Last weekend, the TWICB Team made the annual pilgrimage to the Bristol Craft Beer Festival (BCBF) for the third year running. Arriving in the city with time to spare, we seized the opportunity to pay a visit to the iconic Left Handed Giant Taproom, perched right on the edge of the River Avon.
The weather could not have been better. Sunshine streamed across the outdoor terrace as we sipped our beers, soaking up the riverside views before the short stroll to the Harbourside festival site. LHG continues to be a must-visit taproom, with its modern aesthetic, superb beer range and unbeatable setting. So compelling, in fact, that we arrived a little late to the festival.
The festival, organised by the ever-reliable We Are Beer team (also behind the London and Manchester Craft Beer Festivals), offered the familiar format: one entry fee includes a festival glass and unlimited 125ml pours of whatever your heart—or liver—desires. Over 300 beers from more than 50 breweries were on offer, with a notable emphasis on producers from the South West.
The setup was clean and efficient. Five large white marquees surrounded the Harbourside amphitheatre, housing the breweries. The outdoor seating area was uncovered but the sun stayed kind, making for a relaxed vibe. That said, the waterfront location felt a bit muted due to fencing and branded banners that blocked views of the river. Understandable from a safety perspective, but a clearer view would have added to the atmosphere.
All in all, BCBF 2025 delivered another successful, well-organised, and thoroughly enjoyable outing for craft beer lovers. Combine it with a sun-drenched visit to Left Handed Giant, and you’ve got the blueprint for a perfect beer day in Bristol.
