Bath to Bristol pub crawl
From Ukcider
- Cider Pub Crawl, Bath to Bristol
(Undertaken 25th March 2005)
The Boater (Bath, 1430 hours): Floats our. Good location near Pultney Bridge and a nice cider garden. Quite touristy, not sure about the leopard skin seat covers. ‘thorn on tap though and plastic bottles of Natch if you want! Always a winner. On the other cider the river, one finds the Rummer.
The Rummer (Bath, 1630 hours): Nice locals and bottles of Award-winning Westons Strong Organic Cider. Excellent choice of apples: 4 bottles and ‘thorn on tap. Good bar snack and ashtrays. No Black Velvet on tap*. Quite possibly the best kebab shop in the country/world next door.
Marmaris (Bath, 1800 hours): Kofte and hoummous kebabs are both highly recommended. The delicate blend of spices complimented our by now sizzling cider palate. Consume whilst dawdling to fiddle with some pigs…
The Pig and Fiddle (Bath, 1830 hours): Bulmers on tap served by a cider-knowledgeable barmaid (good discussion regarding Exhibition at the Corri Tap). Wasn’t up for our cider-fuelled banter (can’t blame her). Cider garden with bohemian crowd. Ask them the way to The Old Green Tree (“It’s up there on the left…”).
The Old Green Tree (Bath, 2000 hours): Cosy. By now the ziders were kicking in and memories are blurred. Lost my notes too, but I think we had Broadoak. Good crowd, Fit barmaid. Phone National Railway enquiries to check train times to Bristol.
First Great Western 21.01 from Bath Spa to Bristol Temple Meads (2101 hours). After running for the train, re-hydrate yourself with a few cans of the over-sweet ‘bow in the Family Carriage. Below-standard cider really, but make it more interesting by finishing the can before you get to Temple Meads. Try not to throw empty plastic bottles at mothers with babies, it’s not appreciated. Stagger to the Duke.
The Old Duke (Bris, 2130 hours). The door was open and the Jazz drifted across the harbour to entice us in. ‘thorn on tap and a good encore. Always good value, get yourself down there. If you feel like something a little more relaxed check the Landogger Trow opposite. After-hours you need to head in the Corn Street direction…
Mr Wolf’s (Bris, 2300 hours) Savannah Dry. Young trendies who are too cool to dance to the quality live band - they are unresponsive even to Bristolians tanked on 10 pints of the west country’s finest. So leave and go somewhere they’re more up for it, like the Arc
Arc Bar (Bris, 0000 hours) Unexpected, but appreciated, Thatchers. Quality of the cider matched the music policy. Crowd was fruitier than the cider and well up for some fun and frolics on the dance floor. Both equally cool. Pint number 11: time for a tactical…
Arc Bar Toilet (Bris, 0017 hours). Good for a tactical. Other punters aren’t too abusive about the smell and the purple/pink lighting help to raise both one’s spirits and bile. Basin somewhat on the small side for attempting to stick one’s head under cold water for an impromptu dousing.
*Black Velvet Notes If barman refuses to pour for you/is an ignoramus purchase one half Guinness in a pint glass and one half of the best apples available. At 45 degrees pour zider into the Guinness. Remove inevitable excess head by scooping with fingers and slopping into nearest ashtray. Pay stupid mate to drink contents (including ash, crisps and other ashtray-type contents). Consume Black Velvet with pleasure while laughing at aforementioned stupid botherer-in-cider.
