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View Full Version : PuG Autumn/Winter meet. Bristol, Nov 14th 2014



sheffield hatter
21-07-2014, 14:14
Last year's autumn/winter pub crawl was on 22nd November, so I thought I'd get a thread started so that we can get the discussion of venues and dates out of the way in plenty of time to get train tickets booked when the three-month window opens.

Oddly, there was almost no discussion of the next crawl when we last got together in Rugby in June. I was thinking maybe we could take up Quinno's kind offer of working out a 'weighted' geographical list:


I think we'd informally agreed that we'd try and do a South-North-Midlands (or combination thereof) rota so no-one suffers (or maybe gains, depending on your viewpoint) overly in travelling costs/time when the cycle's done. Seeing as we've done Leeds then Worcester (which I guess most would call Midlands, yes?) then South seems the next logical choice, or certainly the one after next.

Or we could simply divvy up where everyone lives and do a 'weighted' geographical list :eek:

Brighton was suggested by Mobyduck, eliciting this response from ROBCamra:


Oh, I don't disagree with the North-Midlands-South idea.

But THAT far south? :eek:

I suggest the next northern one is in Berwick on Tweed or Penrith then.

Or if hondo is feeling a bit left out how about Aberdeen or Perth? ;)

When Real Ale Ray and Bucking Fastard kindly joined me on my 60th birthday crawl in Sheffield last week, we briefly toyed with a few ideas for the next PuG meet: I reopened the Brighton question, but we surmised that too many people would find the distances to be insurmountable. Derby was mentioned, and Manchester, either of which would have my support, but the venue that brought the most enthusiastic concurrence was York. This is a fantastic pub city which benefits from extremely good railway connections - less than two hours from Kings Cross, for example, and fares as low as £13 (advance singles).

OK, that's got the ball rolling...

ROBCamra
21-07-2014, 14:34
That will need to be another 2 day one then! :evilgrin:

Mind you, so would Derby or Manchester.

Quinno
21-07-2014, 15:18
Leeds - Worcester - Rugby.

Gotta be South this time.

Bristol. Home of PUG and the 10 year anniversary.

Dave M
21-07-2014, 15:32
10 year anniversary.
Funny you should mention that, just reminded me that it was exactly 10 years ago today that we rebranded the site to Pubs Galore. I know this because in my original version of the site I wasn't recording the time or date (and in the early days the user) that photos were uploaded.

So the oldest 1,000 or so pictures on the site all have the date of July 21st 2004, which is the moment at which we re-launched the site.

sheffield hatter
21-07-2014, 15:58
Funny you should mention that, just reminded me that it was exactly 10 years ago today that we rebranded the site to Pubs Galore. I know this because in my original version of the site I wasn't recording the time or date (and in the early days the user) that photos were uploaded.

So the oldest 1,000 or so pictures on the site all have the date of July 21st 2004, which is the moment at which we re-launched the site.

:drinkup::bemerry::cool::cheers::D::drinkup:

Quinno
21-07-2014, 15:59
:drinkup::bemerry::cool::cheers::D::drinkup:

Looks like a vote!?

Dave M
21-07-2014, 16:11
Looks like a vote!?
Which just made me wonder, perhaps some sort of a vote is a good idea

ROBCamra
21-07-2014, 16:33
A date would be good first.

I could do Manchester or York most of the time, the others would need further planning and overnight stays.

sheffield hatter
21-07-2014, 17:06
A date would be good first.

If we're going for a Friday (as we usually have - though others may want to propose a change), how about 7th or 14th of November?

bcfczuluarmy
21-07-2014, 17:39
Bristol would suit me obviously, but I'd let others suggest an itinerary there's the obvious ones but not being a bitter drinker some of the ones I'd suggest may not suit.

Out of the northern locations I've been to a few in Derby about 20 years ago by the railway station. York has been mentioned a few times as a good crack which my dad has agreed with.

Pubsignman
21-07-2014, 17:53
I'm liking the sound of these options - I'd be happy with any of the places mentioned.

I'm free every Saturday in November except the 7th, as I'm in Middlesbrough on the 8th, although I could possibly make that work if York ended up as the chosen destination.

ROBCamra
21-07-2014, 19:22
If we're going for a Friday (as we usually have - though others may want to propose a change), how about 7th or 14th of November?

Looks like I can do either of those.

Any Saturday would be a no from me.

Mobyduck
21-07-2014, 20:07
I still like Brighton but understand the reservations, Bristol is doable but initial checks say its going to cost me £35.70 on the train, York, although I would love to go, appears out of the Question at about £58.00, for me a little steep for a p**s up,Derby seems oddly more expensive than that at £68.00 , not on expert on train fares and may find something cheaper later but its a little to rich for me.Rugby cost me £12.00 each way. :confused:
P.S can do both dates at this point.

Bucking Fastard
21-07-2014, 20:16
Both Friday November 7th and 14th work well for me.

london calling
21-07-2014, 21:15
Brizzle sounds good to me but prefer Saturday. cheers john

trainman
21-07-2014, 22:44
, Bristol is doable but initial checks say its going to cost me £35.70 on the train,

Possible at £6ew if you could cope with 2hr45 on coach, with mega..., tho my niece had a mare with that trip on a Sunday.

Aqualung
21-07-2014, 23:42
I still like Brighton but understand the reservations, Bristol is doable but initial checks say its going to cost me £35.70 on the train, York, although I would love to go, appears out of the Question at about £58.00, for me a little steep for a p**s up,Derby seems oddly more expensive than that at £68.00 , not on expert on train fares and may find something cheaper later but its a little to rich for me.Rugby cost me £12.00 each way. :confused:
P.S can do both dates at this point.

You need to wait until the cheap advance tickets kick in which is around 12 weeks (it does vary slightly depending on the Train Operator). I don't believe SW Trains do these tickets. If you can get a railcard (I've got a senile one) then you will get a third off all tickets I have come across apart from the Southern £15.00 go anywhere one. Recent trips I have made have cost £3.30 EW to Horsham, £4.95 EW to Wolverhampton and £5.95 EW to Derby.
Another tip is to avoid booking with Train Companies that charge £1.00 to post the tickets. If you're happy printing them off at home it doesn't apply but I like a proper ticket. I booked my last Virgin tickets with Southern so avoided the £1.00 postage. It doesn't work for East Midland Trains as Southern charge 65p extra for each single!

Quinno
22-07-2014, 01:10
Date wise, I can do either in Nov.

Mobyduck
22-07-2014, 06:49
You need to wait until the cheap advance tickets kick in which is around 12 weeks (it does vary slightly depending on the Train Operator). I don't believe SW Trains do these tickets. If you can get a railcard (I've got a senile one) then you will get a third off all tickets I have come across apart from the Southern £15.00 go anywhere one. Recent trips I have made have cost £3.30 EW to Horsham, £4.95 EW to Wolverhampton and £5.95 EW to Derby.
Another tip is to avoid booking with Train Companies that charge £1.00 to post the tickets. If you're happy printing them off at home it doesn't apply but I like a proper ticket. I booked my last Virgin tickets with Southern so avoided the £1.00 postage. It doesn't work for East Midland Trains as Southern charge 65p extra for each single!
Thanks Aqua, I based those prices on advanced tickets from now to October just to see how much its likely to cost in November,travel cards do not seem to alter the price on these advance tickets?
I know you can often get cheap tickets from London to many destinations,this is usually offset by the cost of getting to London first, I will look deeper nearer the time.

hondo
22-07-2014, 08:27
http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_fares/ticket_types/44703.aspx

gillhalfpint
22-07-2014, 09:01
7th 14th and 21st November ok as we would be doing Dudley fest on 28th. Any venue ok. Love York (will be there a few days when fest on in September) and haven't been to Bristol for a while. Derby OK if you are into brew pubs as so many seem to be brewing these days. Manchester would be fine as we only seem to do Northern Quarter when we go there, so could discover some new ones. Will go with the flow though as being in the Midlands we don't have the extortionate train fares - I hope!!

Aqualung
22-07-2014, 09:20
Thanks Aqua, I based those prices on advanced tickets from now to October just to see how much its likely to cost in November,travel cards do not seem to alter the price on these advance tickets?
I know you can often get cheap tickets from London to many destinations,this is usually offset by the cost of getting to London first, I will look deeper nearer the time.

Of course being a Friday greatly limits the options. A rail card should give discount on these tickets, it certainly does for me. As I said the only one I've found where it doesn't is the Southern go anywhere one and it's great value anyway if you're not just going from A to B and back.

Strongers
22-07-2014, 12:21
Can’t commit yet... need to see if I can book time off work – when I’ve found a job!

If I can make it I’m up for any, although I’ve not long been to Manchester and I live up the road from Brighton so they would be bottom of the list. I’ll vote for the other three on the poll.

sheffield hatter
22-07-2014, 22:31
Don't forget to cast your vote: http://forums.pubsgalore.co.uk/showthread.php?18283-Next-meet-up-venue

Real Ale Ray
23-07-2014, 13:11
Damn! I meant to vote for Bristol, but somehow ended up voting for Brighton - anyone know how I can undo this??

Quinno
23-07-2014, 13:30
Damn! I meant to vote for Bristol, but somehow ended up voting for Brighton - anyone know how I can undo this??

It's multiple choice so just vote for Brizzle too anyway (you can see who has voted for what by clicking on the total number icon). Unless there's an interesting late-surge Brighton is out of the running...

Mobyduck
23-07-2014, 20:40
It's multiple choice so just vote for Brizzle too anyway (you can see who has voted for what by clicking on the total number icon). Unless there's an interesting late-surge Brighton is out of the running...
Total number Icon? where? I don't seem to have one :confused:. Also Once voted I don't think you can re-vote, I was hasty and pressed the vote button before I realised it was multiple choice, happy with my vote anyway, (the southern one) as all the crawls I have been on to date have been north for me, even Reading , 15 miles north. :evilgrin:.

Quinno
23-07-2014, 20:59
Total number Icon? where? I don't seem to have one :confused:. Also Once voted I don't think you can re-vote, I was hasty and pressed the vote button before I realised it was multiple choice,

Literally, click on the number to the right of the coloured bar

Mobyduck
23-07-2014, 22:18
Literally, click on the number to the right of the coloured bar
Oh yeah. :)

sheffield hatter
24-07-2014, 09:08
Damn! I meant to vote for Bristol, but somehow ended up voting for Brighton - anyone know how I can undo this??

That's democracy in action! You just have to live with the consequences...

sheffield hatter
03-08-2014, 09:05
Can we settle on a date for this? (The vote (http://forums.pubsgalore.co.uk/showthread.php?18283-Next-meet-up-venue) seems to have gone in favour of Bristol as the venue.) No one has objected to 14th November, but Pubsignman said he couldn't make the 7th. In the absence of any other suggestions or objections, I suggest we go for Bristol on Friday, 14th November. Train tickets should be available soon, so if anyone has any last minute problem with the venue or date, better speak up now.

Mobyduck
03-08-2014, 09:31
Can we settle on a date for this? (The vote (http://forums.pubsgalore.co.uk/showthread.php?18283-Next-meet-up-venue) seems to have gone in favour of Bristol as the venue.) No one has objected to 14th November, but Pubsignman said he couldn't make the 7th. In the absence of any other suggestions or objections, I suggest we go for Bristol on Friday, 14th November. Train tickets should be available soon, so if anyone has any last minute problem with the venue or date, better speak up now.
Should be able to get the day off so OK with me.

Bucking Fastard
03-08-2014, 11:53
Can we settle on a date for this? (The vote (http://forums.pubsgalore.co.uk/showthread.php?18283-Next-meet-up-venue) seems to have gone in favour of Bristol as the venue.) No one has objected to 14th November, but Pubsignman said he couldn't make the 7th. In the absence of any other suggestions or objections, I suggest we go for Bristol on Friday, 14th November. Train tickets should be available soon, so if anyone has any last minute problem with the venue or date, better speak up now.


Very happy with this plan for the next meet up.Good news that we will get some new attendees in Bristol according to the poll.See you all there.

Real Ale Ray
03-08-2014, 17:15
Happy with that date, looking forward to it

Quinno
04-08-2014, 13:11
Date fine by me, I'll book it off.

We'll also need to do the tricky bit of drawing up an itinerary.

Bristol urban centre is a massive place and really you can get at least two day's worth out of it. Given that we're nearly all coming on the train, it'd make sense to miss out Clifton (huge hill!) and maybe even the Hotwells Rd area for the 'Friday only' crowd.

I'm relatively au fait with central Bristol, and the following are immediate contenders given their proximity to Temple Meads:

Seven Stars (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/635/)
Kings Head (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/54745/)
The Cornubia (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/308/)
Bridge Inn (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/272/)

Further in there's
The Bank (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/229/)
The Three Tuns (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/696/)

And of course if there are some cider-heavy pubs like
The Orchard Inn (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/57106/)

Sure there'll be plenty of other shouts....

Dave M
04-08-2014, 14:35
Thanks Quinno for kicking off the debate on which pubs to include! This is definitely the tricky bit as you've already pointed out the distances and hills could be an issue.

I'd be inclined to end the day doing the Seven Stars/Kings Head/Cornubia/Bridge circuit as that is the only part where there are going to be pubs nice and close together and it will only be about 10 minutes walk back to Temple Meads.

I'm quite fond of The Golden Guinea (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/391/) and Portwall Tavern (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/565/) if we are going to do some sort of round trip. Neither of them really special in any way just decent boozers with a few (usually local) ales.

If we want to cover some of the local breweries then Arbor are sorted with the Three Tuns, but it may be worth chucking in White Lion (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/742/) for some Wickwar. If there are some energetic people who fancy tackling hills then there are Colston Yard (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/61647/) for Butcombe, Hillgrove Porter Stores (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/417/) for Dawkins and The Hare on the Hill (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/52308/) for Bath Ales. Bristol Beer Factory would probably require a stroll along Hotwells to Grain Barge (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/69025/).

The Beer Emporium (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/80540/) might be worth a look, I quite liked it on my one visit - but I was very drunk and only had a very expensive bottle of Belgian beer. In fact I'm sensing I need some nights out in central Bristol to check on some of these places as I've not really been to most of them in a while!

aleandhearty
04-08-2014, 14:48
The 14th sounds fine to me. However, as my attendance at PuG meetups seems to be under some sort of curse this year, I'm a bit hesitant about confirming, at the moment! :)

Dave M
04-08-2014, 14:58
Bristol would suit me obviously, but I'd let others suggest an itinerary there's the obvious ones but not being a bitter drinker some of the ones I'd suggest may not suit.
I think it is worth making suggestions for pubs you like though! Take Shakespeare Tavern (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/639/) for instance, I like it, think it is a decent place but I suspect some would be put of because it is a Greene King pub. Although to be fair at least these days they don't have only GK beers.

sheffield hatter
04-08-2014, 16:11
I'd be inclined to end the day doing the Seven Stars/Kings Head/Cornubia/Bridge circuit as that is the only part where there are going to be pubs nice and close together and it will only be about 10 minutes walk back to Temple Meads.[/URL].


Good thinking!


Bristol Beer Factory would probably require a stroll along Hotwells to Grain Barge (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/69025/).

Quinno's review of 24th May 2013 suggests that this one was on its last legs, but there's a Bristol Post article (http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Grain-Barge/story-21104463-detail/story.html) about it from three months ago, so it seems to be still there.

Looking at the map, the Orchard is directly over the river from the Barge, but presumably it's quite a long walk from one to t'other?

Bucking Fastard
04-08-2014, 16:17
Quinno's review of 24th May 2013 suggests that this one was on its last legs, but there's a Bristol Post article (http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Grain-Barge/story-21104463-detail/story.html) about it from three months ago, so it seems to be still there.

Looking at the map, the Orchard is directly over the river from the Barge, but presumably it's quite a long walk from one to t'other?

Why not try the cross harbour ferry ?http://www.numbersevenboattrips.co.uk/crossharbour.html

sheffield hatter
04-08-2014, 17:24
Why not try the cross harbour ferry ?http://www.numbersevenboattrips.co.uk/crossharbour.html

Good idea! Presumably it's a fairly frequent service, as there's no timetable - and the conditions of passage mention nothing about passengers having to be sober at the commencement of the voyage, only about not consuming any food or drink whilst on board.

Bucking Fastard
04-08-2014, 18:25
Good idea! Presumably it's a fairly frequent service, as there's no timetable - and the conditions of passage mention nothing about passengers having to be sober at the commencement of the voyage, only about not consuming any food or drink whilst on board.

There seem to be a lot of ferry services,this company operate from Temple Meads and have a timetable http://www.bristolferry.com/ferryService.php Could form part of the crawl ??? I suppose we should concentrate on the pub selection first,but you know where I am coming from...............

an_ecumenical_matter
04-08-2014, 18:26
Forget that previous post folks, missed reading a page of the thread..... See ye in Bristol the 14th unless I get a silly afternoon shift in which case I'll be behind the glass selling tickets as ye stagger past.

Dave M
04-08-2014, 18:37
There seem to be a lot of ferry services,this company operate from Temple Meads and have a timetable http://www.bristolferry.com/ferryService.php Could form part of the crawl ??? I suppose we should concentrate on the pub selection first,but you know where I am coming from...............
I had already been thinking about the ferry but the timetables aren't entirely helpful to aiding a crawl. I will definitely check out options though, the cross harbour one may well be very useful if we decide to do the Orchard.

Bucking Fastard
04-08-2014, 18:43
I had already been thinking about the ferry but the timetables aren't entirely helpful to aiding a crawl. I will definitely check out options though, the cross harbour one may well be very useful if we decide to do the Orchard.

Good point. It also just occurred to me that Nov 14th is not exactly summer,the timetable could be different and the weather may not be as user friendly as it is currently.

Quinno
04-08-2014, 19:31
Quinno's review of 24th May 2013 suggests that this one was on its last legs, but there's a Bristol Post article (http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Grain-Barge/story-21104463-detail/story.html) about it from three months ago, so it seems to be still there?

Still seems to be going. It was reported in Pints West it was up for sale. Perhaps no buyer or maybe a change of heart? If it's open, then it's a decent stop and is 5=8 mins from the Three Tuns.

bcfczuluarmy
04-08-2014, 21:06
I think it is worth making suggestions for pubs you like though! Take Shakespeare Tavern (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/639/) for instance, I like it, think it is a decent place but I suspect some would be put of because it is a Greene King pub. Although to be fair at least these days they don't have only GK beers.

Some been mentioned in list of pubs already, I do like The Golden Guinea quite a lot due to cool artwork etc for sale and the general vibe of the place. I also like The Ship (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/646/) and Ostrich Inn (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/534/) but these aren't based on real ale.

I don't mind the Shakespeare although on a previous visit nearly 3 years to the day it was the beginning of the demise of my girlfriend and status of in a relationship and by the end of the evening in the Old Duke I was single.

Do we need to add The Knights Templar (JD Wetherspoon) (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/54711/) to the list as a starting point for those arriving by train to get a bit of food?



Still seems to be going. It was reported in Pints West it was up for sale. Perhaps no buyer or maybe a change of heart? If it's open, then it's a decent stop and is 5=8 mins from the Three Tuns.

I went there on 22/06/14 still open then.

Blackthorn
04-08-2014, 21:43
Some excellent suggestions, they should keep us going for a bit. Not sure who's doing the final choice but I'm glad is not me! A couple of others to throw in to the mix, although I'm sure I'll think of some more. The Barley Mow (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/234/) is near the station so my be a good one to include at the beginning or end. This is also Bristol Beer Factory, so may be an alternative to the Grain Barge.

If we're walking from The Three Tuns to The Grain Barge, then we could try The Bag o' Nails (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/54960/).

And besides the Beer Emporium, the nearby Small Bar (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/505/) and recently re-opened The Famous Royal Navy Volunteer (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/507/) may be worth a look.

bcfczuluarmy
04-08-2014, 22:07
Do we chuck in the BrewDog (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/631/) ?I think between Quinno and Dave M we can just continue to suggest pubs David.

Small bar reminds me I need to revisit especially since I can practically see it from my new office window.

Dave M
04-08-2014, 22:37
I also like The Ship (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/646/) and Ostrich Inn (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/534/) but these aren't based on real ale.

Only visited the Ship once, I expected to hate it for some reason but it seemed alright. I do like the Ostrich, but mainly in the summer when you can sit outside!



Do we need to add The Knights Templar (JD Wetherspoon) (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/54711/) to the list as a starting point for those arriving by train to get a bit of food?

Yes I think that will be the inevitable meeting point for people arriving by train.


The Barley Mow (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/234/) is near the station so my be a good one to include at the beginning or end. This is also Bristol Beer Factory, so may be an alternative to the Grain Barge.

I didn't think of the Barley Mow (partly as I've never been there!). Good point though, definitely worth considering.



If we're walking from The Three Tuns to The Grain Barge, then we could try The Bag o' Nails (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/54960/).
Bag o' Nails is worth a look, but particularly if Luke the landlord is around as I'm sure he'd be up for chatting to some of the crawlers (I know he used to partake on the BITE forums and still posts reviews on there. Come to think of it, I may just invite him to join the crawl!)


And besides the Beer Emporium, the nearby Small Bar (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/505/) and recently re-opened The Famous Royal Navy Volunteer (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/507/) may be worth a look.
Again a good point, I was aware that King Street was undergoing some sort of craft beer revolution but not sampled the Small Bar or been the FRNV in a couple of years.

Dave M
04-08-2014, 22:40
Small bar reminds me I need to revisit especially since I can practically see it from my new office window.

Pubs Galore used to be run a stones throw from there. (back in 2007)

Blackthorn
07-08-2014, 20:28
The Gryphon (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/405/) might be worth a look, especially if we wander up to Colston Yard.

london calling
10-08-2014, 22:17
When do the cheapest train tickets go on sale and who sells them.I am on holiday next week in Devon without internet access but can get my daughter to get them if needed.

london calling
10-08-2014, 23:05
The Gryphon (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/405/) might be worth a look, especially if we wander up to Colston Yard.

There are a couple of guys on Scoopgen who wander round Bristol and report interesting beers(but may not be interesting pubs) Gryphon, Crown,Small Beer,RNVT,NO1 Harbourside,Beer Emporium and the 3 Tuns.Have we got a local volunteer who can sort out a provisional list.

Aqualung
10-08-2014, 23:34
When do the cheapest train tickets go on sale and who sells them.I am on holiday next week in Devon without internet access but can get my daughter to get them if needed.

I've checked this and the cheapest Advance Singles are £15.00 EW. As it's a Friday you can't get this price before 09:30 as far as I know.
The tickets come up around 12 weeks before the journey (I was looking at the 24th October). The general rule is to book through the train operator you're using (in this case First Great Western). NEVER use the Trainline! If you like proper tickets as I do some companies add on an extra quid for postage. You CAN avoid this by booking through Southern Railways, but I found their prices for East Midlands tickets worked out just over a quid dearer.
The First Great Western advance tickets are poor value compared to other TOC prices.

trainman
12-08-2014, 08:06
National Express coach currently £10ew (London Victoria > Bristol Coach stn), scheduled at 2hr30 out, 20hr20 back. Probably insufficient savings to lure folk from the train at £30 rtn.

Maldenman
12-08-2014, 09:03
I've checked this and the cheapest Advance Singles are £15.00 EW. As it's a Friday you can't get this price before 09:30 as far as I know.
The tickets come up around 12 weeks before the journey (I was looking at the 24th October). The general rule is to book through the train operator you're using (in this case First Great Western). NEVER use the Trainline! If you like proper tickets as I do some companies add on an extra quid for postage. You CAN avoid this by booking through Southern Railways, but I found their prices for East Midlands tickets worked out just over a quid dearer.
The First Great Western advance tickets are poor value compared to other TOC prices.

It's always worth checking all options, I have a weekend in Worcester at the end of the month and FGW are quite a bit dearer than other options. Cheapest I can find are through the National Rail Enquiries site who incidentally do not charge postage.

Aqualung
12-08-2014, 10:10
It's always worth checking all options, I have a weekend in Worcester at the end of the month and FGW are quite a bit dearer than other options. Cheapest I can find are through the National Rail Enquiries site who incidentally do not charge postage.

Thanks for pointing that site out. I tried London All Stations to Worcester All Stations and it didn't include the option of going via Marylebone to Moor Street (£3.95 EW with a railcard) then discount singles or Day Return to Shrub Hill (roughly £5.50) allowing break of journey at for example Stourbridge or Kidderminster,

Maldenman
12-08-2014, 15:24
http://www.redspottedhanky.com/ is worth a look too, sometimes but not always cheaper and you can get loyalty points.

gillhalfpint
23-08-2014, 09:47
Someone's pub crawl. An idea what is around Bristol now.

Cornubia
Cotswold Spring - Codger, 4.2
Cotswold Spring - Stunner, 4.0
New Bristol - Boomslang Brown (Unfined), 5.2
Yeovil Ales - Ruby, 4.5
Yeovil Ales - Stout Hearted, 4.3

Seven Stars
Arbor - Blue Sky Drinking, 4.4
Bristol Beer Factory - Sorachi, 4.7
Mallinsons - Galaxy, 3.9
Twisted Brewing Co. - Conscript, 4.2
Twisted Brewing Co. - Miner, 4.5

The Crown
Brains - Organ Morgan, 4.0
Green Duck - Walter White IPA, 3.8

Beer Emporium (Cask Ales)
Arbor - Triple Hop (Chinook, Citra, Galaxy), 4.0
Bristol Beer Factory - Milk Stout, 4.5
Bristol Beer Factory - Sorachi, 4.7
Mallinsons - Banded Demoiselle, 3.9
Oakham - Pint please!, 4.1
Otley - 09 Blonde, 4.8 (Old name O Garden)
Siren Craft - Under Current, 4.5
Twisted Brewing Co. - Pirate, 4.2
Wild Weather - Black Night, 3.9

Famous Royal Naval Volunteer Tavern (Cask Ales)
Beerd - Monterey California Pale Ale, 3.9
Dawkins - Angel Weiss, 4.6
Harbour - Amber Ale, 4.0
Harbour - Light Ale, 3.8
New Bristol - Boomslang Brown (Unfined), 5.2
Siren Craft - Liquid Mistress, 5.8
Twisted Oak - Sheriff Fatman , 5.0
Two Cocks - Puritan, 4.5

Small Bar (Cask Ales)
Highland - Pale, 4.7
Highland - Rockall Ryse, 4.2
Magic Rock - Dark Arts, 6.0
Moor - Raw, 4.3
Rebel - Cornish Sunset, 4.0

Christmas Steps
On the Bar
Arbor - Hoptical Delusion , 3.8 (Version??)
Arbor - M Bomb II (Motueka Pale), 4.7
Box Steam - Funnel Blower, 4.5
Cromarty - Atlantic Drift, 3.5

On Stillage
Arbor - Pale, 4.8
Alechemy - Ritual Pale Ale, 4.1
Box Steam - Chuffin Ale, 4.0
Cromarty - Ghost Town, 5.8
Harbour - Amber Ale, 4.0
New Bristol Brewery - Beer Du Jour (Unfined), 4.6
New Bristol Brewery - Japan Jasmine Tea (Unfined), 4.8
Tiny Rebel - Cwtch , 4.6
Weird Beard - Decadence Stout , 5.5
Wild Beer - Bibble, 4.2

Gryphon
Bootleg - Urban Fox, 4.2
Hop Studio - XP (Extra Pale Ale), 4.0
Rebel - Bal Maiden, 4.0
Wild Weather - Black Night , 3.9

Three Tuns (Arbor pub)
Arbor - Blue Sky Drinking , 4.4
Arbor - Breakfast Stout, 7.4
Arbor - Triple Hop (Chinook, Citra, Galaxy), 4.0
Arbor - Why kick a Moo Cow, 5.5. (Unfined)
Oakham - Inferno, 4.0
Oakham - Black Hole Porter, 5.5
Siren Craft - Undercurrent, 4.5

Mobyduck
23-08-2014, 09:56
Someone's pub crawl. An idea what is around Bristol now.

Cornubia
Cotswold Spring - Codger, 4.2
Cotswold Spring - Stunner, 4.0
New Bristol - Boomslang Brown (Unfined), 5.2
Yeovil Ales - Ruby, 4.5
Yeovil Ales - Stout Hearted, 4.3

Seven Stars
Arbor - Blue Sky Drinking, 4.4
Bristol Beer Factory - Sorachi, 4.7
Mallinsons - Galaxy, 3.9
Twisted Brewing Co. - Conscript, 4.2
Twisted Brewing Co. - Miner, 4.5

The Crown
Brains - Organ Morgan, 4.0
Green Duck - Walter White IPA, 3.8

Beer Emporium (Cask Ales)
Arbor - Triple Hop (Chinook, Citra, Galaxy), 4.0
Bristol Beer Factory - Milk Stout, 4.5
Bristol Beer Factory - Sorachi, 4.7
Mallinsons - Banded Demoiselle, 3.9
Oakham - Pint please!, 4.1
Otley - 09 Blonde, 4.8 (Old name O Garden)
Siren Craft - Under Current, 4.5
Twisted Brewing Co. - Pirate, 4.2
Wild Weather - Black Night, 3.9

Famous Royal Naval Volunteer Tavern (Cask Ales)
Beerd - Monterey California Pale Ale, 3.9
Dawkins - Angel Weiss, 4.6
Harbour - Amber Ale, 4.0
Harbour - Light Ale, 3.8
New Bristol - Boomslang Brown (Unfined), 5.2
Siren Craft - Liquid Mistress, 5.8
Twisted Oak - Sheriff Fatman , 5.0
Two Cocks - Puritan, 4.5

Small Bar (Cask Ales)
Highland - Pale, 4.7
Highland - Rockall Ryse, 4.2
Magic Rock - Dark Arts, 6.0
Moor - Raw, 4.3
Rebel - Cornish Sunset, 4.0

Christmas Steps
On the Bar
Arbor - Hoptical Delusion , 3.8 (Version??)
Arbor - M Bomb II (Motueka Pale), 4.7
Box Steam - Funnel Blower, 4.5
Cromarty - Atlantic Drift, 3.5

On Stillage
Arbor - Pale, 4.8
Alechemy - Ritual Pale Ale, 4.1
Box Steam - Chuffin Ale, 4.0
Cromarty - Ghost Town, 5.8
Harbour - Amber Ale, 4.0
New Bristol Brewery - Beer Du Jour (Unfined), 4.6
New Bristol Brewery - Japan Jasmine Tea (Unfined), 4.8
Tiny Rebel - Cwtch , 4.6
Weird Beard - Decadence Stout , 5.5
Wild Beer - Bibble, 4.2

Gryphon
Bootleg - Urban Fox, 4.2
Hop Studio - XP (Extra Pale Ale), 4.0
Rebel - Bal Maiden, 4.0
Wild Weather - Black Night , 3.9

Three Tuns (Arbor pub)
Arbor - Blue Sky Drinking , 4.4
Arbor - Breakfast Stout, 7.4
Arbor - Triple Hop (Chinook, Citra, Galaxy), 4.0
Arbor - Why kick a Moo Cow, 5.5. (Unfined)
Oakham - Inferno, 4.0
Oakham - Black Hole Porter, 5.5
Siren Craft - Undercurrent, 4.5
A very nice selection of ales there.:drinkup:

gillhalfpint
23-08-2014, 11:46
Having a bit of a struggle transport wise for this weekend meet. We planned to take the van to Chertsey for the Egham USC fest and attend there Thursday and Saturday, and catch a train to Bristol to join you on the Friday, but tickets for that day have become available today, and will cost us £66 from Chertsey or even Egham itself.

Will have to find somewhere neutral where it is easy to get to both, hopefully cheaper.

Aqualung
23-08-2014, 14:47
Having a bit of a struggle transport wise for this weekend meet. We planned to take the van to Chertsey for the Egham USC fest and attend there Thursday and Saturday, and catch a train to Bristol to join you on the Friday, but tickets for that day have become available today, and will cost us £66 from Chertsey or even Egham itself.

Will have to find somewhere neutral where it is easy to get to both, hopefully cheaper.

The Great Western cheap advance tickets from Reading to BTM are not yet available for the 14th but are showing for the 7th.

gillhalfpint
23-08-2014, 14:52
The Great Western cheap advance tickets from Reading to BTM are not yet available for the 14th but are showing for the 7th.

Cheers. Will try when we get back from Iceland. Want to do both that weekend,

Aqualung
23-08-2014, 14:59
Cheers. Will try when we get back from Iceland. Want to do both that weekend,

Hope you don't catch that Volcano that was on the news the other day!!

gillhalfpint
23-08-2014, 16:29
Hope you don't catch that Volcano that was on the news the other day!!

It is still in the news, and has just gone from aviation orange to red in the last couple of hours. Should be an interesting trip as we go right round Iceland calling in 3 ports if no safety issues. Might get some good photos.

bcfczuluarmy
25-08-2014, 22:59
Do we need to start an attendees list to gauge numbers? I'll probably do a half day working from home then get the bus into city centre and met up with the rest. Only need to do 4 hours so if start early can meet at the beginning.

rpadam
27-08-2014, 20:47
The Great Western cheap advance tickets from Reading to BTM are not yet available for the 14th but are showing for the 7th.
Currently showing for the 12th, so nearly there...

sheffield hatter
27-08-2014, 22:35
I'll probably do a half day working from home then get the bus into city centre and met up with the rest. Only need to do 4 hours so if start early can meet at the beginning.

That's what I would call rubbing salt in the wounds - I've got a three hour train journey to get to Bristol (OK, 2 hours 47 minutes, arriving at 12:42). And another of similar duration to get home to Sheffield in the evening. :mad:

Is this a good moment to propose Sheffield for the next meet up? :whistle:

Blackthorn
27-08-2014, 23:23
That's what I would call rubbing salt in the wounds - I've got a three hour train journey to get to Bristol (OK, 2 hours 47 minutes, arriving at 12:42). And another of similar duration to get home to Sheffield in the evening. :mad:

Is this a good moment to propose Sheffield for the next meet up? :whistle:

Quite, we can't all just jump on a bus. I'm going to be sat on the train for 8 minutes. :)

sheffield hatter
27-08-2014, 23:45
I'm going to be sat on the train for 8 minutes. :)

:moremad:

Mobyduck
28-08-2014, 07:05
That's what I would call rubbing salt in the wounds - I've got a three hour train journey to get to Bristol (OK, 2 hours 47 minutes, arriving at 12:42). And another of similar duration to get home to Sheffield in the evening. :mad:

2 Hours 21 minutes for me arriving 12:05. Best deal found so far is on Red Spotted Hanky, £30.70 return.

bcfczuluarmy
28-08-2014, 23:17
That's what I would call rubbing salt in the wounds - I've got a three hour train journey to get to Bristol (OK, 2 hours 47 minutes, arriving at 12:42). And another of similar duration to get home to Sheffield in the evening. :moremad:


Quite, we can't all just jump on a bus. I'm going to be sat on the train for 8 minutes. :)

Now that's more annoying 8 miles in 8 minutes and 2 1/2 in 20 on the bus now that's salt. SH I feel your pain now.

Gann
30-08-2014, 12:19
Currently showing for the 12th, so nearly there...

Now available for London to Bristol, and although there is still some doubt over my attendance as I am meant to be supporting an exhibition in Germany all that week, I am hopeful I can find a willing volunteer to cover Friday for me and have bagged a brace for arrival into Templemeads at 12.15AM and departure at 7.30PM.
Fingers crossed, for willing volunteer , no ash clouds, no terrorist alerts or anything else that will bugger up a return to Blighty on Thursday that week

Gann
30-08-2014, 12:24
.... for arrival into Templemeads at 12.15AM and departure at 7.30PM.

Yes, sorry I do mean 12.15PM before you all jump on the keyboard

london calling
30-08-2014, 21:35
I have got Ealing to Bristol for £29 with 2 changes but saves me the 45 min journey into Paddington and works out slightly quicker as well.Bring it on.

Bucking Fastard
08-09-2014, 16:35
Advanced prices seem to have come down a bit,so I'm booked up arriving at Bristol Temple Meads at 11.15am and departing on the 19.41 back to Paddington and beyond.

I see in my 2015 GBG on p13 that Bristol gets a decent write up as a "Beer Destination" ,one of four cities where "the grip of big brewers has been replaced by flourishing independent producers who offer choice in abundance". Can't wait.

rpadam
08-09-2014, 22:06
Should be there at 12:05, but probably having travelled the long way round from Waterloo (2 hours 45 minutes) I think I may be slightly thirsty on arrival...

Quinno
08-09-2014, 22:31
Done - £23.20.

Arrive 11.15
Depart 20.30

Looking forward to it :D

bcfczuluarmy
11-09-2014, 23:39
We got a plan on where to go yet?

sheffield hatter
12-09-2014, 10:24
We got a plan on where to go yet?

We're waiting on you locals to sort something out!

bcfczuluarmy
16-09-2014, 01:03
Well a recent Cheltenham Camra visit saw them do the following on a day trip

The Knights Templar (JD Wetherspoon) (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/54711/) Breakfast stop although the times some arriving may negate the need for this as a stop.
Seven Stars (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/635/)
BrewDog (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/631/)
Small Bar (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/505/)
The Famous Royal Navy Volunteer (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/507/)
The Beer Emporium (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/80540/)
The Three Tuns (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/696/)
Grain Barge (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/69025/)
The Bag o' Nails (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/54960/)
Barley Mow (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/234/)

All have been mentioned although considering the new 2015 GBG is out and some new additions have been included people could want to bag The Canteen (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/74351/) which isn't too far out of the way.

It's a start considering Quinno hasn't suggested a POA.

Mobyduck
16-09-2014, 06:51
Well a recent Cheltenham Camra visit saw them do the following on a day trip

The Knights Templar (JD Wetherspoon) (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/54711/) Breakfast stop although the times some arriving may negate the need for this as a stop.
Seven Stars (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/635/)
BrewDog (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/631/)
Small Bar (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/505/)
The Famous Royal Navy Volunteer (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/507/)
The Beer Emporium (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/80540/)
The Three Tuns (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/696/)
Grain Barge (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/69025/)
The Bag o' Nails (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/54960/)
Barley Mow (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/234/)

All have been mentioned although considering the new 2015 GBG is out and some new additions have been included people could want to bag The Canteen (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/74351/) which isn't too far out of the way.

It's a start considering Quinno hasn't suggested a POA.
All looks good apart from the first one. :sick: :D

Mobyduck
28-09-2014, 23:39
Tickets now booked, arriving at 12:05 along with Big Steve, leaving at some point. See you there. :drinkup:

aleandhearty
07-10-2014, 14:51
Just wondered if 'oldboots' and 'sheffield hatter' had bought their train tickets yet? Potentially, we'll all be travelling on the same train. Have the cheap fares been and gone, or not released yet? At the moment National Rail journey planner is showing the cheapest day return at £89.90 which seems rather steep, not to mention out of my league.

Quinno
07-10-2014, 15:01
Just wondered if 'oldboots' and 'sheffield hatter' had bought their train tickets yet? Potentially, we'll all be travelling on the same train. Have the cheap fares been and gone, or not released yet? At the moment National Rail journey planner is showing the cheapest day return at £89.90 which seems rather steep, not to mention out of my league.

Been and gone, I imagine...

You coming out of Wakefield? Split the ticket at Cheltenham potentially...

oldboots
07-10-2014, 15:12
Just wondered if 'oldboots' and 'sheffield hatter' had bought their train tickets yet? Potentially, we'll all be travelling on the same train. Have the cheap fares been and gone, or not released yet? At the moment National Rail journey planner is showing the cheapest day return at £89.90 which seems rather steep, not to mention out of my league.

Sadly I can't be there this time as stuff has come up. I will be at Otley Beer Festival on the Saturday though.

aleandhearty
07-10-2014, 17:31
Been and gone, I imagine...

You coming out of Wakefield? Split the ticket at Cheltenham potentially...

The reason I asked is, I've been dipping into the site, every few days, for weeks and not noticed any price drop. The Cheltenham split, if I've been doing it right, doesn't seem to make much difference.


Sadly I can't be there this time as stuff has come up. I will be at Otley Beer Festival on the Saturday though.

Mmm. If I don't make Bristol, I'll have to try and wangle a visit.

sheffield hatter
07-10-2014, 18:52
Just wondered if 'oldboots' and 'sheffield hatter' had bought their train tickets yet? Potentially, we'll all be travelling on the same train. Have the cheap fares been and gone, or not released yet? At the moment National Rail journey planner is showing the cheapest day return at £89.90 which seems rather steep, not to mention out of my league.

Yikes! That is a bit steep. I got my tickets at the end of August, so I probably missed some cheaper options myself - advance tickets are generally not available earlier than 12 weeks before the date of travel, but if you leave it to week 11, you can easily miss the cheapest fares. (We're now just five weeks from the Bristol trip.)

You can sometimes still get a cheaper deal by splitting the journey, as Quinno suggests (he mentioned Cheltenham, I've gone for Birmingham). For example Wakefield 06.47 to Birmingham arr 08.54, £17.20; dep Birm 9.42 arr Bristol Temple Meads 11.10, £24.90. Dep BTM 19.30 arr BNS 20.52, £19.70 ; dep BNS 21.03 arr Wake 22.59 £20.80 - total £82.60 which is not much better than the day return, with the risk of having to pay a full fare if you miss one of the trains. Looks like you've missed the boat, Andy. (Sorry!)

For future reference, this website (http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_fares/ticket_types/44703.aspx) tells you when tickets become available.

Quinno
07-10-2014, 19:12
There's always Megabus - tenner e/w Brum to Bristol

It also goes Leeds-Bristol but takes over 5hours e/w!!

Strongers
08-10-2014, 00:24
There's always Megabus - tenner e/w Brum to Bristol

It also goes Leeds-Bristol but takes over 5hours e/w!!

The problem with Megabus is that you can get stuck next to a drunken bore for 5 hours with no break or escape! ;)

aleandhearty
08-10-2014, 12:44
...but if you leave it to week 11, you can easily miss the cheapest fares.

Looks like I blinked and I missed 'em. :mad: Thanks for the heads up about the notification website.


There's always Megabus - tenner e/w Brum to Bristol

It also goes Leeds-Bristol but takes over 5hours e/w!!

I've done Leeds-London return (4.5 hrs e/w) with the two journeys several days apart and that was bad enough. Ten hours in one day and I'd be reduced to a quivering, drooling mess.


The problem with Megabus is that you can get stuck next to a drunken bore for 5 hours with no break or escape! ;)


Potentially, guilty as charged. :D

trainman
08-10-2014, 13:47
Wakey>KX 07:27-09:29 £22.50
Padd>BTM 10:00-11:40 £21.10
BTM>Padd 18:30-20:14 £17.80
KX-Wakey 21:35-23.53 £22.50
plus transfer in London. hmmm :(

Bit late at the races Andy lad. There's a £8 megatrain Sheff to London the prev eve if you wanted to crash at ours, but it don't knock that much off the total.
Or a stop over in Briz the Thurs nt after megatrain from Sheff to London £8 and Lon-BTM £6 (slower from waterloo).

Rex_Rattus
15-10-2014, 13:40
Both Maldenman and I plan to make it to this shindig. Our train gets in to Temple meads at 12.15 so would to be able to catch up with those already there by soon after 12.30. See you all next month!

Mobyduck
15-10-2014, 18:00
Both Maldenman and I plan to make it to this shindig. Our train gets in to Temple meads at 12.15 so would to be able to catch up with those already there by soon after 12.30. See you all next month!
Look forward to it, will be arriving 10 mins ahead of you.

Maldenman
15-10-2014, 20:52
Not done one of these before so really looking forward to meeting people who so far are just names. I like Bristol, had a few visits there, some crackers, an updated itinery nearer to the time would be good as we will be chasing the early crew, looking good.

bcfczuluarmy
15-10-2014, 21:48
This was a crawl I did with my Dad on the 4th October all on foot so gives a perspective of time so he could cross a number of GBG pubs off from new and last years guides. I'm not suggesting we replicate this in the slightest but does show what is possible especially considering we walked quite a fair distance and I had a pint in every pub but does include some of the ones mentioned earlier in the thread.

Met Dad in The Knights Templar (JD Wetherspoon) (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/54711/) as he had been to do the new The Bath Arms (JD Wetherspoon) (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/41953/) in Warminster to do another off his Wetherspoons quest and my bus got into town after his train at about 11.30 as were meant to meet at 12.

Got to Barley Mow (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/234/) just after 12 then continued through the day to do.

The Volunteer Tavern (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/711/)
The Canteen (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/74351/)
Hillgrove Porter Stores (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/417/)

Was going to do the The Green Man (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/245/) but when we got there it wasn't open till 4 pm and it was only about 2.45 ish if that.

Then on to The Bank Tavern (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/229/)

No. 1 Harbourside (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/71174/)
The Beer Emporium (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/80540/)

He left after his half to get the 5 pm train back to Birmingham and I got the bus home about 4.45 after catching a few snaps on the way back to the bus stop. Google said walking the whole route would take an hour but if including a lot of ones closer within the City Centre should be less time so a couple more pubs could be fitted in.

I suggest Dave M, Quinno and Blackthorn pull their fingers out and rewrite my suggestions...

Mobyduck
18-10-2014, 09:14
Its looking like a good turnout for this one, having had a quick look through the thread here's who I believe will be attending.
Mobyduck + Big Steve
Sheffield Hatter & Catia
Bucking Fastard
Real Ale Ray + Mrs Real Ale (Fiona)
Quinno
Dave M + Tammy
an ecumenical matter
bcfczuluarmy + mate
Blackthorn & Mrs B
London Calling
Rex Rattus
Malden Man
Rpadam
Pubsignman
Roger Button
Gann
Trainman (75% likely)

And a few who I'm not sure if they are making the trip or not .

Fat Beer Badger
Soup Dragon ?

Sadly not attending.
oldboots
Rob Camra
Strongers
Aleandhearty (unlikely)
Gillhalfpint and Ray
Apologies to anyone I may have missed out or Iv'e got my information wrong on, if so feel free to put me straight.

ROBCamra
18-10-2014, 10:35
I'll not be there. :(

Strongers
18-10-2014, 12:45
Sorry guys, I’m going to miss this one unless Plutus looks upon me favourably – which is unlikely!

aleandhearty
20-10-2014, 12:54
Unfortunately, it looks increasingly likely that I'm going to have to pass on this one.

Quinno
20-10-2014, 13:30
EDIT - 28/10

Meet

The Knights Templar (JD Wetherspoon) (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/54711/)

Then to

Barley Mow (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/234/) at 12

Then

Bridge Inn (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/272/) - quick half

Then back central to

Seven Stars (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/635/) for the 'second gathering' at 1-1.30

down Queen Charlotte St, a set of three

The Beer Emporium (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/80540/)
Small Bar (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/505/)
The Famous Royal Navy Volunteer (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/507/)

Then a bit of a stroll (10 mins) up King St, over the water past College Green to

The Three Tuns (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/696/)

From here we can either push on down the Hotwells Rd to

The Bag o' Nails (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/54960/)
and the beer boat of Grain Barge (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/69025/)

From here (or Three Tuns!), back into town - mainly to head towards

The Bank Tavern (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/229/)

And finishing at

The Cornubia (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/308/)
Kings Head (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/54745/)

For a fairly simple exit to Temple Meads

This is a suggested route and very much a work in progress - I'm looking for others to chime in well-before the day and suggest any alternative pubs or routes! Thanks to jon who posted some stuff a while back :)

8-10-12 depending on your preferences. I've left out places like the Gryphon, Eldon House, Hare on the Hill and Colston Yard as I think the hill (and time spent yomping) may do for some. I'm trying to keep it flat - there'll be plenty of walking even then!

One last point - I've not considered cider (there's plenty of it!). Is anyone coming who wants to grapple with the apple?

sheffield hatter
20-10-2014, 14:55
Thanks for starting this discussion off again, Quinno. I liked Dave's idea of ending up at ...


... Seven Stars/Kings Head/Cornubia/Bridge circuit as that is the only part where there are going to be pubs nice and close together and it will only be about 10 minutes walk back to Temple Meads...

...rather than starting there. What do you think?

Quinno
20-10-2014, 15:18
Thanks for starting this discussion off again, Quinno. I liked Dave's idea of ending up at ...



...rather than starting there. What do you think?

Either/or really. It depends if people think leaving the (what I consider) best ale pub 'til towards the end (Seven Stars) is a good idea or not... :sick: :nishelypished:

But it does mean that we break the back of some of the walk early doors.

It may all depend on the weather...

Dave M
20-10-2014, 15:36
It is a tough one. I do worry particularly about trying to do the Seven Stars in the latter part of the day - after 5 on a Friday it is usually heaving, would be much better to do it early. However I think being in that area towards the end is good for getting back to the station.

Perhaps start with the Seven Stars and then come back to Cornubia/Kings Head at the end?

Blackthorn
20-10-2014, 15:44
(nearby is Barley Mow (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/234/) but I've never been there or tried to reach it from KT - is it straightforward?)


Very straightforward, you can walk across one of the pedestrian bridges over the river. It only takes a couple of minutes.

sheffield hatter
20-10-2014, 15:49
Perhaps start with the Seven Stars and then come back to Cornubia/Kings Head at the end?

That sounds good. My inclination is to have the pubs more spaced out at the start, and then finish off with a few that are close together, and close to the station, too!

Quinno
20-10-2014, 16:08
Very straightforward, you can walk across one of the pedestrian bridges over the river. It only takes a couple of minutes.

Probably should do that after KT then, then go round to Bridge Inn then to Seven Stars and into town? (does that sound sensible? Or should we just head straight back from Barley Mow to Seven Stars?)

sheffield hatter
20-10-2014, 16:29
Probably should do that after KT then, then go round to Bridge Inn then to Seven Stars and into town? (does that sound sensible? Or should we just head straight back from Barley Mow to Seven Stars?)

Barley Mow 2nd looks good, as it could be a place for late arrivals to join in (rather than going to the 'Spoons), being not far from the station. Then the Bridge looks to be on the way to the Seven Stars, so it'd be rude not to pop in for a swift half...

Quinno
20-10-2014, 18:54
We may be seeing Roger - I've just had an email from him. He's checking trains.

bcfczuluarmy
20-10-2014, 20:55
Dinner time in the bridge given its size may be more of a case of standing outside if we factor in the numbers of us potentially attending.

london calling
20-10-2014, 21:21
Very straightforward, you can walk across one of the pedestrian bridges over the river. It only takes a couple of minutes.

Looks like they have a good range of beers as well.

Pubsignman
20-10-2014, 22:04
I'm all booked up for this one.

In light of events today, will we now be adding The Cottage Inn (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/312/) to the crawl so we can all admire the latest Banksy? ;)

http://www.itv.com/news/west/story/2014-10-20/new-banksy-in-bristol/

Quinno
20-10-2014, 22:23
I'm all booked up for this one.

In light of events today, will we now be adding The Cottage Inn (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/312/) to the crawl so we can all admire the latest Banksy? ;)

http://www.itv.com/news/west/story/2014-10-20/new-banksy-in-bristol/

See, given his style (easily reproduced by a good artist) how does anyone genuinely know?

bcfczuluarmy
20-10-2014, 22:28
I'm all booked up for this one.

In light of events today, will we now be adding The Cottage Inn (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/312/) to the crawl so we can all admire the latest Banksy? ;)

http://www.itv.com/news/west/story/2014-10-20/new-banksy-in-bristol/

From a visiting POV the Cottage is a nice pub when the weather is nice but from a beer POV http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/57106/ is better and closer.

bcfczuluarmy
20-10-2014, 22:29
See, given his style (easily reproduced by a good artist) how does anyone genuinely know?

I'll ask my mate who is his cousin.

Quinno
20-10-2014, 22:51
I'll ask my mate who is his cousin.

See, Brizzle really is like Norfolk :D

gillhalfpint
23-10-2014, 22:48
Sorry but I think you will have to count us out on this one, much as I enjoyed my last wander round Bristol. Keeping up on crawls getting more difficult for Ray now.

sheffield hatter
23-10-2014, 22:53
Sorry but I think you will have to count us out on this one, much as I enjoyed my last wander round Bristol. Keeping up on crawls getting more difficult for Ray now.

That's sad news. Can't you wait and see how he would cope with the route, once Quinno and Dave have finished arguing about it?

sheffield hatter
23-10-2014, 22:54
I'm all booked up for this one.

In light of events today, will we now be adding The Cottage Inn (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/312/) to the crawl so we can all admire the latest Banksy? ;)

http://www.itv.com/news/west/story/2014-10-20/new-banksy-in-bristol/

Apparently some tosser has vandalised it already. http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2014/oct/22/banksys-girl-with-the-pierced-eardrum-vandalised-in-bristol

gillhalfpint
23-10-2014, 23:18
That's sad news. Can't you wait and see how he would cope with the route, once Quinno and Dave have finished arguing about it?

We have been working out the cost (nearly £60 with our rail cards ) and whether we would be able to keep up with the group and decided we would be lagging behind playing "catch-up" so decided it would not be fair to the rest of you if we held you back. I end up feeling guilty if Ray starts to struggle so we get to the next pub before you are all ready to move on. . Don't think we will make Egham fest that weekend either as the walk from the camp site to the bus getting too much for him as well. We still like to get round pubs as well as beer festivals, but age catching up with us means we need to go at our own pace these days.

I know you will enjoy Bristol.

Bucking Fastard
25-10-2014, 13:45
With under three weeks to go,I was thinking it might be sensible to at least tie down the early part of the crawl so that any late arrivals,or people disrupted by travel chaos would have a fighting chance of catching up with the crawlers and hopefully avoiding a random walk around Bristol in search of the PuG collective.

Reading back through the thread there is a wide variety of arrival times at BTM

11.15 Quinno,london calling,Roger B and Bucking Fastard
12.05 Mobyduck,Big Steve (both going direct to Barley Mow),rpadam
12.15 Rex Rattus,Maldenman (both going direct to Barley Mow),Gann
12.42 sheffield hatter & Catia (meeting in Barley Mow)

Real ale Ray and Fiona's arrival time undisclosed.
With Pubsignman meeting up in either Barley Mow (12.40) or Bridge (13.15)

There are also a lot of "locals" namely Dave M & Tammy,an ecumenical matter,bcfczuluarmy & mate(KT 11.15 ) ,Blackthorn (13.15),Mrs Blackthorn (afternoon) some of whom have yet to disclose when they are joining in.



As one of the early brigade ,I was going to pop in the Knights Templar (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/54711/) on arrival and line the stomach.Given that the other nearby pubs mentioned for the beginning of the crawl (Barley Mow,Bridge and Seven Stars ) dont seem to open 'til noon,the KT does seem the obvious gathering point for the early birds.Maybe once the 12.15 arrivals have slaked their thirst there the route show be

Barley Mow (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/234/)
Bridge (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/272/) (point taken about size constraint,quick half ?)
Seven Stars (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/635/)


Beyond that I am very happy to defer to local knowledge,and Dave's suggestion to leave the Cornubia and Kings Head for the return leg to the station later in the day seems sensible.

Any thoughts ?

Mobyduck
25-10-2014, 14:03
With under three weeks to go,I was thinking it might be sensible to at least tie down the early part of the crawl so that any late arrivals,or people disrupted by travel chaos would have a fighting chance of catching up with the crawlers and hopefully avoiding a random walk around Bristol in search of the PuG collective.

Reading back through the thread there is a wide variety of arrival times at BTM

11.15 Quinno and Bucking Fastard
12.05 Mobyduck,Big Steve,rpadam
12.15 Gann,Rex Rattus,Maldenman
12.42 sheffield hatter

With Pubsignman,Roger B and london calling undisclosed.

There are also a lot of "locals" namely Dave M & Tammy,an ecumenical matter,bcfczuluarmy and Blackthorn which begs the question of when they might like to start drinking ?



As one of the early brigade ,I was going to pop in the Knights Templar (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/54711/) on arrival and line the stomach.Given that the other nearby pubs mentioned for the beginning of the crawl (Barley Mow,Bridge and Seven Stars ) dont seem to open 'til noon,the KT does seem the obvious gathering point for the early birds.Maybe once the 12.15 arrivals have slaked their thirst there the route show be

Barley Mow (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/234/)
Bridge (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/272/) (point taken about size constraint,quick half ?)
Seven Stars (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/635/)


Beyond that I am very happy to defer to local knowledge,and Dave's suggestion to leave the Cornubia and Kings Head for the return leg to the station later in the day seems sensible.

Any thoughts ?
Sounds good, I would be devistated to miss out on the Spoons. :D

sheffield hatter
25-10-2014, 17:12
Given that the other nearby pubs mentioned for the beginning of the crawl (Barley Mow,Bridge and Seven Stars ) dont seem to open 'til noon,the KT does seem the obvious gathering point for the early birds.Maybe once the 12.15 arrivals have slaked their thirst there the route show be

Barley Mow (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/234/)
Bridge (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/272/) (point taken about size constraint,quick half ?)
Seven Stars (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/635/)


Any thoughts ?

Suits me! Not being a huge 'Spoons fan, I'll be happy to catch up with you all in the Barley Mow at around 12:50.

bcfczuluarmy
25-10-2014, 18:17
I'll be in KT at ~11.15 wearing a red rose just for Quinno.

Quinno
26-10-2014, 00:58
I'll be in KT at ~11.15 wearing a red rose just for Quinno.

:love:

gillhalfpint
26-10-2014, 11:30
Someone has posted a Bristol crawl that might wet your appetites. Spoons are the bingo numbers of the current festival.

Knights Templar (Wetherspoons)
No. 04, 09, 31, 40, 41, 47, 50
.
Barley Mow (Cask Ales listed only)...
Ashley Down - Ashley Vale, 3.7
Downton - German Pale Ale, 4.2
Firebrand Brewing Co. - Running Stout, 4.5
Saltaire - Stateside IPA, 6.0
Siren Craft - Undercurrent, 4.5
Wild Beer - Madness IPA, 6.8
.
Cornubia
Bath Ales - Forest Hare, 3.9
Castle Rock - Screech Owl, 5.5
Peerless - Jinja Ninja, 4.0
Purity - Pure Gold, 3.8
Raw - New Dawn Amber Ale, 4.9
Yeovil Ales - Stout Hearted, 4.3
Next to come on :- Mumbles - India Pale Ale, 5.3
.
Seven Stars
Arbor - Triple Hop, 4.0
Big Lamp - Premium Bitter, 5.2
Cheddar Ales - Gorge Best, 4.0
Green Duck - Better Call Saul (Chocolate Milk Stout), 4.5
Mumbles - Oystermouth Stout, 4.4
Plain Ales - Arty Farty, 3.9
Peerless - Full Whack, 6.0
Towles - Old Smiler, 4.4
.
The Crown
Blackwater - Voodoo, 4.6
Felinfoel - Crown & Glory, 3.8 (The Crown's House Beer)
Hanlons - Copper Glow, 4.2
Hanlons - Stormstay, 5.0
.
Commercial Rooms (Wetherspoons)
Bar :- 18, 19, 28, 30, 33, 34, 40, 47.
Stillage :- 04, 10, 13, 16, 22, 23, 31, 34, 35, 41, 44,
+ Great Western - Moose River, 5.0
& Great Western - Hambrook Pale Ale, 4.0
.
Beer Emporium
Ashley Down - Bitter, 3.8
Ashley Down - St Michael and all Angels, 4.8
Bristol Beer Factory - Nova, 3.8
Dark Star - The Original, 5.0
Harbour - Amber Ale, 4.0
Irving - Admiral, 4.3
Peerless - Dark Arts, 3.9
William Bros - Joker IPA, 5.0
William Bros - Seven Giraffes, 5.1
Yeovil Ales - Stout Hearted, 4.3
.
Famous Royal Naval Volunteer Tavern Note (Cask ales listed only)
NOTE :- Beers No.13 to 20 on board are the cask ales
Ashley Down - Bitter, 3.8
Hammerton - Pentonville Oyster Stout, 5.3
Red Ink - Red Ink Pale, 4.0
Red Ink - Redstart, 3.9
Red Ink - Sacred, 4.8
Siren Craft - Empress, 8.5
Waen - Tinderbox, 3.7
Wild Beer - Zintuki, 7.3
.
Small Bar (Cask Beers listed only)
Alechemy - Monumental BA Barley Wine, 11.5
Redwillow - Mirthless, 3.9
Thornbridge - Brother Rabbit, 4.0
Wild Beer - Yankee Sandwich, 4.7
Wiper & True - In the Pines, 4.9
.
Gryphon
Arbor - Phantom Dennis, 3.7
Clouded Minds - Clout Stout, 4.5
Peerless - Oatmeal Stout, 5.0
Summerskills - South Star, 5.6
West Berkshire - Spatherdab, 4.3.

Mobyduck
26-10-2014, 13:12
Someone has posted a Bristol crawl that might wet your appetites. Spoons are the bingo numbers of the current festival.

Knights Templar (Wetherspoons)
No. 04, 09, 31, 40, 41, 47, 50
.
Barley Mow (Cask Ales listed only)...
Ashley Down - Ashley Vale, 3.7
Downton - German Pale Ale, 4.2
Firebrand Brewing Co. - Running Stout, 4.5
Saltaire - Stateside IPA, 6.0
Siren Craft - Undercurrent, 4.5
Wild Beer - Madness IPA, 6.8
.
Cornubia
Bath Ales - Forest Hare, 3.9
Castle Rock - Screech Owl, 5.5
Peerless - Jinja Ninja, 4.0
Purity - Pure Gold, 3.8
Raw - New Dawn Amber Ale, 4.9
Yeovil Ales - Stout Hearted, 4.3
Next to come on :- Mumbles - India Pale Ale, 5.3
.
Seven Stars
Arbor - Triple Hop, 4.0
Big Lamp - Premium Bitter, 5.2
Cheddar Ales - Gorge Best, 4.0
Green Duck - Better Call Saul (Chocolate Milk Stout), 4.5
Mumbles - Oystermouth Stout, 4.4
Plain Ales - Arty Farty, 3.9
Peerless - Full Whack, 6.0
Towles - Old Smiler, 4.4
.
The Crown
Blackwater - Voodoo, 4.6
Felinfoel - Crown & Glory, 3.8 (The Crown's House Beer)
Hanlons - Copper Glow, 4.2
Hanlons - Stormstay, 5.0
.
Commercial Rooms (Wetherspoons)
Bar :- 18, 19, 28, 30, 33, 34, 40, 47.
Stillage :- 04, 10, 13, 16, 22, 23, 31, 34, 35, 41, 44,
+ Great Western - Moose River, 5.0
& Great Western - Hambrook Pale Ale, 4.0
.
Beer Emporium
Ashley Down - Bitter, 3.8
Ashley Down - St Michael and all Angels, 4.8
Bristol Beer Factory - Nova, 3.8
Dark Star - The Original, 5.0
Harbour - Amber Ale, 4.0
Irving - Admiral, 4.3
Peerless - Dark Arts, 3.9
William Bros - Joker IPA, 5.0
William Bros - Seven Giraffes, 5.1
Yeovil Ales - Stout Hearted, 4.3
.
Famous Royal Naval Volunteer Tavern Note (Cask ales listed only)
NOTE :- Beers No.13 to 20 on board are the cask ales
Ashley Down - Bitter, 3.8
Hammerton - Pentonville Oyster Stout, 5.3
Red Ink - Red Ink Pale, 4.0
Red Ink - Redstart, 3.9
Red Ink - Sacred, 4.8
Siren Craft - Empress, 8.5
Waen - Tinderbox, 3.7
Wild Beer - Zintuki, 7.3
.
Small Bar (Cask Beers listed only)
Alechemy - Monumental BA Barley Wine, 11.5
Redwillow - Mirthless, 3.9
Thornbridge - Brother Rabbit, 4.0
Wild Beer - Yankee Sandwich, 4.7
Wiper & True - In the Pines, 4.9
.
Gryphon
Arbor - Phantom Dennis, 3.7
Clouded Minds - Clout Stout, 4.5
Peerless - Oatmeal Stout, 5.0
Summerskills - South Star, 5.6
West Berkshire - Spatherdab, 4.3.

Nice one Gill, consider my appetite whetted.

london calling
26-10-2014, 20:06
I get in at 11.15 but will wander round and get something to eat and will meet you at Mc Spoons.

Quinno
28-10-2014, 13:05
RogerB is in

Have now booked for Bristol - arrive @11.15, departing 20.30.

Blackthorn
28-10-2014, 13:09
I am working in the morning so will catch up with you around 1:15pm.

Mrs B will be along later as well.

Quinno
28-10-2014, 18:42
I am working in the morning so will catch up with you around 1:15pm.

Mrs B will be along later as well.

Well done Mrs B for upping the lady quota :D

Quinno
28-10-2014, 18:44
As one of the early brigade ,I was going to pop in the Knights Templar (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/54711/) on arrival and line the stomach.Given that the other nearby pubs mentioned for the beginning of the crawl (Barley Mow,Bridge and Seven Stars ) dont seem to open 'til noon,the KT does seem the obvious gathering point for the early birds.Maybe once the 12.15 arrivals have slaked their thirst there the route show be

Barley Mow (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/234/)
Bridge (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/272/) (point taken about size constraint,quick half ?)
Seven Stars (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/635/)


Beyond that I am very happy to defer to local knowledge,and Dave's suggestion to leave the Cornubia and Kings Head for the return leg to the station later in the day seems sensible.

Any thoughts ?

I'm with that idea. Shall we say Seven Stars for a second gathering before we press onwards?

If so, current itinerary:

EDIT - 28/10

Meet

The Knights Templar (JD Wetherspoon) (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/54711/)

Then to

Barley Mow (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/234/) at 12.40

Then

Bridge Inn (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/272/) - quick half (arr 13.10ish)

Then back central to

Seven Stars (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/635/) for the 'second gathering' at 1.30-2

down Queen Charlotte St, a set of three

The Beer Emporium (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/80540/)
Small Bar (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/505/)
The Famous Royal Navy Volunteer (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/507/)

Done by 3.30. Then a bit of a stroll (10 mins) up King St, over the water past College Green to

The Three Tuns (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/696/)

From here (4.15ish) we can either push on down the Hotwells Rd to

The Bag o' Nails (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/54960/)
and the beer boat of Grain Barge (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/69025/)

From here (or Three Tuns!), back into town - main hit would be The Bank Tavern (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/229/) but perhaps this is now too much given timings.

And finishing at

The Cornubia (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/308/)
Kings Head (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/54745/)

and/or another at the Seven Stars - this is (IMO) the best ale pub on the crawl that I've done previously

For a fairly simple exit to Temple Meads which has Bonapartes (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/61754/) on the Platform by the entrance if you want one last half!

This is a suggested route and very much a work in progress - I'm looking for others to chime in well-before the day and suggest any alternative pubs or routes! Thanks to jon who posted some stuff a while back :)

8-10-12 depending on your preferences. I've left out places like the Gryphon, Eldon House, Hare on the Hill and Colston Yard as I think the hill (and time spent yomping) may do for some. I'm trying to keep it flat - there'll be plenty of walking even then!

One last point - I've not considered cider (there's plenty of it!). Is anyone coming who wants to grapple with the apple?

For info - my number is 07887 424232.

sheffield hatter
28-10-2014, 19:00
I'm with that idea. Shall we say Seven Stars at 1-1.30 for a second gathering before we press onwards?

If so, current itinerary:

EDIT - 28/10

Meet

The Knights Templar (JD Wetherspoon) (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/54711/)

Then to

Barley Mow (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/234/) at 12

Then

Bridge Inn (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/272/) - quick half

Then back central to

Seven Stars (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/635/) for the 'second gathering' at 1-1.30

Not so fast, young man! Some of us are arriving after 12 and would like to get a drink in the Barley Mow and Bridge Inn. How about Barley Mow 12:40 to 13:05, Bridge Inn 13:10 to 13:25, Seven Stars 13:30 to 13:55. I reckon you'll still get the next three pubs done by 15:30!

Quinno
28-10-2014, 19:06
Not so fast, young man! Some of us are arriving after 12 and would like to get a drink in the Barley Mow and Bridge Inn. How about Barley Mow 12:40 to 13:05, Bridge Inn 13:10 to 13:25, Seven Stars 13:30 to 13:55. I reckon you'll still get the next three pubs done by 15:30!

Fair enough - and also I forgot to factor in the Spoons breakfast adding 30+ mins. Have updated :)

Though I suspect the walk from Barley to Bridge to Seven Stars may take a little longer than budgeted above.

And based on my Reading jaunt I think you are an optimist to reckon the other three will be done in less than 1.5 hours! Herding cats and all that. We shall see :D

At least there should be at least 3 of us with Brizzle knowledge to lead any splinter groups/advance parties...

sheffield hatter
28-10-2014, 19:23
Fair enough - and also I forgot to factor in the Spoons breakfast adding 30+ mins. Have updated :)

Though I suspect the walk from Barley to Bridge to Seven Stars may take a little longer than budgeted above.

And based on my Reading jaunt I think you are an optimist to reckon the other three will be done in less than 1.5 hours! Herding cats and all that. We shall see :D

Always the optimist! Google maps has 11 minutes for Barley Mow to Bridge, and 6 mins for Bridge to Seven Stars.

Some cats enjoy being herded!


At least there should be at least 3 of us with Brizzle knowledge to lead any splinter groups/advance parties...

Perhaps you should designate a "main crawl" for those who like to sup a pint and add on some "wild cards" for those who are happy drinking a swift half and moving on (or "splitters";)).

Dave M
28-10-2014, 19:43
Thanks for this itinerary Quinno, it is looking pretty good. I have been giving it a little more thought.

I reckon we should probably drop the Grain Barge, it just leaves us with a little more walking than seems necessary. Also wondering if we could move the King Street trio a little later into the day.

So maybe:-
Knights Templar
Barley Mow
Bridge
Seven Stars
Bank Tavern
- wildcard options (White Lion/Gryphon)
Three Tuns
- choice of Bag o' Nails or Small Bar
Navy Volunteer
Beer Emporium
Cornubia
Kings Head

Mobyduck
28-10-2014, 19:58
Its looking like a good turnout for this one, having had a quick look through the thread here's who I believe will be attending.
Mobyduck + Big Steve
Sheffield Hatter & Ms Hatter
Bucking Fastard
Real Ale Ray + Mrs Real Ale
Quinno
Dave M + Tammy
an ecumenical matter
bcfczuluarmy
Blackthorn & Mrs B
London Calling
Rex Rattus
Malden Man
Rpadam
Pubsignman
Roger Button
Gann ?

And a few who I'm not sure if they are making the trip or not .
Trainman
Fat Beer Badger
Soup Dragon ?

Sadly not attending.
oldboots
Rob Cama
Strongers
Aleandhearty (unlikely)
Gillhalfpint and Ray
Apologies to anyone I may have missed out or Iv'e got my information wrong on, if so feel free to put me straight.
Looking like 20 of us so far,assuming Gann can make it.(Depending on work cover?)

sheffield hatter
28-10-2014, 20:07
Looking like 20 of us so far,assuming Gann can make it.(Depending on work cover?)

My girlfriend Catia is coming with me, but you'd better not refer to her as Mrs Hatter because she is a feminist!

Mobyduck
28-10-2014, 20:22
Its looking like a good turnout for this one, having had a quick look through the thread here's who I believe will be attending.
Mobyduck + Big Steve
Sheffield Hatter & Ms Hatter
Bucking Fastard
Real Ale Ray + Mrs Real Ale
Quinno
Dave M + Tammy
an ecumenical matter
bcfczuluarmy
Blackthorn & Mrs B
London Calling
Rex Rattus
Malden Man
Rpadam
Pubsignman
Roger Button
Gann ?

And a few who I'm not sure if they are making the trip or not .
Trainman
Fat Beer Badger
Soup Dragon ?

Sadly not attending.
oldboots
Rob Cama
Strongers
Aleandhearty (unlikely)
Gillhalfpint and Ray
Apologies to anyone I may have missed out or Iv'e got my information wrong on, if so feel free to put me straight.


Looking like 20 of us so far,assuming Gann can make it.(Depending on work cover?)


My girlfriend Catia is coming with me, but you'd better not refer to her as Mrs Hatter because she is a feminist!
21

Quinno
28-10-2014, 20:33
My girlfriend Catia is coming with me, but you'd better not refer to her as Mrs Hatter because she is a feminist!

Would the Mad Hatter suffice? :whistle:

sheffield hatter
28-10-2014, 21:00
Would the Mad Hatter suffice? :whistle:

You have a death wish? :evilgrin:

Blackthorn
28-10-2014, 22:27
I reckon we should probably drop the Grain Barge, it just leaves us with a little more walking than seems necessary.

It depends on people's priorities (OK, I know the answer to that - BEER!). I was just thinking that the Grain Barge is a very nice spot. Just the sort of place I might take some visitors from out of town...

bcfczuluarmy
28-10-2014, 22:31
My mate may also come to.

As Sheffield Hatter said the Google timings for walking are very good the up hill and down Dale trip I did with my dad left me very surprised with the progress we did especially as I was on a pint in every pub.

Think the suggested list is pretty good now. 12.40 from an 11.20 arrival at KT for those getting to Temple Meads at 11.15 is a late arrival IMHO. Can get there with breakfast by 12.15 no problem. Appreciate some other getting there nearer 12 but they may be happy to bypass KT. Suppose now Quinno has given out the bat phone number everyone can ring him for a location update.

hondo
29-10-2014, 11:35
"but not all is bleak and Bristol seems"
http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bristol-s-pubs-brought-brink/story-23714091-detail/story.html

Gann
29-10-2014, 12:31
"but not all is bleak and Bristol seems"
http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bristol-s-pubs-brought-brink/story-23714091-detail/story.html

Interesting... Depends when it opens on the 14th, and if I'm reading my street map of Bristol correctly, perhaps a scouting party to The Bank Tavern to do an inaugrial visit to The Strawberry Thief will be in order !

bcfczuluarmy
29-10-2014, 19:46
Interesting... Depends when it opens on the 14th, and if I'm reading my street map of Bristol correctly, perhaps a scouting party to The Bank Tavern to do an inaugrial visit to The Strawberry Thief will be in order !

This was how it looked on 9th October, may go for an update shot in my lunch hour when back in the office.

http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubpictures/82514/

Mobyduck
29-10-2014, 20:26
Its looking like a good turnout for this one, having had a quick look through the thread here's who I believe will be attending.
Mobyduck + Big Steve
Sheffield Hatter & Catia
Bucking Fastard
Real Ale Ray + Mrs Real Ale
Quinno
Dave M + Tammy
an ecumenical matter
bcfczuluarmy + mate
Blackthorn & Mrs B
London Calling
Rex Rattus
Malden Man
Rpadam
Pubsignman
Roger Button
Gann
Trainman (75% likely)

And a few who I'm not sure if they are making the trip or not .

Fat Beer Badger
Soup Dragon ?

Sadly not attending.
oldboots
Rob Cama
Strongers
Aleandhearty (unlikely)
Gillhalfpint and Ray
Apologies to anyone I may have missed out or Iv'e got my information wrong on, if so feel free to put me straight.
Looks like we will be 23 strong as it stands with Trainman more likely than not, plus the addition of bfczuluarmy's mate.

sheffield hatter
29-10-2014, 22:31
My girlfriend Catia is coming with me, but you'd better not refer to her as Mrs Hatter because she is a feminist!



Sheffield Hatter & Ms Hatter


OK, clearly didn't explain myself adequately. Calling her Ms Hatter won't do either, it still implies that she is an adjunct to me, rather than a person in her own right. Please call her Catia.

Quinno
30-10-2014, 01:09
OK, clearly didn't explain myself adequately. Calling her Ms Hatter won't do either, it still implies that she is an adjunct to me, rather than a person in her own right. Please call her Catia.

I think some people might be on the wind-up here ;)

Mobyduck
30-10-2014, 06:26
I think some people might be on the wind-up here ;)
:evilgrin:

Mobyduck
30-10-2014, 06:46
My girlfriend Catia is coming with me, but you'd better not refer to her as Mrs Hatter because she is a feminist!


OK, clearly didn't explain myself adequately. Calling her Ms Hatter won't do either, it still implies that she is an adjunct to me, rather than a person in her own right. Please call her Catia.


I think some people might be on the wind-up here ;)


:evilgrin:


Its looking like a good turnout for this one, having had a quick look through the thread here's who I believe will be attending.
Mobyduck + Big Steve
Sheffield Hatter & Catia
Bucking Fastard
Real Ale Ray + Mrs Real Ale
Quinno
Dave M + Tammy
an ecumenical matter
bcfczuluarmy + mate
Blackthorn & Mrs B
London Calling
Rex Rattus
Malden Man
Rpadam
Pubsignman
Roger Button
Gann
Trainman (75% likely)

And a few who I'm not sure if they are making the trip or not .

Fat Beer Badger
Soup Dragon ?

Sadly not attending.
oldboots
Rob Cama
Strongers
Aleandhearty (unlikely)
Gillhalfpint and Ray
Apologies to anyone I may have missed out or Iv'e got my information wrong on, if so feel free to put me straight.
Done :D

sheffield hatter
30-10-2014, 08:12
Done :D

Thanks!

london calling
09-11-2014, 20:46
I am looking forward to our blunder round Bristol this Friday.I have just seen a list of pubs and the beers that were on yesterday and looks like we will have a great choice of beers.I thought I had tried a beer on Friday that would have been my 1000th British brewer but after checking up on a few dubious names (not breweries just brands) I found I still need 2 more.Would be nice and memorable if I got them on Friday.Bring it on. cheers john.

sheffield hatter
12-11-2014, 22:13
Knights Templar
Barley Mow
Bridge
Seven Stars
Bank Tavern
- wildcard options (White Lion/Gryphon)
Three Tuns
- choice of Bag o' Nails or Small Bar
Navy Volunteer
Beer Emporium
Cornubia
Kings Head

OK, looks good!

Are we going to include Strawberry Thief (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/82514/)? If it's not raining too hard I'd like to get a photo, at least.

Someone mentioned to me that the Highbury Vaults (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/415/), Robin Hood (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/607/) and Colston Yard (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/61647/) were worth a look in - are they too much of a walk, being in the university area? And perhaps 14 pubs is enough for most people...


I reckon we should probably drop the Grain Barge, it just leaves us with a little more walking than seems necessary.


It depends on people's priorities (OK, I know the answer to that - BEER!). I was just thinking that the Grain Barge is a very nice spot. Just the sort of place I might take some visitors from out of town...

I'd be willing to be led to the Grain Barge, for the purpose of research. (OK, BEER!)

Rex_Rattus
12-11-2014, 22:41
it looks like Maldenman and I will miss out on the Knights Templar and join the party at the Barley Mow.

Mobyduck
12-11-2014, 23:27
it looks like Maldenman and I will miss out on the Knights Templar and join the party at the Barley Mow.
I may well be doing this as well, what time is the depart from the Spoons?

Pubsignman
12-11-2014, 23:45
I'll also be missing out on the Knights Templar, as I'm making a weekend of it and need to drop my bag at the hotel before meeting up. Would be useful to know rough arrival times for the Barley Mow and Bridge so I can figure out where I'm most likely to catch up with you all.

sheffield hatter
12-11-2014, 23:47
... what time is the depart from the Spoons?


Meet The Knights Templar (JD Wetherspoon) (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/54711/)

Then to Barley Mow (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/234/) at 12.40

Then Bridge Inn (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/272/) - quick half (arr 13.10ish)

Then back central to Seven Stars (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/635/) for the 'second gathering' at 1.30-2

Looks like leaving the Spoons around 12:30. If my train's on time, I'll be in the Barley Mow soon after the rest of you.

sheffield hatter
12-11-2014, 23:48
WTF?

bcfczuluarmy
13-11-2014, 00:00
My 1/2 day in lieu I'm owed sorted today so I'll be in the spoons from around either 11:15 or 11:30.

KT to BM takes about 5 minutes to walk.

Quinno
13-11-2014, 10:12
Seeing as the trip is now tomorrow, it looks like this is now the current itinerary:

Meet

The Knights Templar (JD Wetherspoon) (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/54711/)

Then to

Barley Mow (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/234/) at 12.40

Then

Bridge Inn (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/272/) - quick half (arr 13.10ish)

Then back central to

Seven Stars (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/635/) for the 'second gathering' at 1.30-2

down Queen Charlotte St, a set of three

The Beer Emporium (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/80540/)
Small Bar (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/505/)
The Famous Royal Navy Volunteer (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/507/)

Done by 3.30 latest. Then a bit of a stroll (10 mins) up King St, over the water past College Green to

The Three Tuns (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/696/)

From here (4.15ish) we can either push on down the Hotwells Rd to

The Bag o' Nails (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/54960/)
and the beer boat of Grain Barge (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/69025/)

or I can lead an advance party to the Grain Barge rather than doing the Three Tuns. I've been both plenty of times so I don't care :)

From here (or Three Tuns!), back into town - main hit would be The Bank Tavern (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/229/) but perhaps this is now too much given timings and the fact it's a bit of a stomp in the dark.

And finishing at

The Cornubia (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/308/)
Kings Head (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/54745/)

and/or another at the Seven Stars - this is (IMO) the best ale pub on the crawl that I've done previously

For a fairly simple exit to Temple Meads which has Bonapartes (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/61754/) on the Platform by the entrance if you want one last half!

Dave M
13-11-2014, 11:01
Ok, just to be awkward again! The weather forecast is actually looking decent for tomorrow afternoon, possibly even sunny. So it could be worth doing the Grain Barge, but we'd want to do it in daylight really.

There is the potential to get the ferry from the centre and 3:40 to near the Grain Barge (£2 per person).

Also I think we ought to try to set a time that we are all likely to be at the Cornubia as I can see us ending up in several groups and it'd be nice to get back together before the first people need to be getting trains.

Sorry for lack of useful input, very busy this week! Looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow.

Bucking Fastard
13-11-2014, 16:27
With these last minutes changes ,do I gather that the route is now

Knights Templar
Barley Mow
Bridge Inn
Seven Stars
Beer Emporium
Famous RN Volunteer
Small Bar

15.40 ferry to

Grain Barge
Bag o' Nails
Three Tuns
Cornubia
Kings Head


To answer Dave's question I need to be on the 19.41 train ,so would ideally like to be in the Cornubia by 6pm to do the last two comfortably.However I suspect others may have to depart earlier ,is there any consensus ?

trainman
13-11-2014, 18:05
The weather forecast is actually looking decent for tomorrow afternoon, possibly even sunny. .
Earlybirds beware it looks like rain til 13:00, before receding to 30/20/10% chance of precipitation as the day progresses.
I'm feeling under the weather and prospective attendance has reverted to 50%, but hopefullly see y'all at B.Mow (tm scheduled for 12:15 arrival at... TM, ha!).

trainman
13-11-2014, 18:10
Looks like there may be a cut-through from inside the station to Friary, saving the walk out and around.
Is that right..?

Blackthorn
13-11-2014, 18:16
Looks like there may be a cut-through from inside the station to Friary, saving the walk out and around.
Is that right..?

Indeed there is. As you come off the platform through the turnstyles, keep straight on with the ticket office on your right and the main entrance on your left. Out the side door, through the car park, past a couple of shops and you're at the Wetherspoons.

bcfczuluarmy
13-11-2014, 18:19
I've a coat and will go with wherever we decide to go, after all I've done them all before like others.

To correct Quinno's slight error the set of 3 are on King Street so timings could vary by 2 minutes.

an_ecumenical_matter
14-11-2014, 10:39
Earlybirds beware it looks like rain til 13:00, before receding to 30/20/10% chance of precipitation as the day progresses.
I'm feeling under the weather and prospective attendance has reverted to 50%, but hopefullly see y'all at B.Mow (tm scheduled for 12:15 arrival at... TM, ha!).

Father_Jack reports from his sofa that the water stopped falling in Bristol about 0700 and MR BLUE SKY is playing on www.zenithclassicrock.com.

Downender and Beatles38 may appear, and me mate Tony from Taunton will be joining us.

See yee at the Shites Templar 1215 then !!!

Dave M
14-11-2014, 10:58
Me and Tammy are in the KT sat on the raised area in front of the doors

an_ecumenical_matter
14-11-2014, 11:01
Me and Tammy are in the KT sat on the raised area in front of the doors
Keen !!!!

Quinno
14-11-2014, 22:52
Great day out as usual!

Trainman was a hero on the train back, diffused genuine violence between a passenger and a ticket inspector. Hilarious to see this great big Mancunian unit have a Very Angry Man locked in a quasi-bearhug whilst the guy was impotently windmilling away and screaming obscenities.

Angry Man was arrested at Reading on the platform. I think Jym had fallen back asleep by then so missed it!!!

Mobyduck
14-11-2014, 23:08
Great day out as usual!

Trainman was a hero on the train back, diffused genuine violence between a passenger and a ticket inspector. Hilarious to see this great big Mancunian unit have a Very Angry Man locked in a quasi-bearhug whilst the guy was impotently windmilling away and screaming obscenities.

Angry Man was arrested at Reading on the platform. I think Jym had fallen back asleep by then so missed it!!!
Sounds like a sight to behold. :notworthy:

ROBCamra
15-11-2014, 09:18
OK, looks good!

Are we going to include Strawberry Thief (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/82514/)? If it's not raining too hard I'd like to get a photo, at least.



What happened with the Strawberry Thief? It appears to have been deleted. :confused:

Dave M
15-11-2014, 09:36
What happened with the Strawberry Thief? It appears to have been deleted. :confused:

I got annoyed with it and decided that it isn't a pub. However some did drink there and may decide otherwise and choose to re-add it, which is fine.

Mobyduck
15-11-2014, 09:36
What happened with the Strawberry Thief? It appears to have been deleted. :confused:
Table service only so gave it a miss.

ROBCamra
15-11-2014, 10:32
Table service only so gave it a miss.

There are 2 Belgian bars in Altrincham that are table service only, but are on here. :confused:

There are loads of Cafe Rouge's on here as well which are also table service. Mind you they shouldn't be. :evilgrin:

Bucking Fastard
15-11-2014, 10:52
Another very good crawl,and many thanks to Dave and Tammy for leading some of the crawlers around Bristol City centre later in the crawl,when it would have been easy to get confused and lost !

It was also great to see some new faces,and hope that having got the taste for such an event that they too will be along for the next one.

Good luck too all those who are making a weekend of it, there seemed to be lots more pubs worth a visit than the mere 12 I went in yesterday.

RogerB
15-11-2014, 11:05
Good to catch up with everyone again. A good round dozen new pubs for me and several new beers for the tick list.

Gann
15-11-2014, 11:25
Good to catch up with everyone again. A good round dozen new pubs for me and several new beers for the tick list.

Ditto, and a big shout out to Rex for the custom beer mats...... Quality. :)

trainman
15-11-2014, 13:49
Another super day in PuGLand.

Thanks for the excellent guidance from local leadership, thanks to whoever spotted I left my bag behind at some point, thanks for steering me back toward the station (Quinno?) - I'm fairly sure I couldn't have managed that on my own and, yes, thanks for the beer mats - quality indeed!

Great to see some new faces, all fitting seamlessly into the PG tapestry. Good to meet you all.

My potd, the Cornubia. Efficient and friendly service, good beer line-up, welcoming buzzy chatty pubby atmosphere, and memories of a 2am lock-in years back - ill-advised after a 12-pub crawl!

MOTD (mystery of the day) - not having a sweet tooth, how the heck did I end up with a load of chocolate for the train back, and completely forget about the lush slow-roast-pork sarnies I'd brought with me??

Quinno, I thought that guy was just mouthing himself into deeper trouble, didn't realise there was any flailing going on!

Blackthorn
15-11-2014, 15:03
A good day out indeed, and it was great to meet everyone and put faces to names at last. We'll definitely try and make the next one.

Mobyduck
15-11-2014, 18:27
Always good to see you all.

Mobyduck
15-11-2014, 18:32
I have to ask, Jim, what was the crack with the guy in The Cornubia you were chatting to with the blanket over his face! :confused:
Or it might have been the Bank Tavern, near the end anyway.

bcfczuluarmy
15-11-2014, 18:35
Was a good day and good to put names to faces. My memory ended in the King's Head but my bus ticket home said 22.00....

Also will try to make next one.

POTD The Strawberry Thief where you can avoid the table service.

Mobyduck
15-11-2014, 18:45
Ditto, and a big shout out to Rex for the custom beer mats...... Quality. :)
Yes .thanks Rex ,a nice touch.Some in my local as we speak.

Maldenman
15-11-2014, 20:20
:D
There are 2 Belgian bars in Altrincham that are table service only, but are on here. :confused:

There are loads of Cafe Rouge's on here as well which are also table service. Mind you they shouldn't be. :evilgrin:

Oi you North Mcr sort, leave my Alty and it's cosmopolitan Belgian beers alone Mr RC!

Maldenman
15-11-2014, 20:27
Cracking day out, lovely to meet so many new faces, finished up with another half dozen or so with Rex today, brekkie with PSM too in the Commercial Rooms. Sadly no decent rucks on the train home to report on, hopefully next time. Never done one of these before but will deffo do again. I like Bristol, been several times before so not too mant new pubs but great still. Nice curry later on too.

london calling
15-11-2014, 22:13
Had a good day out with good company as usual.
like the pub and the beer in
barley mow
bridge
beer emporium
famous rv

liked the beer in
bag of nails

Kings head had the wow factor

only negative -too much walking
cheers john

london calling
15-11-2014, 22:20
I have to ask, Jim, what was the crack with the guy in The Cornubia you were chatting to with the blanket over his face! :confused:
Or it might have been the Bank Tavern, near the end anyway.

I know a guy who regularly gets told to remove his hat in pubs which he refuses to do.He would be more than welcome in the Bank.I reckon it was Gary Glitter having a quiet drink.

sheffield hatter
16-11-2014, 00:12
Sorry if I offended anyone by loudly deriding the Famous Royal Navy Volunteer and Small Bar. Please believe me when I say that it's not meant as a personal criticism of anyone who liked those two bars when I describe them as poncy. Catia and I went in search of some proper pubs instead, and found a few "off piste".

At The Gryphon (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/405/), a slightly grungy pub that has that lived in feel that I like, there were three hand pumps active, all with strong dark beers. As luck would have it, one was brewed in Rotherham (Chantry Diamond Black Stout: 4.5%), another was brewed even closer to home (Wood Street Brewery's Devilwood Stout 6.0%, brewed exactly one mile from where I live), so we went for the third beer, Nutbrook Midnight Stout 4.7%, which is brewed not a million miles from Sheffield at Ilkeston in Derbyshire. We didn't pay £45 each on the train to drink beers that are brewed on our doorstep!

While we were supping our stout, a man came into the pub and asked for a Guinness. The lass behind the bar explained that they don't have Guinness, they have a different keg stout or there were three others on hand pump. "OK, I'll have a cider," he said. Less than five minutes later, another man came in and asked for a Guinness. Once again, the lass behind the bar explained that they don't have Guinness, they have a different keg stout or there were three others on hand pump. "OK, I'll have a lager," he said.

Next stop was The Robin Hood (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/607/) on St Michaels Hill - we enjoyed the walk, and the pub was good too. We had Prescott Track Record 4.4% here, which was a beer I remember drinking in dire condition (the beer, not me) in Worcester in the spring; here at the Robin Hood is was in excellent nick.

Next we went back down the hill to The Yard (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/61647/), where I was delighted to see the revived Gadd's Dogbolter 5.6%, the beer that used to be brewed in the Firkin pub chain years ago. This was the first time I've seen it since the demise of that chain. There were also three Butcombe beers and one from Dark Star in this very pleasant pub.

We next tried to navigate our way across Bristol to the Three Tuns, where we hoped to meet up with the rest of the pub crawl, but went slightly wrong and found ourselves on Jacobs Wells Road. We popped into The Eldon House (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/340/) to check how far we were from the Three Tuns and asked for a half. "Will we come to the Three Tuns if we continue down Jacobs Wells Road?" I asked the landlord. "I'm not going to tell you!" he replied. "Why not?" quoth I. "Well. it's another pub, isn't it," he said, with a twinkle in his eye. We had a half of Bath Gem 4.1% between us (I told him we weren't going to be persuaded to buy more than that, so he might as well give us directions, which he did readily). By the time we got to the bottom of the hill, the group had made it to The Bag o' Nails (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/54960/), so that's where we rejoined.

Not for long, though, as Quinno led a splinter group to the Grain Barge (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/69025/). We somehow managed to shake off Trainman, Real Ale Ray and Fiona - it may have been the mad dash through the busy traffic on the A4 that did it - anyhow there were just the three of us when we arrived at the bar. We were grateful subsequently for Quinno's excellent navigational skills which got us to the Cornubia at two minutes to six o'clock, bang on schedule again.

We had a really good day out - the weather, as it usually is for a PuG crawl, was sunny and the company, needless to say, was fantastic. (Thanks to Rex for the beer mats - see photos below.) Also the beers we had were without exception in tremendous condition, served by friendly staff in pleasant surroundings. And to cap it all we made our train back to Sheffield with several minutes to spare.

Looking forward to the next one.

bcfczuluarmy
16-11-2014, 00:26
These are on my doorstep and I've no qualms about avoiding them if I go out in town. When I went back in the NV after it reopening I thought WFT. Small Bar since changing I can only have 2/3 again WFT. Glad you found the Gyrphon as it is a quality pub and Camra listed. Robin Hood is also good and fair play for hitting St Michael's Hill. I do believe Real Ale Ray ventured there on Friday night and enjoyed it.

trainman
16-11-2014, 01:04
I have to ask, Jim, what was the crack with the guy in The Cornubia you were chatting to with the blanket over his face! :confused:
Or it might have been the Bank Tavern, near the end anyway.
Feck! Forgot about him! Not Cornubia, or may have clouded my potd vision. Oddball who had nowt interesting to say but, hey, he may be saying the same thing about me on weirdoesgalore.com!

Real Ale Ray
16-11-2014, 14:04
Cheers Dave and Tam, for the PUG 10th anniversary Bristol crawl and all our fellow drinkers on the day. Enjoyed new beers tried and some excellent pubs to add to my pub ticking collection, plus a good old laugh with everyone as per, a good old eventful day. Plus souvenir beer mats from Rex, very ingenious.

We arrived Thurs eve and headed straight to the Commercial Rooms for a Spoons slap up meal, curry and a pint. We navigated round a few pubs close to Spoons and then up some very steep steps called Christmas Steps and then up a load more steps to Zero Degrees. It was only around the corner and then up St Michael's Hill. A note to make here to the local Bristonians is that there is an excellent Greek Taverna on the right hand side at the beginning of St Michael's Hill, great food. Good to hear Will and Catia got to the Robin Hood as this is a good pub and all their ales are well kept.

Myself and Mrs A were a bit bedraggled yesterday morn, so apologies we didn't get to Spoons for breakfast. We did manage a couple of more pubs later on, that ended the trip. Oh yeah Trainman, it was me who rescued your bag from the Bank Tavern.

Mrs A will add some photos on here later.

Maldenman
16-11-2014, 14:45
Myself and Rex eventually discovered an Indian called 4500 miles from Delhi after walking around aimlessly for a while, a bit pricy but the food was very good. The following day we met Pubsignman for a Spoony breakfast, then Rex and myself picked up a few more, before getting the 3pm train back to London. As said a good day and good weekend overall.

trainman
16-11-2014, 16:08
Oh yeah Trainman, it was me who rescued your bag from the Bank Tavern.

Thanks Ray!

That bag has had many narrow escapes, including a solo journey to Brighton when one of the guys was waiting on wrong platform at East Croydon, so those of us already on train jumped off, leaving bag on luggage rack. Luckily, a call to Brighton meant the bag was waiting when we caught up with it from following train!

Maldenman
16-11-2014, 16:46
Thanks Ray!

That bag has had many narrow escapes, including a solo journey to Brighton when one of the guys was waiting on wrong platform at East Croydon, so those of us already on train jumped off, leaving bag on luggage rack. Luckily, a call to Brighton meant the bag was waiting when we caught up with it from following train!

Tm, is this the same bag you once left in The Good Intent (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/35830/) ? Didn't it also involve someone's camera?

trainman
16-11-2014, 17:21
Tm, is this the same bag you once left in The Good Intent (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/35830/) ? Didn't it also involve someone's camera?
Same theme, different bag... :o

Real Ale Ray
16-11-2014, 21:04
1143

1144

1145

1146

1147

Real Ale Ray
16-11-2014, 21:06
The recycling plant in the Royal Navy Gents - demonstrated by AEM1148

Real Ale Ray
16-11-2014, 21:12
1152 RAR in the recovery position in the Phoenix....

1153

Pubsignman
17-11-2014, 00:17
Just returned from my extended trip out West. Really enjoyed the crawl on Friday - some great beer and pubs in the usual excellent company. Thanks to everyone involved in putting together the excellent itinerary and marshalling such a large group around the city. Bcfczuluarmy and I were the only two who persevered with the Strawberry Thief - I'm not sure that the staff knew quite what to do with us, but we did manage to get a drink and I took some notes for a review, although they might be obsolete now!

After I left Dave and Tammy in the Phoenix, I headed off to find a bite to eat but managed to get completely lost (and completely soaked), so that by the time I finally figured out how to get back to the hotel, I couldn't find anywhere still doing food. A large Spoons breakfast with Rex and MM sorted me out nicely the following morning though.

Thanks to all the Bristol based PuG folk for the tips for things to do over the weekend. We had a good day out in Clifton, a trip along the harbour to the Grain Barge and would've enjoyed a look around the SS Great Britain had someone not booked it for their wedding that afternoon. It's a great city and I'm sure I'll be back for more.

gillhalfpint
17-11-2014, 09:27
Loved reading your write up's of the crawl, and sorry to have missed such a grand day. Loved the photos too. Great beer mats!!

Quinno
17-11-2014, 20:05
My contributions to the archive!

PSM stuffed and mounted at the Kings Head

1154

Dave figuring out life's bigger questions. Pub unknown!!!

1155

Mobyduck
17-11-2014, 20:06
My contributions to the archive!

1154
A fine Trophy.

Blackthorn
05-12-2014, 22:44
What happened with the Strawberry Thief? It appears to have been deleted. :confused:


Table service only so gave it a miss.

According to tonight's local paper, the table service is as a result of a quirk in the pub's licensing conditions rather than a deliberate strategy. Apparently they stock five beers on draught and another 50 by the bottle, all Belgian I think.

trainman
01-03-2016, 12:19
Just in case there are new (or changed) targets on the Briz-ale scene, what would the locals currently consider to be the top 8-10 must dos in this fine city?
I'll be re-visiting on Saturday.
Thanks!

Quinno
01-03-2016, 12:45
Seven Stars, Cornubia, Bank, Grain Barge, Beer Emporium, Three Tuns.

Nova Scotia is you fancy a walk!

Blackthorn
01-03-2016, 13:39
I can't think of any new must visits since the PuG outing, with the exception perhaps of The Volunteer Tavern (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/711/) which is one of my new favourites (must update my review though...).

I was very disappointed with my last visit to the Kings Head (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/54745/). A very pronounced smell of pee (at at the opposite end of the pub from the loos) and getting charged £6.70 for a pint and a small glass of orange juice and lemonade put me off going back there for a bit.

Maldenman
01-03-2016, 14:39
I like The Golden Guinea (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/391/), http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubreviews/742/ and The Bag o' Nails (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/54960/)

Rex_Rattus
01-03-2016, 15:13
I visited the Lime Kiln (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/425/)on a fairly recent Bristol crawl. I wouldn't say it's an absolute mustn't miss pub, but it's certainly worth a punt if you've got the time.

bcfczuluarmy
01-03-2016, 23:53
You'll be too early for this new opening I've added today....

http://www.kingstreetbrewhouse.co.uk/

https://twitter.com/kingstbrew

trainman
02-03-2016, 07:39
I see we've managed to pick a day when Bristol City are at home to Cardiff. Ouch!

Dave M
04-03-2016, 15:16
I see we've managed to pick a day when Bristol City are at home to Cardiff. Ouch!

Not an ideal day to visit perhaps. What time are you arriving in Bristol?

Don't know if anyone has mentioned it but the Grain Barge is currently off for repairs so wont be open this weekend.

trainman
04-03-2016, 18:30
Not an ideal day to visit perhaps. What time are you arriving in Bristol?

Don't know if anyone has mentioned it but the Grain Barge is currently off for repairs so wont be open this weekend.
Thanks Dave, I had the Barge on-list, but did need to lose a couple, so that's one!
Arrive 11:40, will be giving Ashton Gate area a miss around noon and 14:00...

bcfczuluarmy
06-03-2016, 18:05
Where did you end up doing yesterday then?

trainman
06-03-2016, 20:04
Where did you end up doing yesterday then?
Small Bar, Three Tuns, Bag o Nails, Hope & Anchor, Lime Kiln, White Lion, Bank Tavern, Hillgrove Porter Stores, Cornubia, Seven Stars.
Ran out of time for Kings Head and Barley Mow. If we had made the latter, was also hoping to add the Moor Brewery outlet nearby.
Would drop the Lime Kiln and Bank Tavern next time...