13/07/23 – Bath and Chippenham

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A day out in the historic city of Bath, known for and named after its Roman built baths. The city became a World Heritage Site in 1987. Started off today with a brewery tour around “The Bath Brew House” before heading around a few pubs and brewery taps in Bath. Finished off the day with a few pub visits in Chippenham.

The Bath Brew House

Having seen former uses as the Metropolitan and Midland hotels, this building was renovated during the summer of 2013 and opened in September 2013. It has an on site microbrewery which I have done a tour of today with some photos included below.

A really interesting tour run by Ben around the brewery. Luckily a brewing experience was happening today so could see part of the brewing process.

A great selection of beers on the bar with there being 5 cask beers alongside a variety of keg beers brewed both on site and guests. I got a pint included with the tour so started with 3 x 1/3s – “Warrior” (IPA), “Gladiator” (Bitter) and “Tropic” (Fruited Pale), and finished off with “Commodus” (Session IPA).

A large garden area to the rear of the pub, lots of space for drinking and dining.

Kingsmead Street Bottle

A short 5 minute walk brings me to “Kingsmead Street Bottle”. This craft bar opened in May 2021 and has both upstairs and downstairs seating, alongside seating outside at the front of the bar.

A wide variety of styles with 10 beers on keg to choose from, aswell as a couple of fridges filled with cans and bottles. I went with It’s Showtime”, a thick and fruity Pineapple, Peach and Florida Honey Sour. A collaboration between Tripping Animals Brewing Co and Corporate Ladder Brewing Co, both based in the US.

Some really tasty sounding bar snack offerings here aswell including toasties, sausage rolls and cheese/meat boards. I went with a 3 cheese board.

The Star Inn

A bit of a walk to the edge of town to “The Star Inn”, a pub owned by Abbey Ales who brew in Bath. The pub was first licensed in 1759, and consists of 4 small rooms, all of which have benches around the wall. Interestingly Bass is served the traditional way here from Gravity into a pitcher then into your glass. The current fixtures and fittings mean it is listed as a pub of National Historic Interest, being refitted in 1928.

A choice of 4 cask beers on the bar here. 2 from Abbey Ales, one from Salopian Brewery and Bass (gravity served). I went with “Bath Star Ale” from Abbey Ales.

The Raven

Back into the centre of Bath to another historic pub. An 18th century freehouse set out on 3 levels, 6 rooms with 4 bars (extended during the summer of 2022). A really central busy pub for both drinkers and diners.

A really ranging choice of beers and ciders both keg and cask with different beers available on each floor (you can order them off any floor). A couple of house ales are brewed by Blindmans Brewery. I went with “Starburst” from Hop Kettle Brewery. A tasty and hoppy American IPA.

A great selection of locally sourced food is also available here including Pies, Sausages and Beef Stew. I went with the Beef and Blue Cheese Pie.

Electric Bear Brewery Tap

My last call in Bath is to “Electric Bear Brewery Tap” which is slightly out of town. The X39 Bath to Bristol bus runs frequently and takes less than 10 minutes (and a 5 minute walk when you get off). The tap is located inside an industrial estate.

Both outdoor and indoor seating with great views of the brewery, with the bar being located near the back. A great selection of keg beers (alongside one cask beer), and every Thursday all draft pints are £4.

I started off with “Bloom Landing” a tart and tangy Pink Lemonade Sour, followed by “La Musique”, a great fruity pale ale with a spicy note to finish with. Both excellent beers and a great vibe in the tap room.

The Three Crowns

Train to Chippenham next and a steady 10 minute walk through town and out to “The Three Crowns”, a pub taken over in May 2023 by Broadtown Brewery. The building dates back to around 1700 and has been a public house since the early 18th Century. A really friendly and community feel to this pub.

A choice of 7 cask ales on the bar today (3 being from Broadtown Brewery, alongside 4 guest beers). I started with “Bobby’s Tipple”. A delicious easy drinking session IPA. I followed with “Broadtown Best Bitter”, the name says it all, a very traditional English Bitter. A fantastic range of real ciders is also available.

Was great to catch up with Head Brewer “Jason” at Broadtown Brewery aswell here. Ill plan to visit the Hop Chapel by the brewery next tome im down.

Flying Monk Tavern

A short stroll back into the town centre brings me to the “Flying Monk Tavern”, located next to the historic Buttercross. A really busy and popular bar.

A choice of 5 cask ales on the bar, alongside 2 handpull ciders and a great range of Belgian bottled beers. I went with “Red Star IPA” from Derbyshire based Tollgate Brewery. A really tasty American IPA.

The Prince of Wales

The last call of the night is located a few minutes Way from the Railway Station, “The Pince of Wales” Micropub. This opened in 2018 in a former flower shop. A really warm welcome here from owner Ray.

A great selection of keg beers are available (cask was removed in 2022), and feature a range of styles and beer strengths, alongside a fridge full of cans and bottlI started with “The Yeti is Waiting” a tasty IPA from Turning Point Brewery, followed by “Motueka” from Arbor Ales. Really great chatting to locals Steve and Kirsty and some of the other regulars.