Our plan was to make the most of a day without rain forecast so we were going to get on a bus to Ashton Gate, walk over to Ashton Court and wander around the woods for a bit before retiring to a pub (or two) in North Street.
As it was, neither us were quite in the zone for extended time in the cold. So we elected to be "less ambitious" and we donned a couple of extra layers and strolled up the river towards Bedminster (not Bedmo, or Bemmie but possibly "bemminster" if you're a local).
It's a couple of miles of ambling and we do what we always do - notice things, conjecture about things and generally enjoy the streetscape almost as much as nature.
We walked up Bedminster Parade and East Street and noted that, despite more buildings being turned over to residential developments, the area still looks rather tired and run down, barring a few little interesting gems.
Then around the corner into North Street. We noted that the Steam Crane appeared to have more interesting beer on than the last time we passed, but we didn't stop this time. We also saw that the Hare has disappeared to become some sort of wine bar place (no great loss) and then we were at the Old Bookshop.
This is a prime example of not judging a lack lustre place without visiting it at least a couple of times: the first time we went here (several years ago) the beer was dull and not very well kept. Then, last Christmas we happened on it and it was terrific. In the summer we popped in and were very happy with it so we were hopeful. We were not disappointed - Nor'hop on Cask (yummy), Weeerd on keg (similarly delicious) and then a couple of cheeky halves - him:"not now cato" a sour beer and me "clwb tropicana". Just lovely.
Staff were quietly friendly and efficient. Other patrons were considerate and none too noisy. All in all, as good an experience and choice of beers as we could have hoped for.
We'll definitely be back, since it's certainly our sort of place.
No comments:
Post a Comment