While Gloucestershire is traditionally known for its love of cider, real ale certainly has a dedicated following in the county, with plenty of places to enjoy a pint within easy reach.
With so much choice locally, SoGlos rounds up 9 of the best venues in Gloucester to pick up a pint of real ale in this hoppy hot list.
1. The Fountain Inn
The home of real ale in the heart of Gloucester, The Fountain Inn offers a great selection of beers and tasty pub grub, too.
This hidden gem on Westgate Street offers a minimum of six real ales on tap during the summer and seven in the winter; with regular favourites such as St Austell Tribute, Dartmoor Jail Ale and Bristol Beer Factory’s Independence always available.
Other real ales from across the country are rotated regularly, to ensure there’s always something different to try. The Fountain has also been awarded the Cask Marque for excellence for the third year running, making it an unmissable spot for real ale in the county.
2. The Pelican Inn
Nestled close to Gloucester Cathedral, The Pelican Inn is one of the city’s oldest pubs and is known for being a real ale destination.
Owned by Wye Valley Brewery, The Pelican stocks Wye Valley’s entire beer range, along with guest ales from other breweries which change regularly.
At least 10 real ales are available on the bar at any time, and the venue hosts its own beer festivals in February and June.
3. Dick Whittington
Despite being taken over by Severn Cider in August 2019, The Dick Whittington in Gloucester still regards itself as a real ale pub.
Located on Gloucester’s Westgate Street, the venue stocks a range of top quality real ales, including GWB’s Moose River, North Cotswold Brewery’s Shagweaver, and rotating ales from local breweries – Gloucester, Uley and New Bristol.
Soon to stock craft keg ales, the venue also boasts live music at weekends, alongside its own range of local cider.
4. Café Rene
Reached through an unassuming alley in the centre of Gloucester, a night out in the city simply isn’t complete without a trip to Café Rene.
Real ale fans won’t be disappointed with the selection of beers on offer, either. Café Rene boasts an extensive menu filled with ever-changing ales from local breweries, including many from Bristol Beer Factory.
Café Rene always has at least three or four ales served fresh from the barrel and the traditional and friendly pub changes its ale with the seasons to ensure visitors have the chance to find their new favourite.
What’s more, the venue benefits from a 24-hour license, so you can enjoy a pint of local ale whenever you choose to visit.
5. Dr Fosters Liquor Co.
Located on the waterfront at the Historic Gloucester Docks, Dr Fosters Liquor Co is a favourite with real ale drinkers who want to enjoy watching the ships roll in, with a pint in hand!
Stocking four real ales on tap along with one IPA, visitors can choose between Bespoke Brewery’s Golden Rule and Beware The Bear; Bombardier, and Doombar’s Amber Ale.
6. TANK
Gloucester Brewery’s very own bar is located at Gloucester Quays. Cool, industrial interiors combined with an extensive collection of local real ales, make a visit to TANK a real experience for ale lovers, with many options for vegans, clearly labelled.
Celebrating its full range of independently brewed beers, drinkers can enjoy Gloucester Gold, West Coast Red, Cascade, Session Pale, Session IPA, American Pale, Aussie Pale, Dockside Dark, Six Malt Porter and Spring Deity.
If that isn’t enough choice, TANK also stocks a range of its favourite guest beers on a rotating basis.
7. Teague’s Bar
Located opposite Gloucester’s Kingsholm stadium, Teague’s Bar is famous for its rugby roots, and is the bar of choice for many Cherry and White fans –promising an electric atmosphere on match days.
Offering three real ales on tap, the venue stocks Wadworth’s 6X and Summer Ale, alongside a rotating offering from Cranham-based brewery Clavell and Hind, with Wicked Lady, Coachman and Blunderbuss being regular favourites.
8. The Aviator
After being awarded the Pub of the Summer Season 2019 by the Cheltenham branch of CAMRA, The Aviator is a great choice for ale and aircraft fans alike, with discounts of 10 per cent also available to CAMRA members.
Stocking four real ales on tap, including two guest ales, visitors can choose between Sharp’s Sea Fury and Doom Bar Atlantic while they watch the planes fly from the nearby Gloucestershire Airport.
9. Tiger’s Eye
Best known for its black rock grill and cocktail bar, Tiger’s Eye might not be the first thought when it comes to real ale. But, the venue is proud to stock local ale from Gloucester Brewery.
At time of publishing, the venue is stocking Gloucester Gold on tap for those who’d rather enjoy a beer than a bloody Mary!
