Bristol part 1 (King Street) - South West
1. Small Bar
Small Bar is a Bristol craft beer institution — intimate but buzzing with the kind of energy that only comes from people who genuinely love what’s in their glass. With 31 taps, the bar champions independent breweries from across the UK and beyond but retains a strong focus on beer from the south west. The tap list that swings confident
Small Bar is a Bristol craft beer institution — intimate but buzzing with the kind of energy that only comes from people who genuinely love what’s in their glass. With 31 taps, the bar champions independent breweries from across the UK and beyond but retains a strong focus on beer from the south west. The tap list that swings confidently from cask to hazy pale ales, expressive IPAs and the occasional wild-card. This is a quint essential modern taproom with everything you'd expect.
Journey Tip: A great place to start the journey, with plenty of outdoor seating - food comes from a rotating kitchen residency, currently Wing's Diner.
Location: 31 King St, Bristol BS1 4DZ
2. The Beer Emporium
Referred to by regulars as 'The Emp', The Beer Emporium is a vaulted, atmospheric hideaway underneath King Street. Candlelit tables, arched ceilings, and a long bar lined with over 20 taps create a warm, almost medieval backdrop for a seriously modern beer selection. There is a solid cask offering (not during January sadly), session pale
Referred to by regulars as 'The Emp', The Beer Emporium is a vaulted, atmospheric hideaway underneath King Street. Candlelit tables, arched ceilings, and a long bar lined with over 20 taps create a warm, almost medieval backdrop for a seriously modern beer selection. There is a solid cask offering (not during January sadly), session pale ales, Belgian beers and sours and stouts a plenty. The service is also very welcoming and friendly.
Journey Tip: The Emporium serves food — and good food at that — making it a strong choice if you want to anchor your journey with a proper meal. There is plenty of outdoor seating door - although a little walk from bar.
Location: 13 - 15 King St, Bristol BS1 4EF
3. The Llandoger Trow
3. The Llandoger Trow
3. The Llandoger Trow
One of Bristol’s most iconic pubs, The Llandoger Trow blends centuries of history with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Timber‑framed and unmistakably characterful, it’s the kind of place where you can feel the stories in the walls. Inside, you’ll find a solid line‑up of cask ales, dependable lagers, and a few rotating craft options — not
One of Bristol’s most iconic pubs, The Llandoger Trow blends centuries of history with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Timber‑framed and unmistakably characterful, it’s the kind of place where you can feel the stories in the walls. Inside, you’ll find a solid line‑up of cask ales, dependable lagers, and a few rotating craft options — nothing flashy, just honest, well‑kept beer served in a setting that feels wonderfully rooted in the city’s past.
Journey Tip: There's no food sold here so settle in and enjoy the beers.
Location: King St, Bristol BS1 4ER
4. The Apple
3. The Llandoger Trow
3. The Llandoger Trow
Moored on the Bristol harbourside, The Apple is a floating cider bar with a charm all of its own. The cider list is extensive — from crisp and refreshing to rich, tannic, and farmhouse‑funky — and there’s always something new to try. Even if you’re a beer‑first drinker, then there's also a couple of beers on tap just for inclusivity's sa
Moored on the Bristol harbourside, The Apple is a floating cider bar with a charm all of its own. The cider list is extensive — from crisp and refreshing to rich, tannic, and farmhouse‑funky — and there’s always something new to try. Even if you’re a beer‑first drinker, then there's also a couple of beers on tap just for inclusivity's sake.
Journey Tip: It can get lively, especially in summer, so arrive early if you want a table with a view. If you’re doing a mixed beer‑and‑cider journey, this is a perfect final stop as the sun goes down.
Location: Welsh Back, Bristol BS1 4SB
Bristol part 2 (Totterdown/City Centre) - South West
1. Bruhaha
2. The Barley Mow
2. The Barley Mow
Bruhaha is a straight up, independent modern craft beer taproom! A social space and neighbourhood hub-pub, which focuses on 'hyperlocal' suppliers for their food and drink. There is also a micro brewery attached to this place (We gather it's located at a different site). Founder Steve England, home brewer turned brewery owner, opened the
Bruhaha is a straight up, independent modern craft beer taproom! A social space and neighbourhood hub-pub, which focuses on 'hyperlocal' suppliers for their food and drink. There is also a micro brewery attached to this place (We gather it's located at a different site). Founder Steve England, home brewer turned brewery owner, opened the bar after a successful 'pop-up taproom' in 2021 - good on you, Steve. A gem of the Bristol beer scene.
Journey Tip: With pop-up kitchens on rotation this can be a start of finish location. A short 20 minute walk from Bristol Templemead station means it's easy to get to (mind the hills...)
Location: 156-158 Wells Rd, Totterdown, Bristol BS4 2AG
2. The Barley Mow
2. The Barley Mow
2. The Barley Mow
The Barley Mow is the brewpub for established Bristol brewers, Bristol Beer Factory. Nestled in a local estate and just a short distance from Templemeads station, this is a great spot as you wind your way into/out of the city on this journey. Food is served up here (small platey bits) from Cord Kitchen, which looks delicious. Bristol Beer
The Barley Mow is the brewpub for established Bristol brewers, Bristol Beer Factory. Nestled in a local estate and just a short distance from Templemeads station, this is a great spot as you wind your way into/out of the city on this journey. Food is served up here (small platey bits) from Cord Kitchen, which looks delicious. Bristol Beer Factory love to showcase their beers on cask and there's also a cracking nitro stout on offer for any G-word fans in your party.
Journey Tip: Ubers a very cheap in Bristol, so if you're strapped for time we'd recommend using a cab between spot 1 and 2. You can easily settle in here for the evening...
Location: 39 Barton Rd, St Philip's, Bristol BS2 0LF
3. The Cornubia
4. Left Handed Giant Brewpub
4. Left Handed Giant Brewpub
Hailing 'Real ale, Real Food and Real People', The Cornubia is the spot for the lover of traditional independent free houses. This spot gets busy on weekend evenings, but there's a great beer garden with heaters if you're visiting in the colder months. 8 real ales on tap and some macro pub standards there's something here for most people.
Hailing 'Real ale, Real Food and Real People', The Cornubia is the spot for the lover of traditional independent free houses. This spot gets busy on weekend evenings, but there's a great beer garden with heaters if you're visiting in the colder months. 8 real ales on tap and some macro pub standards there's something here for most people. A great addition to this journey and something a little bit different and trad.
Journey Tip: This spot is about a 20min walk from the last spot so a taxi could be wise choice here, or just soak up the Bristol sites. We didn't see the food here, but the traditional hearty pub food/snacks comes highly reviewed.
Location: 142 Temple St, Redcliffe, Bristol BS1 6EN
4. Left Handed Giant Brewpub
4. Left Handed Giant Brewpub
4. Left Handed Giant Brewpub
Wow! What a spot to finish this journey... or begin. Perhaps one of the best modern craft brewery taprooms we've visited, based on location and operation. Opening a few years ago and crowd-founded by 1500 people, this three -floor warehouse has great beer from Left Handed Giant (and other breweries), delicious pizzas, just as tasty views
Wow! What a spot to finish this journey... or begin. Perhaps one of the best modern craft brewery taprooms we've visited, based on location and operation. Opening a few years ago and crowd-founded by 1500 people, this three -floor warehouse has great beer from Left Handed Giant (and other breweries), delicious pizzas, just as tasty views of the river Avon and games spaces upstairs if you fancy some activities during the journey. We visited on the first Saturday of the year and it was rammed, so book a spot if there's a group of you and you want to avoid disappointment. We believe you cannot visit Bristol without paying this spot a visit.
Journey Tip: End or begin here - this spicks up quite nicely from where our part 1 journey ends. Great food on offer here will set you up or polish you up.
Location: Hawkins Ln, Redcliffe, Finzels BS1 6EU
Bury Saint Edmunds, Suffolk
1. Vespers Belgian Beer Bar
1. Vespers Belgian Beer Bar
1. Vespers Belgian Beer Bar
Nestled near the Abbey Gardens, Vespers is a cosy, candlelit homage to Belgian brewing. With 15 taps and a deep bottle list, it’s a haven for lovers of Trappist ales, Lambics, and rare imports. Bring your own food, sip something wild, and let the vaulted ceilings and warm staff transport you to Bruges by way of Suffolk.
Journey Tip: This j
Nestled near the Abbey Gardens, Vespers is a cosy, candlelit homage to Belgian brewing. With 15 taps and a deep bottle list, it’s a haven for lovers of Trappist ales, Lambics, and rare imports. Bring your own food, sip something wild, and let the vaulted ceilings and warm staff transport you to Bruges by way of Suffolk.
Journey Tip: This journey can be made in any order, but this is a good place to start if your visiting from afar so you can make your way back to Bury St. Edmunds Railway Station.
Location: St Andrew's Street S, Bury Saint Edmunds IP33 3PH
2. The Rising Sun
1. Vespers Belgian Beer Bar
1. Vespers Belgian Beer Bar
A proper pub with a modern craft twist, The Rising Sun blends heritage and hops in style. Inside, vintage brewery signs and historic memorabilia nod to Britain’s rich brewing past, while the bar pours a stellar mix of traditional cask ales and cutting-edge independent craft beers. Out back, the expansive beer garden is a suntrap for lazy
A proper pub with a modern craft twist, The Rising Sun blends heritage and hops in style. Inside, vintage brewery signs and historic memorabilia nod to Britain’s rich brewing past, while the bar pours a stellar mix of traditional cask ales and cutting-edge independent craft beers. Out back, the expansive beer garden is a suntrap for lazy afternoons and weekend gatherings. Whether you're chasing a hazy IPA or a perfectly pulled pint of bitter, this is where old-school charm meets new-school flavour
Journey Tip: A great second stop but you could easily get cosy here or enjoy the beer garden. We're not sure if food is served here... We didn't see any on our visit and it doesn't mention online.
Location: 98 Risbygate St, Bury Saint Edmunds IP33 3AA
3. Hopsters
4. The Old Cannon Brewery
4. The Old Cannon Brewery
The latest taproom to open of the East of England craft beer indie chain Hopsters. Already making waves, Hopsters brings a bold, modern edge to Bury’s beer landscape. With a sharp focus on independent craft with the most well known names, expect a rotating lineup of punchy IPAs, crisp lagers, and experimental brews from the UK’s most exci
The latest taproom to open of the East of England craft beer indie chain Hopsters. Already making waves, Hopsters brings a bold, modern edge to Bury’s beer landscape. With a sharp focus on independent craft with the most well known names, expect a rotating lineup of punchy IPAs, crisp lagers, and experimental brews from the UK’s most exciting producers. The vibe is sleek yet welcoming, with knowledgeable staff and a layout built for tastings, chats, and casual pints. Whether you're a seasoned hophead or just curious, Hopsters is the place to discover what’s next in British beer.
Journey Tip: There is pop food in the form of Detroit style pizza from 'Dough Pusher Pizza' on Friday and Saturdays.
Location: 3 Short Brackland, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1EL
4. The Old Cannon Brewery
4. The Old Cannon Brewery
4. The Old Cannon Brewery
A true local institution,The Old Cannon Brewery is where beer is born and poured under one roof. This characterful brewpub serves up its own cask ales—brewed right next to the bar— with styles ranging from sessionable bitters, summer pales to rich porters. The cosy beer garden is a hidden gem for sunny pints, while inside, hearty pub far
A true local institution,The Old Cannon Brewery is where beer is born and poured under one roof. This characterful brewpub serves up its own cask ales—brewed right next to the bar— with styles ranging from sessionable bitters, summer pales to rich porters. The cosy beer garden is a hidden gem for sunny pints, while inside, hearty pub fare and warm hospitality make it a go-to for lunch, dinner, or a weekend stay. With comfy rooms upstairs, it’s the perfect base for exploring Suffolk’s beer history.
Journey Tip: A perfect end to this journey with accommodation available or a five minute walk to Bury St. Edmunds Railway Station.
Location: 86 Cannon St, Bury St Edmunds, Bury Saint Edmunds IP33 1JR
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
1. The Free Press
The Free Press is wee gem hidden in the back streets of Cambridge city centre - you'd be hard pressed to find it if you weren't aware or passing by it. With a rich history behind its name... research it, it's quite interesting, this is a great spot to start the Cambridge beer journey. An indepedent venue but the big names are what you'll
The Free Press is wee gem hidden in the back streets of Cambridge city centre - you'd be hard pressed to find it if you weren't aware or passing by it. With a rich history behind its name... research it, it's quite interesting, this is a great spot to start the Cambridge beer journey. An indepedent venue but the big names are what you'll find on the taps here. The cask taps are vintage 1940s stock, which are something not seen often. The pub recently won a community Harp Award from Guinness for supposedly serving the best pint of the black stuff in the city. The pub food looked divine and promises to be delicious. It's small and cosy with some outdoor seating. Get in there early.
Journey Tip: A good place to get to early to get a spot, but it's bustle is its charm. Food offerings make it a worthy starting point.
Location: 7 Prospect Row, Cambridge CB1 1DU
2. The Handsome Prince
Recently opened and owned by Baron Brewing, in collab with seasoned taproom owners from Ware (not sure of their name), The Handsome Prince has everything you'd want from a modern independent taproom: exposed ceilings, metallic stools, board games and fridges stocked with cans. The bar hosts 18 taps serving up the big names in the craft be
Recently opened and owned by Baron Brewing, in collab with seasoned taproom owners from Ware (not sure of their name), The Handsome Prince has everything you'd want from a modern independent taproom: exposed ceilings, metallic stools, board games and fridges stocked with cans. The bar hosts 18 taps serving up the big names in the craft beer movement, with a penchant towards hazy pales and some DIPAs and Sours for the more adventurous. Being a brewery taproom, Baron's beers do feature heavily, whilst the menu boasts daily rotation. A welcome addition to the craft beer scene in Cambridge.
Journey Tip: Currently this stop doesn't offer food, but it is in the works. There are some great eateries and restaurants close by.
Location: 6 King St, Cambridge CB1 1LN
3. Brewboard Peas Hill Taproom
Brewboard is an established local brewery. What initially started as a pop -up taproom has now become a permanent fixture and it is a welcome stop on this journey. Everything you'd expect from a modern craft brewery's taproom yet feels homely with dimmed lighting and house plants adorning the walls. A fridge is stocked with their beer fo
Brewboard is an established local brewery. What initially started as a pop -up taproom has now become a permanent fixture and it is a welcome stop on this journey. Everything you'd expect from a modern craft brewery's taproom yet feels homely with dimmed lighting and house plants adorning the walls. A fridge is stocked with their beer for a take away should you wish to indulge.
Journey Tip: No signs of food being served hear besides bar snacks but being in the heart of the city, there's lots of spots nearby. Meat & Bread just around the corner is highly recommended.
Location: 4-5 Peas Hill, Cambridge CB2 3PP
4. Pint Shop
The Pint Shop is a Cambridge institution of the independent pub scene and has survived for well over a decade. A diverse line up of local, UK and international beers on the 20 or so taps means there's something for everyone. This is reflected by the clientele from friends catching up, couples on a date, lads out for a few beers and weary
The Pint Shop is a Cambridge institution of the independent pub scene and has survived for well over a decade. A diverse line up of local, UK and international beers on the 20 or so taps means there's something for everyone. This is reflected by the clientele from friends catching up, couples on a date, lads out for a few beers and weary shoppers. A great spot to finish the journey.
Journey Tip: Some delicious bar food and a restaurant upstairs. This beer journey could be reversed. A visit to the Eagle around the corn is a must whilst your there. Where the discovery of DNA was announced several hundred years ago. A bit of a tourist trap and usually quite busy, but it's novel, with three bars and good 'vibes'.
Location: 10 Peas Hill, Cambridge CB2 3PN
LEWES, East Sussex
1. The Patch Beer Cafe
2. BEAK Brewery Tap Room
2. BEAK Brewery Tap Room
The Patch is a quirky craft beer cafe offering delicious breakfasts, brunch, divine takeaway sandwiches, and frothy modern craft beer from their taps. The Patch also stays open into the evenings, making it possible to spend your entire day here.
Journey Tip: Just a short walk from Lewes railway station, this is an essential first stop to f
The Patch is a quirky craft beer cafe offering delicious breakfasts, brunch, divine takeaway sandwiches, and frothy modern craft beer from their taps. The Patch also stays open into the evenings, making it possible to spend your entire day here.
Journey Tip: Just a short walk from Lewes railway station, this is an essential first stop to fuel up for the day and wet your whistle.
Location: 19-21 Market St, Lewes BN7 2NB
2. BEAK Brewery Tap Room
2. BEAK Brewery Tap Room
2. BEAK Brewery Tap Room
The BEAK Brewery Taproom is arguably one of the best modern craft beer breweries in the UK. It's only open from Friday to Sunday, when the brewery itself closes for the weekend and brings out the benches. You can enjoy all the BEAK favourites, and there's a rotating selection of pop-up food stalls each weekend.
Journey Tip: This journey ca
The BEAK Brewery Taproom is arguably one of the best modern craft beer breweries in the UK. It's only open from Friday to Sunday, when the brewery itself closes for the weekend and brings out the benches. You can enjoy all the BEAK favourites, and there's a rotating selection of pop-up food stalls each weekend.
Journey Tip: This journey can be completed in any order, but we recommend visiting after The Patch or ending your day here (it's about a 25-minute walk to Lewes railway station).
Location: Unit 14 Cliffe Industrial Est, Lewes BN8 6JL
3. The Snowdrop Inn
4. ABYSS Brewing Tap Room
4. ABYSS Brewing Tap Room
The Snowdrop Named after a historic event where snow fell from the towering Lewes cliffs and blanketed the pub, The Snowdrop is a must-visit. You'll find modern craft beer at the bar, European lagers, and a bit of cask ale, usually from Harvey's Brewery. The food here is reputed to be very good, and hopefully, the owner's two white husk
The Snowdrop Named after a historic event where snow fell from the towering Lewes cliffs and blanketed the pub, The Snowdrop is a must-visit. You'll find modern craft beer at the bar, European lagers, and a bit of cask ale, usually from Harvey's Brewery. The food here is reputed to be very good, and hopefully, the owner's two white huskies (we think they're huskies) will be there to greet you.
Journey Tip: As the only pub on the journey, this is a perfect pit stop halfway between BEAK and AYBSS.
Location: 119 South St, Lewes BN7 2BU
4. ABYSS Brewing Tap Room
4. ABYSS Brewing Tap Room
4. ABYSS Brewing Tap Room
ABYSS Brewing is known for its incredible modern beers, often dank, juicy, and very moreish. They also collaborate with top breweries around the UK to brew exciting new creations. There's a resident food pop-up here on Saturdays, and there's plenty of room for patrons. The staff are cool, and the flights come on a skateboard—a unique touc
ABYSS Brewing is known for its incredible modern beers, often dank, juicy, and very moreish. They also collaborate with top breweries around the UK to brew exciting new creations. There's a resident food pop-up here on Saturdays, and there's plenty of room for patrons. The staff are cool, and the flights come on a skateboard—a unique touch that we love.
Journey Tip: Depending on how you approach this journey, we recommend either stopping here second or making it your final destination. It's about a 15-minute walk from Lewes railway station.
Location: The Malthouse, Davey's Ln, Lewes BN7 2BF
Norwich, Norfolk
1. Sir Toby's Beers
1. Sir Toby's Beers
1. Sir Toby's Beers
Located on the historic and unique Norwich Market, Sir Toby's is a specialist bottle shop and craft beer bar. Stocking beers from local breweries and afar there's plenty to please any craft beer enthusiast here.
Journey Tip: The market is conveniently located from the bus and railways stations. There's plenty of delicious food stalls on
Located on the historic and unique Norwich Market, Sir Toby's is a specialist bottle shop and craft beer bar. Stocking beers from local breweries and afar there's plenty to please any craft beer enthusiast here.
Journey Tip: The market is conveniently located from the bus and railways stations. There's plenty of delicious food stalls on the market so this is a great spot to line your stomach before you start this craft beer journey.
Location: Market 182 &, 183 Market Pl, Norwich NR2 1ND
2. The Fat Cat
1. Sir Toby's Beers
1. Sir Toby's Beers
The Fat Cat pub is an award winning boozer that can't be missed if paying Norwich a visit. Cask and real ale really is the star of the show here. No thrills but just fantastic beer which is served with TLC. A couple of years ago the owners opened up The Mad Cat just next door, which showcases modern craft beers - this all sounds too good
The Fat Cat pub is an award winning boozer that can't be missed if paying Norwich a visit. Cask and real ale really is the star of the show here. No thrills but just fantastic beer which is served with TLC. A couple of years ago the owners opened up The Mad Cat just next door, which showcases modern craft beers - this all sounds too good to be true, right?
Journey Tip: This is two stops in one, so give yourself plenty of time to settle into both for a drink or three. LUPA, just across the street, also serves up pizza which can be ordered and eaten in both pubs (We haven't tried this however).
Location: 49 W End St, Norwich NR2 4NA
3. Hop Rocket
3. Hop Rocket
3. Hop Rocket
Hop Rock opened in 2024 and has quickly become the favourite pub of many locals. This stop embodies everything a contemporary 'local' can and should be - staff who care, modern craft beers on cask and a great selection of keg beers. Hop Rocket is a sister venue to The Brewery Tap - another must visit pub to the north of the city centre -
Hop Rock opened in 2024 and has quickly become the favourite pub of many locals. This stop embodies everything a contemporary 'local' can and should be - staff who care, modern craft beers on cask and a great selection of keg beers. Hop Rocket is a sister venue to The Brewery Tap - another must visit pub to the north of the city centre - unfortunately, you might struggle to fit it in on this journey... But where there's beer, there's a way!
Journey Tip: One could easily spend the whole day here but alas, this is a beer journey. The well stocked fridge is a great place to pick up some cans for the journey home. The next stop is a good 20 minute walk but a short taxi ride.
Location: 152a Unthank Rd, Norwich NR2 2RS
4. Bier Draak
3. Hop Rocket
3. Hop Rocket
Bier Draak is the newest kid on the block out of the stops on this journey and it's perfectly positioned, being a five minute walk from the railway station. It is the sister venue to Sir Toby's and the focus here is on continental beers but with over ten taps there's more than enough choice for what ever your persuasion. There's a well st
Bier Draak is the newest kid on the block out of the stops on this journey and it's perfectly positioned, being a five minute walk from the railway station. It is the sister venue to Sir Toby's and the focus here is on continental beers but with over ten taps there's more than enough choice for what ever your persuasion. There's a well stocked fridge for take aways too.
Journey Tip: This can be either the starting point or end point of this journey - we'd recommend ending point if you're visiting Norwich by train. Grab yourself a nibble board whilst you're here to soak up those higher ABVs.
Location: 42 King St, Norwich NR1 1PD