Bristol: Old Market Self-Guided Craft Beer Tour

Itching to explore Bristol’s celebrated offerings of craft beer? Look no further – the Old Market Self-Guided Craft Beer Tour is the perfect way to discover everything that the city has to offer, with 12 carefully curated pubs and breweries that leave nothing to be desired when it comes to the city’s beloved selection of craft beer. From ales to stouts, lagers and more, you’ll be able to indulge in all that Bristol has to offer.

So why should you consider this tour in particular? Firstly, it’s incredibly convenient. Gone are the days of relying on a designated tour guide – this self-guided tour takes the weight off your shoulders and allows you to explore at your own pace. Even better still; you don’t need to worry about avoiding brewing knowledge – all that’s required of you is to pay close attention to the pubs and breweries visited and make sure you indulge in a pint or two of your favorite tipple – we recommend that you take a few snaps along the way.

The tour begins at The Old Market, aptly described as Bristol’s one-stop location for popular food, drink and entertainment venues, before heading to its next stop; the Arbor Ales Brewery. Established in 2017, this Temple Quarter based microbrewery has quickly become known for its dedication to creating inventive beers with quality ingredients – and their beers don’t go unnoticed. Passers-by may catch the smell of their signature brews wafting through the air, signalling that it may be time to stop over for a unique craft beer experience like no other.

Next up is local gem Steam Tavern; known for their fresh selection of cask-conditioned beers and line-up of wacky craft selections. This multi-award-winning pub is a great example of Bristol’s blossoming craft beer scene, offering up five cask ales and up to four craft keg beers all year round. Steam Tavern also offers thirst-quenching snacks – including charcuterie boards and unusual nibbles – perfect for whetting your appetite after a few too many pints.

For those aspiring viticulture connoisseurs, a visit to Wild Beer Co, is a must. This sour-beer brewery has become renowned for its dedication to wild brewing techniques, aging a selection of their beers in French and American oak barrels. Producing a range of beers brewed with hay and other local ingredients, this pioneering brewery is one of Bristol’s most cutting-edge production sites and provides a unique twist on beer drinking experiences.

Brewhouse & Kitchen falls onto the next stop, wedged between St Nicholas’s Market and St Nick’s Church; this quaint yet quintessentially British style pub has been called ‘one of Bristol’s best hidden gems’ due to its hard-to-find positioning in the city centre – and it must be said; when you find it, you won’t forget it. Kitted out with minimalist furniture and friendly staff, this homely pub ticks all the boxes when it comes to incredible craft beers – and they also do a mean burger.

The Netherly Brewing Co. is next on the list, offering up ‘session-style’ beers that are characterised by their low strength and smoothness. Revelers can find an array of tasty delights here; from classic style Czech pilsners and light IPAs to New World pales – whatever your preference, Netherly Brewing Co has something for the discerning beer-lover in each of us!

If you love your beer with a classic British tipple – then perhaps look no further than Grain Barge – perched at the very top of the Floating Harbour offering unbeatable views of Bristol from this open air bar situated on board a boat. Sporting copious amounts of cask ales, games of ping pong, live music nights and events offering up food stalls from all corners of the city – this locally loved spot is a must on any adventurous beer drinker’s list!
Greenward’s Spicebox is the seventh stop on our tour; this award-winning café bar frequented by locals hailing from across Bristol is famed for its selection of vegan food – including its famous macaroni cheese. As if that wasn’t enough -Greenward’s Spicebox is also well renowned for its fruity ales, ranging from pale ales to strong bitters and stouts – all made locally with ingredients sourced from around Bristol itself.

Moor Beer is up next; this multi-award winning brewery uses British ingredients exclusive to the brewery itself to create unique beers that can’t be found anywhere else. Consisting of pale ales, IPAs and dark stouts, you’re guaranteed to find something here that takes your fancy – made with coconut or pineapple if that tickles your fancy! No visit is complete without sampling some of their finest creations – fortunately they’ve opened their doors to visitors so that they can explore Moor Beer’s nation-wide appeal in person!

One taste of Arbor Ales’ unique craft beer will have you wishing that you could get it bottled up! Although we can’t do that just yet (quite yet!), we do have something to make sure that you don’t miss out on their full flavour experience – the tasting sessions at Arbor Ales! If you’ve ever wanted to get closer up with your selected brewery’s products then now’s your chance; as well as receiving expert guidance from experienced brewers – these sessions also offer access to several other beers brewed on the premises. Best yet? They’re an ideal spot for birthdays or special occasions too!

Baffled by Bristol’s beer scene but want in on this good thing? Fear not, Blockhead Brewery is here with all your answers! This stylish brewery is located in central Bristol offering 11 ever-changing kegs and cask beers – meaning something new every time you visit! Their lucky customers can also find something special in the fridges, boasting various imports from Britain as well as abroad – ensuring that whatever your taste buds desire – you’ll find something unique here.

Last but not least stop off at The Wild Beer Co located in Whiteladies Road. Here you will find an extensive menu filled with their signature wild ales , stouts, IPAs and experimental brews – all incredibly fresh! The gold star prize goes to their barrel program where they “sponce,” age and bottle their in house sour beer programs – this taproom really knows how to show off! Plus what goes better with good beers than a plate full of street food? The Wild Beer Co has got you covered in that department too, offering delicious bites all day for you to enjoy.

In conclusion, there’s no need to settle for just any craft beer tour when visiting Bristol – why not make it memorable? With twelve top notch breweries dotted around the city boasting appetising selections that are difficult not to indulge in – what more could a thirsty traveller want from a self-guided tour experience? So why not try out this tour and explore all that Bristol has to offer? Why not book your experience today?