Bristol, Bath & Gloucester

Beautiful Country Pubs

The Vintage Inns of Bristol, Bath & Gloucester Collection

From Jane Austen’s Bath to the trading legacy of Bristol and its docks and beyond into Gloucester, this area is home to some of the country’s richest cultural heritage and some of its most beautiful landscapes; the seven Inns in the Vintage Inns of Bath &Bristol Collection are woven into its fabric.

Most of our inns can trace their history back for several centuries, perhaps the oldest being The Willy Wicket at Downend which dates back to the 13th century. Some, such as The Brassmill at Keynsham, one of the country’s original brass manufacturing centres, has played a direct role in the making of history.

Without exception, they serve the very best pub fayre – delicious wines, fine cask conditioned ales and of course terrific pub food. They all make excellent bases from which to go exploring, or to relax over a great meal and recount the day’s adventures with friends.

There is so much to enjoy: strike out from The Priory at Portbury for bracing sea air and stunning views of the Severn Estuary; explore the many delightful nature parks, leafy woodlands and countryside paths from The Fox Den at Stoke Gifford or The Globe at picturesque Newton St Loe; head for city centre attractions like the SS Great Britain from The Dovecote.

Whether you’re visiting us in summer or winter our inns offer comfortable surroundings to match your mood. If the day calls for log fires, we’ll have them roaring and ready along with great food to warm you up; and if the weather is fine we have refreshing drinks and light snacks to put a spring in your step.

Whatever you’re interested in: coast or country, malls or museums, you can be sure of a warm welcome at any time of year at all of our inns.

ContentsWilly Wicket – Downend

The Globe– Newton St. Loe The Dovecote – Bristol

Fox Den – Stoke GiffordThe Brassmill – Keynsham

The Priory – PortburyThe Bumblebee – Quedgeley near Gloucester

Countryside walksWaterside walks Heritage sites Visitor attractionsInformation National Trust sites Museums

The Vintage Innsof Bristol & Bath

M4

M4

M4M32

M5

M5

M48

M5

M5

A403

A4

A4

A432A4174

A39

A37A36

A46

A46

A38

A48

A48

A40

A38

A403

Fox Den

The Dovecote

The Globe

The Brassmill

The PrioryBristol

Bristol Channel

River Avon

Willy Wicket

Bumble Bee

Gloucester

The Willy Wicket may be one of the more eccentric British pub names but it takes its business of serving first class food and drink very seriously – it’s a tradition going back hundreds of years.

Its name derives from the ancient Wick Wick Farm - county assize records show it as Wekwicha in 1221. ‘Wic’ is old English for dairy farm and ‘wike’ was derived from an old surname, so it means Wick’s Dairy Farm!

Wick Wick Farm was well known for its delicious meat pies, known as throne pies on account of their height, and in the 1920s it had a reputation for its mouth-watering apple dumplings. The pub continues to serve delicious fayre to this day.

Not everyone appreciates good food though – during World War II a stray bomber, probably heading for the airfield at Filton, dropped its load on Wick Wick Farm scoring a direct hit with one bomb and cratering the fields with two others.

Downend’s greatest claim to fame is of being the birthplace of beardy cricketing legend WG Grace. It also offers many nooks and crannies to explore. A nearby footpath joins the Community Forest Path into Stoke Gifford, which links some of the area’s most ancient country estates. Oldbury Court Estate is a good stretch at four miles or so but its grounds make for good adventure, with great views over the River Frome.

For the sporty, there’s The Kendleshire Golf Club about a mile and a half away and tennis at Cleeve Hill Tennis Club. A little further away, The Avon Valley Railway offers a six mile return train ride along the former Mangotsfield to Bath Green Park, taking in rare views of the Avon Valley on the way. And then there’s always the delights of vibrant Bristol to be enjoyed.

Willy WicketBadminton Road, Downend, Bristol, BS36 1DP Tel. 0117 9567308

For a good day out...

• Start off with morning coffee and perhaps a bite to eat at The Willy Wicket where you can plan your day.

• Strike out to Dyrham Park to uncover its marvellous 18th century treasures.

• Come back to The Willy Wicket for an early dinner before heading off to sample evening entertainment in Bristol.

For more information about The Willy Wicket at Downend, and the surrounding area, visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/thewillywicketdownend 1

For more details about The Globe and the area around Newton St Loe, visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/theglobenewtonsaintloe

The GlobeNewton St. Loe, Bath, BA2 9BB Tel. 01225 872891

If you like to sit and watch the world go by, The Globe is the perfect pub to do it as it sits on the main A4 between Bristol and Bath. Built in the 17th century, it has been offering rest and refreshment for travellers making their way through Newton St. Loe for well over 300 years – and it takes great pride in continuing this tradition today.

Always at the heart of village life, the pub even gave its name to the old colliery here. The west side was added in the 1800s, with the east side still containing remnants of the original building.

Good food has always been important at The Globe - angling feasts were held here in the 1700s, and by 1800 the site incorporated its own pig sty and an orchard. It also used to make its own ale and local ovens were used to dry the malt.

A footpath passes the pub leading to Wansdyke, a long defensive ditch and bank built in the Dark Ages between 400 and 700 AD, and then on to Stanton Prior and Marksbury. In the other direction the path joins the River Avon footpath into the centre of Bath and branches into Keynsham and the Avon Valley Country Park.

The majority of Newton St Loe is owned by the Duchy of Cornwall and is perhaps best known for the Newton Park Mansion Estate which is home to Bath Spa University. As a result it has retained its character and heritage, and is worth strolling around. Noted in the Domesday Book, Holy Trinity Church has a distinctive clock with just a single hand.

Just a few miles down the road, Bath presents a clash of worlds: a blend of Jane Austen meets the 21st century, with much to see from the famous Pump Room and Roman Baths to very upmarket and sophisticated shops and boutiques.

A classic day out...

• Take in Jane Austen’s Bath in the morning – The Royal Crescent, the Pump Room; there’s even a Jane Austen Centre.

• Join us at The Globe and enjoy a long, leisurely lunch while you watch the world turn.

• Explore the beautiful countryside

around the Avon Valley.

2

Centuries old and steeped in country life, The Dovecote in Bristol offers a truly historic setting in which to enjoy the very best in traditional pub food, fine cask conditioned ales and delicious wines.

The Dovecote was originally a farm cottage and parts date to the 1650s. Its connection with hospitality evolved from its location on Ashton Road, which led to it becoming The Coach and Horses, offering rest and refreshment to travellers between Bristol and the West. The inn was renamed The Smyth Arms after the lords of the manor in 1749.

There is a nearby footpath to the Community Forest Path, and it is possible to walk or cycle into the magnificent Ashton Court Estate and then on to the Monarch’s Way. This is Britain’s second-longest signed walking trail, a lengthy, meandering route following the flight of Charles II after his defeat at the Battle of Worcester in 1651.

If you have a day or two to spend, nearby Bristol will spoil you for choice with first rate sights such as Brunel’s SS Great Britain, or more modern attractions such as its many high quality shops.

Seek out St Nicholas Market: four flat topped pillars called the Nails are still in Corn Street. Merchants would strike one of the Nails when a deal was done giving rise to the expression ‘to pay on the Nail’. St Nicholas Market was built in 1743 next door to the Exchange which now sells arts and crafts, books, bric a brac, jewellery, and a variety of exotic foods.

Once the residence of a sugar plantation owner, the Georgian House is a beautiful, late 18th century six-storey townhouse at No 7, Great George Street, decorated and furnished true to the period. If you have time, Bristol Zoo and the Gardens are well worth a visit.

The DovecoteAshton Road, Bristol, BS41 9LX Tel. 01275 392245

There’s more information about The Dovecote, and the many things to see and do in the area, at www.vintageinn.co.uk/thedovecotebristol

Looking for a great day out...

• Why not spend the morning soaking up the history and engineering genius aboard the SS Great Britain?

• With your appetite whetted, The

Dovecote is conveniently placed to provide a hearty lunch and keep you in the mood for more exploration.

• Enjoy a walk to Ashton Court Estate for breathtaking views over Bristol.

3

Distinctive and quaint, The Fox Den is a delightful hostelry offering the very best of British hospitality in the village of Stoke Gifford, a peaceful haven on the outskirts of Bristol.

The pub has evolved from a row of period terraced cottages and now offers its many guests a pleasant corner in which to enjoy a glass of their favourite brew along with a delicious bite to eat.

From the pub you can take a series of walks around Stoke Gifford, which has a long and eccentric history - in latter days, a boundary dispute with Winterbourne was settled by a fight between two women – Stoke Gifford won. Of greater note, in the 1970s, Bristol University unearthed a Roman settlement containing many artefacts, and two human skeletons.

There is a footpath east from the pub through Harry Stoke leading to the Community Forest Path which links some of the area’s appealing and ancient country estates. Blaise Castle House is one such.

Blaise has a museum that’s packed with interest, and is set in beautiful parkland. Among its collections are model trains, dolls and toy soldiers; sumptuous costumes and accessories; a Victorian schoolroom and a history of the estate. And Oldbury Court Estate lends itself to exploration, with great views over the River Frome, though there is no house there any more.

More recent history will be of interest to flying enthusiasts: nearby Filton has been linked with the aircraft industry since 1908. Its factories produced aircraft and engines throughout both World Wars and later became the main UK centre for Concorde, with one of the fleet now the centre of a popular visitor attraction.

Then, of course, there’s always Bristol, a vibrant city packed with historical interest, yet with many modern attractions: theatres, museums, art galleries, and exciting shopping areas.

Fox DenNew Road, Stoke Gifford, Bristol, BS34 8TJ Tel. 011797 91861

For an entertaining day out...

• Thrill at the sight of Concorde at Filton, still the only supersonic passenger jet ever to enter service.

• Ease back a notch and relax over a long lunch at The Fox Den.

• Explore one of the many walks around Stoke Gifford, and perhaps return to us for a well earned dinner.

To find out more about The Fox Den and attractions in and around Stoke Gifford, visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/thefoxdenstokegifford 4

The Avon Valley evokes idyllic images of rich verdant landscape, winding gentle waters and quiet country pubs – and at its heart you’ll find The Brassmill at Keynsham.

With its still, green millpond and ducks, and standing by a foaming weir, this listed building with its exposed wooden beams could not be more appealing as a place to enjoy some delicious pub fayre.

Yet in the early 18th century the mill, sitting by the Kennet and Avon Canal, was one of the seedbeds for the nascent industrial revolution. Abraham Darby established the first brass mills in Keynsham around 1706, and The Brassmill played an integral part in the development of the industry. Some of the last brass battery pans to be made in Britain were produced here as late as 1927.

The small town of Keynsham is a pleasant five minute stroll from the pub. Look out for prehistoric fossil ammonites along the way. According to folklore, the fossils were snakes that were turned to stone through the prayers of St Keyne.

If you’ve an appetite for exercise you can walk, cycle, or take a boat from the lock at Keynsham along the Kennet & Avon Canal all the way to Reading – it’s just over 86 miles!

On the town outskirts lie the Humpy Tumps, a rich grassland site. You could wander through the Manor Road Woodland and nearby is the Avon Valley Country Park. The area is rich in history – there are plentiful Roman remains and the town played a part in the English Civil War.

Just down the road, Bristol offers a rich variety of entertainment and leisure. There’s some excellent shopping with major stores and high quality boutiques and there are sights such as the Clifton Suspension Bridge and fascinating attractions such as the SS Great Britain.

The Brassmill Avon Mill Lane, Keynsham, Bristol, BS31 2UG Tel. 01179 867280

Find out more about The Brassmill, Keynsham, and more about the area, by visiting www.vintageinn.co.uk/thebrassmillkeynsham

There’s so much to do...

• Bristol’s many attractions offer rich and varied entertainment – more than enough to fill a morning.

• A leisurely canalside walk or perhaps a wander through

the local woodlands will whet your appetite.

• Round off your day with a hearty mouth-watering feast at The Brassmill.

5

For more information about The Priory and attractions in and around Portbury, visit: www.vintageinn.co.uk/theprioryportbury

The PrioryStation Road, Portbury, Bristol, BS20 7TN Tel. 01275 376307

A grand white building dating to 1822, The Priory stands as a bold landmark pub in Portbury and a beacon for those seeking good food and drink in distinctive surroundings.

While it was a former hotel, underground passages link The Priory to Portbury Monastery, possibly an escape route for those fleeing persecution – the pub is named after the priory that once stood in Portbury and its history clearly goes back further than the present building’s Georgian origins.

There is a footpath leading past the pub from Prior’s Wood to The Mount and Windmill Hill. And there are cycle paths to Portishead and the River Severn, and over the River Avon into Avonmouth.

If you’re here at the right time of year, the bluebells in Prior’s Wood are quite spectacular, and this ancient woodland with its streams and plantations is wildlife-rich and always worth a tour. Look out for buzzards, garden warblers, chiffchaffs and spotted flycatchers. There is also a large badger population.

The sea is naturally of great influence on the area and it always fires the imagination. With sweeping views of the Severn Estuary, the Welsh coastline, and both Severn Bridges, nearby Portishead is an overlooked gem.

At its picturesque Lake Grounds there are activities for all ages, and there’s a traditional Victorian High Street with a mix of original shops and modern stores. Portishead has a heated open-air swimming pool and a leisure centre; there’s a new marina and the town is home to several acclaimed sculptures, including the monumental ‘Angels of Portishead’.

If you prefer the delights of a vibrant city, then Bristol has them aplenty as well as the cultural legacy of hundreds of years as a trading port. Spare a little time for The Georgian House, a terrific museum decorated and furnished in period style.

For a terrific day of sea and city...

• Choose from one of the many attractions in Bristol such as the Georgian House and immerse yourself in history.

• A short drive takes you to The Priory at Portbury where you can enjoy a delicious meal in surroundings of great character.

• Enjoy an afternoon in Portishead with its terrific views of the Severn Estuary.

6

The pub itself may be a relatively new building, but Quedgeley was once an ancient village. And although it’s now more of a suburb of Gloucester, the olde worlde connection can still be seen in its imposing church and the few remaining timber framed buildings with thatched roofs.

Indeed, Waterwells, where the Bumble Bee is situated, is mentioned as early as 1605 and was part of a parish noted for its many fresh water springs. In 1901 the land was mainly meadow, but by the 1930’s large orchards had been planted – and these were probably to supply G.H.Mayo and Sons, an expanding cider makers and fruit merchants.

Quedgeley is located to the south west of the cathedral city of Gloucester and also just a few miles from the Cotswolds, while the Bumble Bee is set in beautiful gardens near Waterwells Business Park. Its proximity to the junction 12 of the M5 makes it an ideal stopover for travellers making their way to Bristol; and for your accommodation requirements the Holiday Inn Express Gloucester South is situated next door.

The 16 mile Gloucester & Sharpness Canal (with its well maintained towpath) also flows nearby and despite its industrial heritage has a charming rural aspect in and around Quedgeley – with pleasure boats regularly sailing past to and from the refurbished Gloucester Docks.

This is home to the National Waterways Museum and it unveils the mystery and history behind the 200 year old tale of inland waterways. Enter through a lock chamber, with its running water and explore the hands on displays, working engines, archive film and fun interactives.

Bumble BeeWaterwells Business Park, Quedgeley, Gloucester GL2 2AB Tel. 01452 727041

For details on more attractions around Quedgeley and Gloucester, plus other ideas for days out in the area, visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/thebumblebeegloucester/

If you’re buzzing around...

• Do what the locals do and wander down to and around Carters Orchard.

• Quedgeley Pond is a local marshland area that is home to some rare species of birds.

• Nearby Robinswood Hill Country Park offers 250 acres of countryside with pleasant walks & views; way marked nature, geology & horse trails, a Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust visitor centre, plus a rare breeds farm.

7