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Craft Beer Big in Bristol
It’s fair to say that craft beer is having its moment, and there’s nowhere better than Bristol for sampling some of the best of the best ales, stouts and IPAs around.
You’ve only gotta get lost in the city’s “Beermuda Triangle” to get an idea of how deep this love goes. We’ve outlined some of our favourite spots in Bristol to enjoy a craft brew or two. Just bring yourself (and maybe some mates). Now wet your whistle, hop on down and get exploring.
Craft Beer Festival at the Christmas Spiegeltent
is needed now More than ever
Throughout the weekend, the Bristol Christmas Spiegeltent will host beer and music lovers alike. It’s a top place to enjoy the Christmas vibe without having to elbow fellow shoppers out the way or stand around in the human traffic that forms around the typical market stalls and ice rinks.
This Sunday you can go along from 12 to sample some of the beers enjoy a Sunday Roast and chill out to some music from Fun Lovin’ Criminal Huey Morgan. There will be ping pong, talks and demos including discussions on unfined ‘natural’ beers, modern real ales and more. It simply doesn’t get any better than this.
Moor Brewery Tour
Whether you’re just curious about all this craft beer fuss – or a die-hard dark IPA fan – the Moor Brewery Tour is a great way to while away a Saturday afternoon. Bring a mate or even a date and get all the behind-the-scenes insight into to this local brewery. Naturally, the best bit is getting to taste the beer afterwards. Moor will let you sip on their best three brews to round off a pretty good day out. Some of the beers available to taste include Moor Revival, a 3.8% hoppy and refreshing pale ale, Moor Radiance, a 5% crisp continental blonde ale, Moor Illusion, a 4.5% session strength version of a black IPA, Moor JJJ, a hazy IPA and the 9.3% barley ale Benny Havens.
The Volunteer Tavern
The Volunteer Tavern is somewhat of a Bristol attraction – the 17th century atmospheric venue, the hidden location and the legendary collection of craft beers make it the quintessential British pub. This NYE they are putting together a glorious feast with five courses from Marc Flemming accompanied by live music. Menu highlights include pan-fried venison loin with venison shepherd’s pie and smoked bacon and chilli brownie for a gastronomical extravaganza you’ll carry with you for some time. Oh yeah and because no pub is a real pub without a dog, at The Volunteer Tavern they have their own friendly guardian surveying the premises (a frequent feature of dedicated real ale establishments that get the CAMRA seal apporval). See you there chaps.
The Small Bar
Perfect for beer-os looking to forget the rest of the evening. Nah, only kidding. But they do feature an impressive selection of seriously high-percent ABV craft beers that are pretty unique to Small Bar. As well as this, there are around 20 more craft beers from various microbreweries to pick and choose from – including some brewed on the property itself. The owner came from early Brew Dog fame, so it’s definitely one worth a visit.
The Beer Emporium
If it’s range you’re after, The Beer Emporium has a selection of literally hundreds of craft beers that rival anywhere else in Bristol. This place is craft beer’s mecca, with an impressive bottle shop and even more impressive (yep, you guessed it) Sunday roasts. The cavern-like atmosphere is the perfect place to spend the cold nights now it’s starting to get a bit nippy. Beer lovers, head on down.
Brewhouse Kitchen
Brewhouse Kitchen is not your average pub. These guys brew their craft beers on site taking the local, homemade element to another level. That’s just not it though. Their beer masterclass is an awesome night out for groups. Grab your uni mates, work mates – any mates – and get yourself booked in. It’s the perfect way to get into craft beer while catching up over Christmas. If you wanna delve a lil bit deeper into beer, book their beer experience day and learn how to brew your own under the guidance of Brewhouse’s master brewer. Drink, learn and turn for novice to connoisseur.
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