Bristol sites collaborate for beer trail and unique brew

The Bedminster Beer Trail offers beer lovers across Bristol the chance to explore local craft brews at the twelve participating venues, in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee over the bank holiday weekend (2 to 5 June).

Bedminster Beer Trail co-creator Emily Penney said: “We’re incredibly proud of the beer community we have here in Bedminster and we want the rest of Bristol to know just how amazing it is which is why we had the idea to bring a beer trail to BS3.

“There’s so many independent venues, highlighting the best of what beer has to offer.

“It's a way to get people to see every venue and experience that but also keep them coming back and keep on supporting local, independent businesses.”

Initially created to celebrate her Majesty’s 70 years on the throne, Penney, who is also co-owner of participating site the Alpha Bottle Shop, and her partner Mike, who spearheaded the idea, are hoping to make the Bedminster Beer Trail an annual event.

Connecting venues 

Participating in the trail are Alpha Bottle Shop and Tap, On-Point Brewing, the Coronation, the Steam Crane, North Street Standard, the Old Bookshop, KASK, the Spotted Cow, the Hen & Chicken, the Malago, Tobacco Factory and the Bristol Beer Factory Tap Room.

Furthermore, a representative from each venue will meet at the Bristol Beer Factory and Tap Room on Monday 9 May to create an exclusive beer for the event called ‘South of The River’.

Tom Clermont from Bristol Beer Factory said: “The idea of creating a beer unique to Bedminster and exclusive to the beer trail was something we collectively wanted to do.

“Getting everyone involved in the brewing process, adding in hops, and giving it a good stir just really connects each venue to the trail.”

Each venue has planned something special for the 4-day event with some hosting outdoor bars, barbecues and offering customers food pairing advice while beer trail goers will also have access to a downloadable map and be given a card to be stamped at each venue, which can be presented at the end of the trail to claim a can of ‘South of the River’ and discounts at beer trail venues during June.

While organising twelve breweries, shops and bars sounds like a difficult task, Penney explained the planning has been smooth sailing so far but noted the most expensive tasks included the designing and printing of posters.

Being in touch 

Additionally, the event required a temporary events notice, which brought with it some extra cost and organisation but Penney said she had been “really lucky” to have worked closely with Bedminster BID, a business development board working in the BS3 area, in planning the event and bringing the community together.

Penney added: “Everybody's been very excited.

“It’s about being familiar with your community and the venues around you, which is what every place we've ever worked with found to be a good thing.

“The more familiar and better venues get along, the better for a whole area. It’s being in touch and being friends with the other businesses around you.

“[If] one business is doing well, it helps bring everyone up.”