the Wetherspoons beers festival, plus Greene King Abbot Ale and Ruddles Best.

 

Telephone-01539-815710

 

A Wetherspoons pub which is a little different; it is a long narrow multi-level pub. The tables on the upper level are almost laid out like a mini German beer hall, but with carpet! At the time of visit Saturday 1645 there is a good atmosphere. A stone wall going down one side of the pub adds to the decor. Friendly barman is very informative about the 7 festival beers which are on. The festival beers are £1.69 a pint. A good Wetherspoons.

 

John 8/10 visit April 2010

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Rifleman Arms, 4-6 Greenside, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 4LD

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Barngates Dog Lag, Loweswater Gold, Greene King Abbot, Tetley Bitter

 

Telephone-01539-723244

 

A pub which is up a steep hill from Highgate (High Street). The pub is overlooking a green, and has a back-street local feel to it.  There are old photos of Kendal on the walls, plus a red carpet and black seating around the walls, with a friendly locals’ atmosphere. Two real ales are national and two local, the Hawkshead Gold was £2.70. Open 1800 to 2400 hours on Monday to Fridays.

 

John 8/10 visit April 2010

 

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Burgundys Wine Bar, 19 Lowther Street, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 4DH

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers-Stringers Dark Country, Yates Gold, Mad March Hare, Loweswater Gold. Few European lagers including Duvel Green, plus a few Belgian bottled beers.

 

Telephone-01539-733803

 

Web site- http://www.burgundyswinebar.co.uk/

 

It says on the window ‘real ale specialists’ and this is the best place for beer choice in Kendal. Despite the name, this is a pubby place, even if it looks like it might have been a shop once. Four local beers plus a good range of Belgian bottled and most impressive Duvel Green on draught which is even find to find in Belgium! A multi-level pub with green carpet and red seating around the walls, with beer memorabilia above the seats.  There is an outside drinking patio at the back. Free range eggs are for sale on the bar! Stringers Dark Country was £2.70 a pint.

 

John 9.5/10 visit April 2010

 

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Bridge Hotel, 99 Stramongate, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 4BD

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Marstons Pedigree

 

Telephone- 01539-724170

 

Only one real ale, but this pub is a nice place, with a beer garden which backs on to the river Kent, the river which flows through Kendal. Pub is into its TV sports as well as having a pool table. Pedigree was £2.70 a pint.

 

John 6/10 visit April 2010

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Castle Inn, 13 Castle Street Kendal, Cumbria LA9 7AA

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Black Sheep Bitter, Hawkshead Windermere Pale, Jennings Bitter, St Austell Tribute

 

Telephone- 01539-729983

 

A pub which is just off the main road, but has the feel of a back-street local. As you walk in you have the choice of two doors, but they both lead to the same bar!  A small pub which is crowded with a good mix of people. Décor is white ceiling, black beams, red carpet, plates on the wall and pride of place goes to the impressive fish tank. Windermere Pale was £2.90 a pint. Good pub, good atmosphere.

 

John 9/10 visit April 2010

 

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Riverside Bar, Stramongate Bridge, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 6EL

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Hawkshead Bitter, Lager

 

Telphone-01539-729983

 

Web site http://www.riversidekendal.co.uk/

 

An upmarket hotel bar with 3 drinking areas. The décor is conservatory style with shiny floor and sofa seating. The first area is by the river, the second area has a fire and paintings and the third area is by the bar with a slated floor. Stylish place but you feel comfortable drinking in here. Hawkshead Lager was £2.90 a pint.

 

John 7/10 visit April 2010

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Shakespeare Inn, 78 Highgate, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4HE

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Theakston Mild, Fullers London Pride, plus 4 other real ales.

 

Telephone -01539-724069

 

Web site- http://theshakespeareinn.co.uk/

 

A traditional pub on Highgate. Despite this being a Saturday night there are plenty of locals in here, mainly seated at the bar. Polished wood tables, cushion seats, low white ceiling and etched-glass windows make for a good cosy atmosphere for a town centre pub. Six real ales are on draught, the Theakston Mild was £2.60 a pint.

 

John 8/10 visit April 2010

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KESWICK

 

Northern Lakes town which is on the shores of Derwent Water

 

Keswick Lodge, Main Street, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 5HZ

 

Owner- Thwaites

 

Beers- Thwaites Bitter, Wainwrights, Lancaster Bomber.

 

Telephone- 017687-74584

 

Web site-  http://www.keswicklodge-inn.co.uk/default.aspx

 

A Thwaites pub in the centre of Keswick which is cask marquee accredited. While in the centre of town, there is no traffic going past the window, which gives the pub a peaceful feel. One half of the pub is for eating and other half for drinking: food menu is above average, bar menu is pricey. Pub was built in the 18th century, but it does look like it. Polish barmaid making hard work of pulling a pint! Thwaites Wainwrights was £2.70 a pint.

 

John 7/10 visit April 2010

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George Hotel, 3 St Johns Street, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 5AZ

 

Owner- Jennings

 

Beers- Jennings Bitter, Cumberland Ale, Sneck Lifter, Cocker Hoop, Stickle Path, Brakspear Oxford Gold

 

Telephone-017687-72076

 

Web site- http://www.georgehotelkeswick.co.uk/

 

The George is the oldest pub in Keswick, the history of the pub is on a plaque by the front door. There are two areas for drinking at the front of the pub, a dining room off to the side and a big stand up area at the bar which is reasonably full.  This is a Jennings pub, with a guest beer from the Marstons stable. Cumberland Ale was £3.00 a pint.

 

John 8/10 visit April 2010

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Oddfellows Arms, 19 Main Street, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 5BL

 

Owner- Jennings

 

Beers- Jennings Bitter, Cumberland Ale, Cocker Hoop, Sneck Lifter

 

Telephone-017687-72682

 

Web site-  http://www.theoddies.net/

 

Jennings are based in nearby Cockermouth and owned a lot of pubs in Keswick including this one. I have visited this pub before in the 1980s, but can’t remember anything around the pub, apart from the name! A long narrow pub with plenty of room for tables at both ends of the pub. There is also a beer garden at the back. Lots of horse racing photos and headlines of the landlords horse winning a big race. Good laid-back atmosphere which might not be the case when the live music comes on at 2100 hours! Jennings Bitter was £2.90 a pint.

 

John 8/10 visit April 2010

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Bank Tavern, 47 Bank Street, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 5BT

 

Owner- Jennings

 

Beers-Jennings Bitter, Cumberland Ale, Cocker Hoop, Sneck Lifter, Stickle Path, Morrell Oxford Blue, Marstons Dragon, Ringwood 49ers

 

Telephone- 017687-72663

 

Web site   http://www.cumberlandtaverns.co.uk/

 

Jennings pub at the start of the main road, an historic street in an historic town. Another pub full of tourists eating meals; still the pub is doing good business for a Monday night. The décor is standard upmarket Lakeland town décor! There is a good atmosphere as well as a good beer choice. A Jennings pub with 5 of their beers on plus 3 guest beers from the Marston group. The Cocker Hoop was £3.10 a pint, expensive, but was well looked after.

 

John 8/10 visit April 2010

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Pack Horse Inn, Pack Horse court, off Main Street, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 5JB

 

Owner- Robinsons

 

Beers- Robinsons Double Hop, Unicorn Bitter, Hartleys XB, Cumbria Way

 

Telephone-017687- 71389

 

Pack Horse yard is next to the LloydsTSB bank on Main Street. A Robinsons pub in a town full of Jennings pubs! No food being served here, but that might be because it is after 2130 hours. Standard red carpet, white walls and beams, the pub is multi layered at the back, going up two floors. Pink haired barmaid makes a change from the standard uniform staff you get in London pubs.

 

John 7/10 visit April 2010

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Dog and Gun, 2 Lake Road, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 5BT

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Keswick Thirst Hop, Thirst Ascent, Coniston Bluebird, Oatmeal Stout, Theakston Old Pecuilar, Hawkshead Windermere Pale.

 

Telephone- 017687-73463

 

If you want beer choice in Keswick, then this is the place for you! Five real ales are on, including 4 from Cumbria. Thanks to the large number of brewers’ tied houses, this is one of the few chances to sample beers from the local Keswick brewery. Very crowded for a Monday evening now the meals have finished, I have managed to get the last seat! Slate floor on one side of the pub, carpet on the other plus dry hops on the ceiling. Keswick Thirst Hop was a good beer, even at £3.00 a pint. Good atmosphere and friendly staff who are keeping their regulars happy.

 

John 9/10 visit April 2010

 

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NETHER WASDALE

 

Village in the Wasdale valley close to Wastwater lake.

 

Screes Inn, Nether Wasdale, Cumbria CA20 1ET

 

Owner- Robinsons

 

Beers- Robinsons Dizzy Blonde, Dragon Fire, Unicorn Bitter, Hartleys Cumbria Way

 

Telephone-019467-26262

 

Web site- http://www.thescrees.co.uk/

 

There are two pubs in this village, which are opposite each other. This pub is a Robinsons pub which is nicely done out with old black and white photos on the wall, as well as a painting of the pub. There is a stuffed fox in a glass case in the corner. On a Tuesday night the pub is half full, creating a good atmosphere. A pint of Cumbria Way was £2.80 a pint. Another red carpet Lakeland pub!

 

John 7/10 visit April 2010

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Strands Hotel and Brewery, Nether Wasdale, Cumbria CA20 1ET

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Strands Brown Bitter, Angry Bee, Snow Ho, Glaxay Cream, Jennings Cocker Hoop

 

Telephone- 019467-26237

 

Web site-  http://www.strandshotel.com/

 

This is the other pub in the village; this is a brew pub with the brewery around the back. Décor is white walls, black beams, wooden floor and a stone fireplace. Good atmosphere with walkers coming in telling their tales of the day! The brew beers are good and are also good value (Brown bitter £2.25 a pint and Angry Bee £2.45 a pint), Why the pub does Jennings I don’t know! The pub other beers are Peroni, Carlsberg Gold, Thatchers Gold cider and Marstons Oyster Stout. There is also a good selection of malt whiskies. Friendly owner and barmaid. The pub does rooms (see website) which are reasonably priced- I know I have stayed here! What better way to finish the day than drinking in a good beer in a good pub knowing you only have to walk upstairs!


John 10/10 visit April 2010

 

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RAVENGLASS

 

Village where the fells meet the sea. Home to the Ravensglass to Eskdale steam railway.

 

Holly House Hotel, Main Street, Ravenglass, Cumbria CA18 1SQ

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Jennings Bitter, Cumberland Ale, Ennerdale Copper, Loweswater Grassmoor, Moorhouse Blond Witch

 

Telephone- 01229-717230

 

A pub overlooking the beach, with views out to the Irish Sea; makes the most of its location with seats by the windows and outside. Entrance is by the door at the side-not easy to find!  Pub has a pleasant upmarket décor with photos of boats and the town on the wall. Comfortable place with a good atmosphere (I was helping the bar staff with the crossword), with 5 real ales, the Grassmoor was £2.60 a pint, not as expensive as some pubs in the central lakes.

 

John 8/10 visit April 2010

 

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Pennington Arms, Main Street, Ravensglass, Cumbria CA18 1SD

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Jennings Cumberland Ale, Stickle Path, Hesket Newmarket Skiddaw Special Bitter

 

Telephone-01229-717222

 

Hotel bar with no views out of the Irish Sea because there is a house in the way and the bar is out the back! Modern stylish décor with comfortable chairs and sofas, the sort you might find hard to get up from! There is also an outside patio. I was the only person in so it was a little quiet. Had a pint of Skiddaw Special Bitter at £2.60 a pint, first time I have try a beer from this brewery-it was good! The beer was reasonably priced for the surroundings.

 

John 7/10 visit April 2010

 

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Ratty Arms, at Ravenglass Station, Ravenglass, Cumbria CA18 1SN

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Ennerdale Copper, Theakson Best Bitter, Black Bull Bitter, Ruddles Best.

 

Telephone-01229-71767

 

A pub next to the railway station platform on the Barrow to Carlisle line. Next door is the Ravensglass to Boot steam railway. The pub has a seating like railway carriage, but no railway memorabilia, it looks like the pub is being redecorated so it might have been taken down.  More regional beers than local but the Ennerdale Copper was £2.50 a pint, reasonably priced like the other two pubs in Ravenglass.

 

John 7/10 visit April 2010

 

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STAVELEY

 

Village bypassed by the A591. Home to Hawkshead beers

 

Hawkshead Brewery and Beer Hall, Mill Yard, Staveley, Cumbria LA8 0LR

 

Owner- Hawkshead

 

Beers- Hawkshead Organic Stout, Bitter, Red, Lakeland Gold, Windermere Pale. Belgian and German bottled beers.

 

Telephone-01539-83364

 

Web site  http://www.hawksheadbrewery.co.uk/more_info_extra.asp?current_id=79

 

Brewery tap of the Hawkshead brewery, the beer hall is aptly named even if the wood is new. It is very well done out in benches and tables, there are sofas at one end for those who like their comfort. Well done to Hawkshead for making this place a little different. Only half full but a good atmosphere. No TV, fruit machines or music here. Pub is not easy to find, it is at the end of an industrial estate off the main road. Opening hours are 1200 to 1800 hours, not sure why they are not open in the evening, maybe looking for corporate custom? Good beers as you would expect, with Hawkshead Organic Stout at £2.60 a pint, they also have a good range of Belgian and German bottled beers.

 

John 9/10 visit April 2010

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Eagle and Child, Kendal Road, Staveley, Cumbria LA8 9LR

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Foxfield Casaded Encounter, Keswick Thirst Bloom, Hawkshead Bitter, Windermere Pale, Deuchars IPA. Budvar and Belgian bottled Beers.

 

Telephone-01539-821320

 

Web site- http://www.eaglechildinn.co.uk/

 

Staveley has now been bypassed; this pub is on the old main road.  A nice cosy pub with a good atmosphere, all the locals are seated, not standing at the bar. Good eccentric sort of décor, with various bits of bric-a-brac all around the pub, with the fire adding to the feel of the place. There is no TV or music. There is a beer garden across the road which backs on to the River Kent. This is the place to go when the Hawkshead Beer Hall closes at 1800 hours. Staveley is lucky to have 2 fine drinking places and the Windmill brew pub in the next village-the place to be! Foxfield Casaded Encounter was £2.70 a pint.

 

John 9/10 visit April 2010

 

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STRAWBERRY BANK

 

Hamlet in the Lyn Valley to the SE of Lake Windermere

 

Masons Arms, Strawberry Bank, Cumbria LA11 6NW

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Hawkshead Lakeland Lager, Windermere Pale, Bitter, Kirby Lonsdale Ruskin, Black Sheep Bitter, plus Budvar Erdinger Leffe Blonde and Warsteiner on draught. Belgian bottled beers.

 

Telephone-015395-68489

 

Web site- http://www.masonsarmsstrawberrybank.co.uk/

 

This is the image everyone has of a country Lake District pub with low beams, slated floor, fire (not in use at the moment), antique chairs and tables. It is a sunny day and most people are outside enjoying the wonderful views from top of the valley. Not easy to find-you need a car, and the narrow road is not easy, but lots of people seem to know where this gem of a pub is! Five real ales are on, mainly from local micros, plus some real lagers add to a great experience. Sit down, relax and enjoy! A pint of Windermere Pale was £3.00 a pint.  A classic Lakes pub.

 

John 10/10 visit April 2010

 

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TORVER

 

Village at the junction off the A593/A5084. Close to Coniston

 

Church House Inn, Torver, Cumbria LA21 8AZ

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Hawkshead Lakeland Gold, Barngates Tag Lag, Ennerdale Bitter

 

Telephone-015394-41282

 

Web site- http://www.churchhouseinntorver.com/

 

This is a lovely old 15th century pub in the village on the road to Coniston.  The décor is rustic olde world with low ceiling, original beams, slated floor and a roaring fire. The sun is shining but it is windy today and the fire is welcome and adds atmosphere to the pub. Out the back is the beer garden, with great views and wandering chickens!  All 3 beers are local; Hawkshead Lakeland Gold was £3.10 a pint.

 

John 8/10 visit April 2010

 

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WASDALE HEAD

 

At the end of Wastwater. This pub is about the only thing here-but what a pub!

 

Wasdale Head Inn, Wasdale Head, Cumbria CA20 1EX

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers-Black Sheep Bitter, Riggwelter, Ennerdale Copper, Blonde, Coniston Bluebird Bitter

 

Telephone- 019467-26229

 

Web site- http://www.s213669645.websitehome.co.uk/4.html

 

The drive to this pub, the 6 miles from Gosforth-must be one of the best in the UK, lovely views of the mountains and lakes. Despite the gazing sheep on the road, the oncoming traffic down the narrow road, and no barriers as you drive high alongside the lake, it is worth the effort to get to this remote pub.  The location of the pub is breathtaking; you can see why it was voted best view in Britain. Décor is not your standard Lakeland red carpet, it is wooden benches and chairs-a little like a German pub. Like the Old Dungeon Ghyll this is a walkers pub.  There are old climbing photos and maps of the Lakes on the wall. The pub does food, but there is no music, TV or fruit machines. The 5 real ales on are mainly local, the Ennerdale Copper was £2.70 a pint and was good.  The pub is no longer a brew pub, the Great Cable beers are brewed elsewhere. The walkers create a good atmosphere. Sort of pub you dream about, if you are in a hot humid country with no great beer! A Classic Lakeland Pub.  Save the best until last!

 

John 10/10 visit April 2010

 

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BRISTOL

 

Bristol is the main city in the West Country area, with a population of 442,000 it is the 8th largest city in England. In a good setting by the River Avon, the city centre and the docks’ area are vibrant and pleasant, and unlike some city centres the people and pubs are mainly friendly! Beer wise there are lots of micros in the surrounding area; some micros like Butcombe, Bath Ales, Arbor, Dawkins and Wickwar are now buying pubs in Bristol to showcase their beers, and in some cases they sell beers from other micros as well. There are also a fair number of pubs selling at least 5 handpump beers, which makes for enjoyable drinking. This being the West Country, there are a few specialist cider pubs, as well as regular real pubs selling real cider. Visited April 2011

 

CITY CENTRE

 

Apple, Bristol Docks, Off Welsh Bank, Bristol BS1 4SB

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- No beers apart some bottles and cans. 8 real ciders on draught plus 30 ciders in bottles.

 

Telephone- 0117 925 3500

 

What a great name for a cider pub, apart from wine and a few bottled and canned beers all this pub sells is cider, with 8 ciders on draught and 30 in bottles. The setting is on a barge in Bristol docks, which makes it more special. The bar is in the lower deck; you can sit there but there are no views out. The upper deck has a canvas window to keep us warm in the winter! There is an outside drinking area as well, on land. Reasonably crowded for a Monday night, with a mainly young/student clientele creating a good atmosphere. Winter hours are from 1700 hours to Monday to Friday and 1200 hours at the weekend. The sign boarding the barge says ‘the finest range of ciders on the planet’- who I am to disagree!  A unique pub.

 

John 10/10 visit April 2011

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Bank, 8 John Street, Bristol BS1 2HR

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Arbor Ales Inferiority Complex, Glastonbury Back as Yer’at, Fiery Fox (Welsh Brew), GWB Premium Bitter, Castle Rock Hemlock Bitter, plus real ciders

 

Telephone- 0117- 930 4691

 

Back-street local, tucked away in the financial area of the city centre. So on a Sunday evening it is not too busy; in fact there are only 4 people in the pub!  A great choice of beers from micros near and far. The friendly Barman tells me they can turn over as many as 8 real ales a day!  A small compact pub with low lighting and candles on the table. The  background music is 1980s, Dire Straits and House music.  I had a Castle Rock Hemlock Bitter at £3.10 a pint, which was in good nick.

 

John 9/10 visit April 2011

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Bridge Inn, 16 Passage Street, Bristol BS2 0JF

 

Owner- Bath Ales

 

Beers- Bath Ales SPA, Gem, Heart of Wales Welsh Back plus other guest beer

 

Telephone- 0117 929 0942

 

Web site- http://www.bathales.com/pubs/bridge.html

 

Small Bath Ales pub by a bridge; sadly it is not near enough for river views! Framed photos of what looks like the regulars are all over the walls. Old vinyl albums and singles are by a record player, which provides background music. Outside drinking area is almost as large as the inside drinking area! Cosy atmosphere for Monday lunchtime, all real ales are £2.20 a pint on a Monday.

 

John visit 8/10 April 2011

 

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Colston Yard, Colston Street, Bristol BS1 5BD

 

Owner- Butcombe

 

Beers- Butcombe Bittter, Gold, Mendip Spring, Fullers London Pride. Veltins and Pilsner Urquell on draught.

 

Telephone- 0117 376 3232

 

Web Site http://www.colstonyard.butcombe.com/

 

After being to a few small traditional pubs, this one makes for a pleasant change, as it is large and modern. Brown leather seats are around the sides of the walls, plus some nice comfy seats in the middle.  This is a Butcombe pub, with 3 of the 4 beers from their brewery. Nice Fullers brewery mirror on the wall.  The Butcombe Gold was £3.20 a pint.

 

John 8/10 visit April 2011

 

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Commercial Rooms, 43 Corn Street, Bristol BS1 5BD

 

Owner- Wetherspoons

 

Beers- Lots of beers on for the Wetherspoons beer festival at £2.15 a pint

 

Telephone -0117 927 9681

 

A  Wetherspoons pub in a very impressive old building, which I think was once a bank.  This pub is on a par with the Hamilton Hall and Metro Bar in London for best décor in a Wetherspoons pub. There are names of people on old barrels- I am not sure what this is about! Visited during a Wetherspoons beer festival which means there are lots of real ales on draught for £2.15 a pint (good timing!). Good relaxing Sunday evening atmosphere; no TV unlike some Wetherspoons pubs!

 

John 8/10 visit April 2011

 

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Cornubia, 142 Temple Street, Bristol BS1 6AB

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Slater Supreme, Quantock Sunraker, St George’s Dragon Blonde, Banks & Taylor Edwin Extra Stout, SOS, Dorset Tom Browne, Cornubia Spring Edition. Budvar on draught plus 2 real ciders.

 

Telephone- 0117 925 4415

 

A pub which claims to have been around since 1775, which is now surrounded by offices, down a quiet road in the city centre. Small but, cosy with 6 real ales and no mainstream lagers. Nice décor with pride of place going to the fish tank, which had some turtles in it. The walls are full of handpump clips of previous guest beers. The sign outside says; real ales, real food and real people and it lives up to it! Cornubia spring Edition was £2.90 a pint. Great pub.

 

John visit 9.5/10 April 2011

 

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Graze Bar, 63 Queens Square, Bristol BS1 4JZ

 

Owner- Bath Ales

 

Beers- Bath Ales Gem, SPA plus Budvar on draught

 

Telephone- 0117 927 6706

 

Web site http://www.bathales.com/pubs/graze-bar-and-chophouse.html

 

Modern pub owned by Bath ales, just off Queens Square in the old city centre-with its green square and lawyers’ offices. The pub is half food and half drinks; the majority of people are in the drinking area. Green tiled bar, wooden tables and red lighting makes for an upmarket atmosphere. Only two Bath beers are on draught, but the Bath Gem was £2.90 a pint. Interesting  place.

 

John 7/10 visit April 2011

 

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Hope and Anchor, 38 Jacobs Well Road, Bristol BS8 1DR

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Otter Bitter, Brighter, Wickwar Penny Black Porter, Cheddar Valley Potholer,Butcombe Gold, Wadworth Old Timer

 

Telephone- 0117 929 2987

 

 This is a nice pub up a hill, next to the Brandon Hill Nature Park. Not sure if this pub is in the city centre or not? Traditional pub with no Sky TV, pool etc, with 6 West Country real ales. The dry hops above the bar tell you what this pub is about! The friendly young bar staff will offer you samples, if you are undecided about which real ale to have. Homely atmosphere for Sunday lunch time with a very mixed clientele enjoying the beer and food from a mainly snack menu. Nice cartoons of the regulars on the wall.  A nicely under-stated pub. Penny Black Porter was £3.30 a pint, expensive by Bristol (and even London) standards!

 

John 8.5/ 10 visit April 2011 

 

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Kings Head, 60 Victoria Street, Bristol BS1 6DE

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Sharp’s Coaster, Doombar, Wadworth 6X, Butcombe Gold

 

Telephone – 0117 927 7860

 

Lovely Camra inventory pub. Small narrow corridor as you walk into the pub leads to the Tram Car bar at the back of the pub which has old wood, red carpet and mirrors. Nice old black and white photos of Bristol, with old brewery memorabilia from Bass and Courage on the walls. Small outside drinking area. Sharp’s Doombar was £3.20 a pint. Closes Sunday between 1500 and 1700 hours, opens at 1400 hours on a Saturday.

 

John 8/10 visit April 2011

 

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Knights Templar, 1 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6DG

 

Owner- Wetherspoons

 

Beers- Lots of beers on for the Wetherspoons beer festival at £2.15 a pint

 

Telephone- 01117 930 8710

 

Big modern Wetherspoons pub which is in a modern shopping centre. One big window is along the front of this pub; halfway into the pub the ceiling becomes low! Big clock above the bar is impressive (wonder what happens when they have to put the clocks back!). Friendly locals tell me I dropped my money on the floor. Visited during the Wetherspoons beer festival, so all beers was £2.15 a pint.

 

John 8/10 visit April 2011

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LLandoger Trow, King Street, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 4ER

 

Owner- Brewer Fayre

 

Beers- St Austell Tribute, Hobgoblin Ale

 

Telephone – 0870 990 6424

 

Web site  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Llandoger_Trow

 

One of the oldest pubs in Bristol, see the link for a detailed history of the pub. The grand timber exterior does its job in tempting you into the pub. Interior is olde worlde, with low lighting and polished wood which looks good; the pub seems to be lacking a little atmosphere at the time of my visit. Only two real ales are on; had a pint of St Austell Tribute at £2.86 a pint.     

 

John 7/10 visit April 2011

 

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Old Fish Market, 59 Baldwin Street, Bristol BS1 1QZ

 

Owner- Fullers

 

Beers- Fullers Discovery, London Pride, ESB, Front Row, Butcombe Bitter

 

Telephone- 0117 921 1515

 

A Fullers pub which is in the city centre. Décor is in the Ale and Pie style for those of you who know their Fullers pubs! Large old paintings on the wall add a touch of class to an impressive décor. Lots of different alcove areas, which you can wander off into. There are lots of hanging baskets and potted plants- for those who like that sort of thing! Visited on a quiet Sunday evening with a nice relaxed atmosphere. Fullers London Pride was £3.10 a pint.

 

John 8.5/10 visit April 2011

 

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Seven Stars, 1 Thomas Lane, Bristol BS1 6JG

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Presscott Grand Prix, Track Record, Glastonbury Thriller, Berrow Winter Warmer, Box Stream Tunnnel Vision, Mayfields Priory, Arbor Hunny Beer, Abbey Cardinal Sin plus 4 real ciders.

 

Telephone- 0117 927 2845

 

Web site- http://www.7stars.co.uk/

 

Like the Cornubia  this city centre pub is surrounded by office buildings; good to see a pub like this doing well. With 8 real ales from micro breweries, this place is a beer ticker’s dream.  Décor is wooden floor, seats along the wall, with beer memorabilia on the wall above the seats. Berrow Winter Warmer was a £3.20 a pint. Discounts on real ale for Camra members. Friendly atmosphere.

 

John 9/10 visit April 2011

 

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Shakespeare, 68 Prince Street, Bristol BS1 4QD

 

Owner- Greene King

 

Beers- Greene King IPA, Abbott, Moreland Old Speckled Hen, Thwaites Wainwright, O’Kelly Old Skipper

 

Telephone- 0117 929 7675

 

Nice hotel bar in the city centre which is owned by Greene King, which is Cask Marque accredited.  Wooden floor and tables, plus low lighting and paintings on the wall give this place more atmosphere than most hotel bars. As well as Greene King beers, there are guest beers as well-had a Old Skipper at £2.85 a pint.  Nice place.

 

John 8/10 visit April 2011  

 

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White Lion, Quay Head, Colston Avenue, Bristol BS1 1EB

 

Owner- Wickwar

 

Beers- Wickwar, Long John Silver, Penny Black Porter, Champion, Bob

 

Telephone- 0117 927 7744

 

Web site http://www.wickwarbrewing.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6&Itemid=9

 

Small traditional pub which is close to a busy road junction. Nice green tiled, white pillar frontage, inside is nice and traditional with white walls, ceiling fans, chandeliers and pot plants creating a good atmosphere.   The pub is owned by Wickwar with 4 of their beers on taps. Gents’ loo is down a spiral staircase. Wickwar Long John Silver was £3.10 a pint.

Small drinking area at the front of the pub. Nice pub.

 

John 8.5/10 visit April 2011

 

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Zero Degrees, 53 Colston Street, Bristol BS1 5BA

 

Owner- Chain brew pub

 

Beers- Zero Degree  Wheat beer, Dark lager, Pale Ale, Pilsner plus seasonal beer

 

Telephone- 0117 925 2706

 

Web site- http://www.zerodegrees.co.uk/location-bristol.html

 

 

Having been to Blackheath branch of Zero Degrees, it is good to see branches in Reading and Bristol. This is Bristol’s only brew pub. Large modern barn of a place, with the brewing vessels behind the bar; which was a little empty on a Monday afternoon at 1630 hours. Photos of the brewing process are on the wall. Eager barman only too willing to give me samples of their seasonal beers, Three Malts at 7.2% and Bitter at 4.4%. Good service. The house Pale Ale was £2.90 a pint.  

 

John 8.5/10 visit April 2011 

 

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HOTWELLS

 

Grain Barge, Hotwells Road, Bristol BS8 4RU

 

Owner- Bristol Beer Factory

 

Beers- Bristol Beer Factory Acer, Sunshire, No 7, Southville Hop

 

Telephone- 0117 929 9347

 

Web site http://www.grainbarge.com/

 

A pub on a barge on the River Avon with great views of the river, it is good to watch the sail-boats and rowers go by. This pub is a little downstream from the new harbour development, but worth the walk.  You can take your beer out onto the upper deck if you want the fresh air! Décor is wood with lots of windows showing the river. Pub is owned by the Bristol Beer Factory with 4 of their beers on draught; the No 7 was in fine form and was £2.90 a pint. The pub does live music in the evenings and is closed on Mondays. Nice place for a relaxing beer on a Sunday afternoon.

 

John 9.5/10 visit April 2011

 

 

Merchants Arms, 18 Merchants Road, Hotwells, Bristol BS8 4PZ

 

Owner- Bath Ales

 

Beers- Bath Ales SPA, Gem, Barnstormer, plus a beer from the Studland brewery and Budvar on draught.

 

Telephone- 0117 904 0037

 

Web site- http://www.bathales.com/pubs/merchants-arms.html

 

 

A small pub at a busy road junction.  While small the pub, has a cosy atmosphere, as well as a separate drinking area behind the bar. Décor is mainly old wood which reminds me a little of a Dutch brown café.  The friendly locals at the bar were telling me about their times in London!  A Bath Ales pub with a guest beer; the SPA was a reasonable £2.70 a pint.

 

John 8/10 visit April 2011

 

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Pump House, The Pump House, Merchants Road, Hotwells, Bristol, BS8 4PZ

 

Owner- Marstons

 

Beers- Bath Gem, Butcombe Bitter, St Austells Tribute, Sharp’s Doombar

 

Telephone – 0117 927 2229

 

Web site http://www.the-pumphouse.com/

 

A pub next to a lock. The pub sign says it is a Marston’s pub, but choices of beers are from the West Country. Nice décor with red flagstone, exposed brick grey walls and comfy sofas plus an outside drinking area by the dock. Sadly the three members of staff, who seem very busy running around doing various things, were not able to do the important things- like finding time to serve the customers!  I left after 10 minutes.

 

John visited April 2011 no mark given

 

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Three Tuns,  78 St Georges Road, Bristol BS1 5UR

 

Owner- Arbor Ales

 

Beers- Arbor Brigstow, Acer, Simcore, Inferiority Complex, Brentwoood Maple Mild, Clockwork Orange, Green Jack Baltic Trader plus 2 real ciders

 

Telephone- 0117 907 0689 ?

 

This pub, which looks like it’s been recently redecorated, is done out in a modern style with green walls, wooden floorboards and comfy seats. An Arbor pub with 4 out of the 7 beers coming from Arbor; which are reasonably priced between £2.50 and £2.80 a pint, the guest beers cost more. Busy for a Monday evening, with a good atmosphere. A little off the beaten track, but close to the River Avon. A good start under new ownership.

 

John 9/10 visit April 2011

 

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KINGSDOWN and STOKE CROFTS

 

Bell, Hilllgrove St, off Jamaica Street, Stoke Crofts, Bristol BS2 8JT

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Butcombe, Bitter, Gold, Old Vic Porter

 

Telephone- 0117 909 6612

 

Low ceiling two bar pub, which seems to be more of a music pub in the evening judging by the turntables. Outside drinking area is at the back of the pub. This is a Butcombe pub which has 4 of their beers on, including the rare Old Vic Porter which was £3.10 a pint.  I visited the pub at 1845 hours on a Monday evening with only 2 people in it, so it was lacking a little in atmosphere.

 

John 7/10 visit April 2011

 

Hare on the Hill, 41 Thomas Street North, Bristol BS2 8LX

 

Owner- Bath Ales

 

Beers- Bath Ales Gem, SPA, Barnstromer

 

Telephone- 0117 908 1982

 

Web site http://www.bathales.com/pubs/hare-on-the-hill.html

 

This pub is close to the Hillgrove Porter Stores pub; it is just a short walk along Dove Street. A small Bath Ales pub, with lots of alcoves for a small pub. Décor is mainly wooden, but the wood is well polished! A cosy pub with a nice atmosphere, with 3 Bath Ales on; the Gem was £2.90 a pint. The pub opens between 1200 to 1430 and 1700 and 2300 hours on weekdays and 1200 to 2400 hours at the weekend.

 

John 7.5/10 visit April 2011

 

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Highbury Vaults, 164 St Michael Hill, Bristol BS2 8DE

 

Owner – Young’s

 

Beers- Young’s Bitter, Special, Highbury Gold, Brains SA, St Austell Tribute, Arbor Racer, Derail Ale.

 

Telephone- 0117 973 3203

 

Web site http://www.youngs.co.uk/pub-detail.asp?PubID=416

 

Go through a narrow corridor to the bar; behind it is an alcove of rooms leading to a large beer garden-where most of the pub seems be!  A Young’s pub (due to them taking over Smiles) which is allowed to sell other breweries beers-which might explain why the pub is so popular! Brown walls and old wooden tables remind me of an Old Dutch brown café. Bar billiards is at the end of the pub. Nice pub. Brains SA was £3.00 a pint.  Looks like a Banksy mural on the side wall, outside of the pub?

 

John 9/10 visit April 2011

 

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Hilllgrove Porter Stores, 53 Hillgrove Street North, Bristol BS2 8LT

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Dawkins Bob Wall, TTT, Green Barrel, Cheddar Ales Gorge Best, Arbor Tettnang, Artisian, Vale Haddes Winter Solstice, Three Castles Knight Porter, Teignworthy Amys Ale plus Brew Dog 5AM Saint on draught. Sam Smith and Brew Dog bottled beers plus 1 real cider.

 

Telephone-0117 924 9818

 

What a long list of beers! Nine real ales all told, plus some interesting bottled beers. Prices are high for Bristol between £3.30 to £3.50 a pint, but this is the pub to go to if you want rare quality micro beers in Bristol. Nice cosy back-street local with dry hops, guest beer clips and beer memorabilia around the pub. Another Bristol pub with a great range of real ales. The pub is more in Dove Street than Hillgrove Road. Open from 1600 hours weekdays and 1400 hours at the weekends. Great pub.

 

John 9/10 visit April 2011

 

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SPIKE ISLAND  

 

Cottage Inn, Baltic Wharf, Cumberland Road, Bristol BS1 6XG

 

Owner- Butcombe

 

Beers- Butcombe Bitter, Gold, York Terrier. Veltins lager on draught

 

Telephone - 0117 921 5256

 

Web site-  http://www.butcombe.com/pubs_cottage_inn.shtml

 

A nice pub in a riverside location-the sign says it all.  As you might expect, the pub has a large drinking area outside over looking the river. Inside is nice; full of people mainly having their Sunday lunch, but the place has a good pub atmosphere. The pub sign says free house, but it is owned by Butcombe, with 2 of the 3 beers from Butcombe. The Butcombe bitter was in good nick at £2.90 a    pint.

 

John 7.5/10 visit April 2011

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Orchard Inn, 12 Hanover Square, Sike Island, Bristol BS1 6XJ

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- RCH Firebox, PG Steam, Bath Gem, Palmers 2000, Fullers London Pride. 11 real ciders in the back room.

 

Telephone- 0117 926 2678

 

Small cider pub down a side street. Small outside drinking area with lots of smokers while inside the pub is half empty! The décor is black beams and white walls and ceiling. All the ciders are on the blackboard to the right hand side of the bar. There are 11 ciders on draught, which come from a back room. The real ales come straight from barrels behind the bar. Good atmosphere, helped by friendly staff. Unique pub.

 

John 9/10 visit April 2011

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SOUTHVILLE

 

Coronation, 18 Dean Lane, Southville, Bristol BS3 1DD

This pub was just down the road from my hotel. Sadly it was closed for redecoration at the time of my visit. A Hop Back tied house. Only a few minutes walk from the footbridge in the city centre

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BEDMINSTER

 

Windmill, 14 Windmilll Hill, Bedminster, Bristol BS3 4LU

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Bath Gem, SPA, Isle of Purbeck Solar Power plus Bitburger on draught

 

Telephone - 0117 963 5440

 

Nice back-street local in Bedminster, close to Bedminster station and within walking distance from the city centre. Décor is gastro pub/ Bohemian with newspapers, wooden floors, tables and chairs and a laid-back atmosphere. There is a small family room at the end of the pub. Not sure if this is a Bristol Beer Factory pub as none of their beers are on tap. The Isle of Purbeck Solar Power was £3.10 a pint.

 

John 7.5/10 visit April 2011

 

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