If you’re looking for a tucked away and laidback pub which serves a huge variety of beer, look no further than The Pelican Inn Gloucester.
Officially the Best Real Ale Pub in Gloucestershire currently according to CAMRA, The Pelican has also been CAMRA Gloucester City pub of year 7 times out of the last 8 years. It’s housed in a building which dates from at least 1679 and has lots of character, welcoming beer lovers with its 8-10 cask ales, 4 craft keg and large collection of cans.
Landlord of 10 years, Mike Hall loves the pub, he said, ‘It’s a beautiful pub to be in; it’s really civilised, and we are tucked out of the way, so people come because they want to be here and for the beer. We have a mostly older custom, but it is broadening. It’s a joy to live and work here. I love beer and seeing how people respond to it.’
The atmosphere is very friendly and welcoming. The pub doesn’t show sports and neither does it do food. However, Mike is very proud of The Pelican’s unusual flavoured locally sourced pickled eggs which people pair with a packet of crisps and wash down with their favourite beer. He said, ‘The old traditions are the best. I think that’s what I learned during lockdown – to prioritise sourcing things locally with people who deliver to you. It reminded us to be loyal to these people.’
Along with attracting beer lovers and groups of people from rugby fans and cycling clubs to cathedral stonemasons and a local choir, the independently run pub has several annual events. The next being the 8th Pelican Winter Ales Festival on March 10 to 13. Festival goers can expect at least 45 Cask and 10 Craft Keg over the weekend with 28 casks available at any time.
Mike said, ‘This is our eighth winter festival and each one has been bigger and better than the last. We also have our 10th Anniversary Beer festival coming up on 9 June which will be even bigger, with bands and an outdoor bar.’
The Pelican also has some great reviews online. An example of a couple are here: ‘Awesome selection of Wye Valley Ales and they usually have a guest beer on as well. A good selection of ciders as well. Best pub to go to just before A Gloucester match.’
‘Lovely proper pub with great range of ales and ciders. No gimmicks, real fire, dogs welcome. Proper old style pub vibe. Wish it was my local.’
