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Leicester Branch Coach Trip to Gloucestershire

Saturday 7th July 2007

For those of you in need of such things, I understand that the date of the trip, being the seventh day of the seventh month of zero seven has connotations of good luck. Initially it seemed as though the day would not live up to expectations, as everyone was worrying about a mysterious yellow ball that had appeared in the sky and was tracking relentlessly westward. Eventually some older acquaintances remembered that this was called 'the sun' and was not to be feared! So, if for nothing else, the day might be remembered for the day the great rains ended - only time will tell.

So, having put all fears behind us, a small party of H&B members(2!) joined the coach at the Three Pots. The Leicester contingent had generously left the front seats for us, so we had an almost interrupted view of the whole journey.

Off we set, via the M69, M6, M42 & M5 & as the forest of speed cameras thinned out we were able to see Gloucestershire appearing on the horizon. Our first call was the village of Nailsworth and The Village Inn. We arrived at  about five to eleven, but could not be served because the tills would not open until the digital clock said 11:00 - what was wrong with a wooden drawer?

The Village Inn is the home of the Nailsworth Brewery who offer 4 beers: Artists Ale(3.9%), Mayor's Bitter(4.2%), Vicar's Stout(4.5%) & Town Crier(4.7%). To the disappointment of some party members, only the first two were available, although Town Crier did appear later. In addition to Nailsworth beers, there were three offerings from Mole's: Mole Catcher,  Rucking Mole & Landlord's Choice.

After about an hour or so, we were encouraged back to the bus with promise of more beers. Our next call was the village of Hawkesbury Upton, where there are two pubs: The Beaufort Arms (GBG07) and the Fox Inn. We tried the Fox first where we were able to choose from Wickwar Cotswold Way(4.2%), Otter Ale(4.5%) , Exmoor Fox(4.2%) & Uley Bitter(4%)

We then moved onto the Beaufort Arms, following rumours of free food. Apparently this appeared in the garden whilst we were at the bar & by the time we reached the garden it had all been eaten! But it was still a generous thought by the landlord. Beers on offer were: Bristol Sunrise(4.4%),RCH Pitchfork(4.3%), Butcombe Gold(4.7%) & something called Dursley Donkey (provenance unknown to me!).

Back to the coach again and on to Dursley, where, conveniently, the bus 'station' is next to the Old Spot Inn (Gloucs. CAMRA Pub of the Year 2006). There was quite a range of beers available here: Wye Valley Dorothy Goodbody's Golden Ale(4.2%), Thwaites Double Century(4.8%), Otter Bitter(3.6%), Uley Old Ric(4.5%), Butcombe Bitter(4%) & Wickwar Cotswold Way(4.2%).

The relentless march of time dictated that we must return to the coach yet again, this time to move on to the Tudor Arms at Slimbridge (Gloucs. CAMRA Country Pub of the Year 2006). This is conveniently situated on the road to the Slimbridge Wildlife & Wetlands Trust just where it crosses the Sharpness canal. It is a large, busy pub seemingly renown for its food as much as its selection of ales. The beers available were: Uley Pig's Ear(5%), Sharp's Own(4.4%), Palmer's Dorset Gold(4.5%), Wye Valley Summer of 69(4.9%), Wickwar Summer Daze(4.2%) & Wadworths 6X(4.3%).

Last call of the day was the Salutation (GBG07) at Ham. This was the pub many were looking forward to as it is a genuine brew pub and its beers are not available anywhere else, even at beer festivals. The brewery is called Eagles Bush, the beer range is: Merlin(3.6%), Kestrel(3.7%),Peregrine(3.7%), Osprey(4%)& Golden Eagle(4.2%). Again a little disappointment as only the two 3.7%ers were available. It's a pity the beers are not more widely available as they were excellent. Wye Valley HPA(4%) was also available.

It was back to the coach for the last time at about 7:30 for the ride home. From our point of view it was an excellent day (it didn't even rain), many thanks to Keith Satterly for his organisational efforts and also to Dennis our driver.

Looking forward to the next one already!

Words Alan Cooke
Photos Chris Davies

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