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31st July / 1st August 2021
With Callum meant to be on an Explorer Camp, Jon and I booked tickets for the Gin & Rum Festival in Bristol. Alas with COVID, plans got changed so Callum went to spend the night with Grandad. As we were heading to Bristol on the train, Callum came with us as far as Reading, then he was on his own, catching the bus to Grandad’s house.
We were staying at the Premier Inn King Street as it seemed reasonably close to where we needed to be. It was a pretty good location as the road behind as closed to traffic and a large outdoor seating area had been set up by the pubs and restaurants along the street.
First things first, we needed something to eat so headed across to the harbour front cafes. We settled on Mackenzies and it was a little grim. Slow service, very little choice on the app … then when we did order, they came out and said that some of what we’d ordered was also now sold out. It took an age to come out and was cold. No plans to return!
Next we had a wander around the town to work out where we needed to go that evening and to see some sights.
The venue, St George’s was fairly close by and short walk up the hill. Now we had our bearings, we checked in at the hotel, and went for a drink in King Street before heading across to St George’s.
We’d never been to a Gin Festival – so didn’t really know what to expect. It cost £16 a ticket which gives you entry, a glass and a metal straw in a carry bag. You then buy tickets for £6 for a G&T with garnish and there were about 40 gins to choose from. The was also rums available but we didn’t try these.
There was also a side room with samples you could try. The girls representing Arber Gins (& Rums) were fab and really knowledgeable about the gins and which mixers work best with each spirit. There was also a stand promoting the Delhi Gin – I had just bought a bottle of this and the lady really didn’t know much about it. Not even a recommendation on what mixer/tonic would work best.
The hall was packed and it was difficult to move about inside so after a couple we called it a night and headed back into town.
We looked for somewhere to eat and came across a Caribbean restaurant called Turtle Bay – we managed to get a table (but needed to be out within the hour). Food was great – I had the ribs and Jon a burger with Jerk-spiced fries. Great food and one to remember for next time.
Heading back to the hotel we stopped for a late drink at Kings Street before calling it a night.
In the morning, breakfast at the restaurant linked to the hotel before catching the train back. Callum was catching the bus back from Grandad’s and meeting us at Reading Station. Callum was there a little ahead of us and waited patiently outside the station. A quick bite to eat at Piano and Pitcher before heading home.
