Ten Bristol beers in one afternoon walk.

I like this tour because it’s built around expert-led tastings from guide Nathan, and you actually get to understand what you’re drinking instead of just collecting pints. I also like the value: drinks are included, entry fees are covered, and you spend about 3.5 hours sampling your way through different Bristol styles with a small group (max 20).

One thing to consider: it’s not a sit-down food tour. There are no meals or snacks included, and the experience requires good weather, so plan for walking between venues and bring your own snacks if you need a buffer.

Key Points Before You Go

• Start at Little Martha Brewpub (23 Oxford St), 1:30 pm sharp
• 10 different Bristol beers with in-person guidance throughout
• All drinks included in the $61.70 price, plus admission fees covered
• Small groups (up to 20) make it easier to ask questions and chat
• Easy target for beer newbies and beer nerds alike, since the format works both ways

Craft Beer in Bristol: What You Really Get in 3.5 Hours

This tour is a smart way to drink better in Bristol without turning the afternoon into a chaotic pub crawl. You’re paying for structure: a starting time, a guide, admission where needed, and enough tastings to get a real sense of local beer styles.

The promise is 10 different Bristolian beers, split across multiple venues. That matters, because Bristol’s beer scene isn’t one-note. You’ll likely move through different styles (and different brewery personalities) instead of repeating the same flavor profile at every stop. It’s also paced like a guided tasting, not a sprint—about 3 hours 30 minutes total.

Value-wise, the biggest reason this works is that you’re not topping up for each round. The price (about $61.70 per person) includes all drinks and the in-person guide. You’re still paying for beer, but you’re not paying for the friction—ordering, figuring out who has what, and spending extra time hunting menus.

If you’re the type who wants to make friends, this tour also helps. With a maximum of 20 people, you’re not stuck in a huge crowd where you never actually talk to anyone. Expect a social vibe, but in a way that stays practical.

Start at Little Martha Brewing (1:30 pm): Your First Pour Sets the Tone

Every tour starts at Little Martha Brewpub, 23 Oxford St, Bristol BS2 0QT, at 1:30 pm. That first stop is where the guide helps you get your bearings fast—what you’re about to taste, what to pay attention to, and how to think like a beer judge for the next few hours.

Little Martha works well as a kickoff because it’s a real brewing base, not just a generic bar stop. Even if you’re new to craft beer, you’ll benefit from that early context. Nathan’s style (friendly, funny, and tuned into what people like) comes through in the reviews, and it’s the kind of guidance that helps you taste with intention. You’re not just swallowing; you’re learning what makes each beer distinct.

Plan on around 30 minutes at this first stop. That’s enough time for a proper tasting round without dragging. It’s also a helpful rhythm: you get a meaningful first sample, then you’re moving on before you feel too heavy or too bored.

Quick tip: since there are no meals or snacks included, I’d treat the first stop like the start of a session, not a quick caffeine-style hit. If you eat only in the evening, consider grabbing something small beforehand so you can enjoy the beer experience without getting rushed by hunger.

The Mid-Tour Stops: Bristol’s Craft Scene, Not Just the Main Streets

After Little Martha, the tour heads to a mix of Bristol-based breweries and craft beer bars. The exact mix can vary, but the theme stays consistent: you’re sampling across Bristol’s beer identities rather than hitting the same kind of venue over and over.

A pattern that shows up in people’s experiences is a route that includes Left Handed Giant and also a visit to a place like Wiper & True. Even if your specific day ends up slightly different, the structure is the same: you’ll walk to the next venue, taste again, and get short explanations that connect the beer to the brewery choices behind it.

This is the part where the guide earns their pay. You’ll get in-the-moment help for things like:

• what the beer style usually tastes like,
• why one beer is heavier or lighter,
• how aroma and flavor come across differently across breweries.

You’ll also appreciate the walking element because it takes you out of the “only the most famous blocks” approach. Bristol’s craft beer scene isn’t limited to a single strip, so changing neighborhoods (even in small chunks) helps you feel how spread-out and local the culture is.

The group size also matters here. With up to 20 people, you’ll spend more time interacting with the guide and less time standing around waiting for the crowd to shuffle forward.

How the Tasting Actually Works: 10 Beers, One Clear Learning Curve

The highlight of this tour is that you’re tasting 10 different Bristolian beers under guidance. That’s the sweet spot. Too few beers and you don’t learn much; too many and it stops being a tasting and becomes a blur.

In practice, the guide keeps you pointed at the important stuff. If you’ve ever tasted craft beer and wondered why one IPA tastes like citrus and another tastes like something else entirely, this is where you get answers in plain language. Nathan comes up repeatedly in reviews as very informative, friendly, and passionate, and that kind of energy turns the tasting into an actual conversation rather than a lecture.

For beer beginners, the benefit is confidence. You’ll know what to look for, so each beer becomes a small win instead of a confusing question like Is this supposed to taste like that?

For beer nerds, the benefit is variety plus story. You’re moving through multiple venues and breweries, so you’re not just repeating similar styles. You also get guide prompts that connect flavor to brewing choices. That makes your tasting more specific, and it helps you build a mental map of what you like.

If you don’t know your lager from your IPA yet, don’t worry. The tour is built to work for “novice beery” people and still satisfy people who already love beer. That balance is hard to pull off, but the format and guide approach seem designed for it.

Price and Value: Is $61.70 Fair for 10 Beers?

Let’s talk real money for a moment. $61.70 is not the cheapest thing in Bristol, but it can be one of the better deals if you treat beer as the main activity.

Here’s why: the price includes all drinks. That changes the math completely. A typical bar strategy in a city like Bristol is you buy a drink, then another, then another—plus you might pay admission somewhere. This tour packages those costs into one number, plus it includes the guide and admission where needed.

Also, it lasts about 3 hours 30 minutes. You’re not paying for a 60-minute experience and hoping it grows into something bigger. You’re getting time for multiple tastings, plus walking time that feels like part of the tour instead of wasted time.

What’s not included matters too: meals and snacks are not part of the price. If you’re the kind of person who needs food to enjoy alcohol comfortably, factor that into your day. Bring a light snack before you start, or grab something after. It’ll make the whole thing feel more relaxed.

Overall, I’d call the value solid if your goal is to taste broadly and learn a bit while you do it. If your goal is to sip just one or two beers at your own pace, then this is probably not your best fit.

Where You Start and Where You Finish: Planning Your Afternoon

You’ll meet at Little Martha Brewpub, 23 Oxford St, Bristol BS2 0QT, at 1:30 pm. The tour ends at Left Handed Giant St Philips Brewery & Tap Room, Wadehurst Industrial Park, Unit 3 St Philips Rd, Bristol BS2 0JE. The end point is different from the start, so don’t plan a pickup for the exact starting area.

That finish location is handy if you want to keep the momentum going afterward. It’s also useful if you’re using public transport, since you’ll likely be near stops around the St Philips area.

Because it’s a walking tour, I recommend wearing shoes you can move in for a few hours. You don’t need hiking boots, but you also shouldn’t wear brand-new sneakers that will start rubbing halfway through.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Might Want Something Else)

This is a great match if you’re:

• a social person who enjoys meeting like-minded beer lovers,
• someone who wants local craft instead of generic big-brand beer,
• a beginner who wants friendly guidance on what you’re tasting,
• a beer fan who likes variety and wants to compare styles.

It’s also ideal if you like the idea of a guided route that takes you beyond the usual hot spots. Bristol’s best beer stops often aren’t all within one tiny radius, and the tour helps you connect the dots.

It might be less ideal if you:

• need a lot of food during an alcohol-focused outing (meals and snacks aren’t included),
• hate walking between bars,
• prefer to choose beers entirely on your own rather than follow a tasting plan.

Age note: it’s 18+ only, and if you’re under 25 you’ll need to show ID.

A Few Practical Tips to Get the Most Out of It

Go in with one simple mindset: taste like a detective, not a judge. Your job isn’t to rank everything in your head. Your job is to notice patterns—what changes between breweries, what stays similar, and what you keep wanting to return to.

Here are a few ways to make it smoother:

• Eat something beforehand since meals and snacks aren’t provided.
• Pace yourself. Ten tastings can add up even when they’re smaller pours.
• Ask questions. With a group up to 20, you’re more likely to get real back-and-forth.
• If you’re sensitive to alcohol, let the guide know early so you can manage your pace.

And yes, the tour needs good weather. If Bristol is doing its thing with rain, expect the company to adjust by offering an alternate date or a full refund.

Should You Book Craft Beer Tour Bristol?

If you want a structured craft beer experience that’s more than just drinking, I’d book it. The combination of 10 Bristol beers, a guide like Nathan who keeps things friendly and informative, and the fact that all drinks are included makes this one of the easiest ways to spend a few hours learning your way through Bristol’s beer scene.

I’d especially recommend it to first-time visitors who want a tasting route that’s spread out and still guided. Just plan for walking, and don’t rely on the tour for food.

If that sounds like your kind of afternoon, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 1:30 pm at Little Martha Brewpub on Oxford Street in Bristol.

How long is the Craft Beer Tour Bristol?

The tour is about 3 hours 30 minutes total.

What is included in the price?

The price includes all drinks, an entry/admission fee, and an in-person guide. Meals and snacks are not included.

Is the tour suitable for under 18s?

No. The tour is 18+ only. If you look under 25, you’ll need to show ID.

How many people are in each tour?

This experience has a maximum group size of 20 travelers.

Where does the tour meet and where does it end?

It starts at Little Martha Brewpub, 23 Oxford St, Bristol BS2 0QT and ends at Left Handed Giant St Philips Brewery & Tap Room, Unit 3 St Philips Rd, Bristol BS2 0JE.

What if the weather is bad?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. There is also free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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