(photo shows Bob & Kelly at Tobacco Factory's outside bar ahead of our first ever Tap Takeover in July 2016, which Dan, who was a manager there at the time, hosted - we think he took this photo!)
This month, to continue our year-long celebration, we’re here for 10 Years of Good Times – and there is no better month to choose! For us at Good Chemistry, April always fills us with optimism. Spring is appearing over the horizon here in Bristol, the days are lengthening and we’re more than ready to shake off those winter vibes. Like giddy pub-goers seeking a good beer garden, we’re full of anticipation for what’s coming.
A Decade of Good Times: What It's All About
From the moment Bob & Kelly got the keys at Unit 2 William Street to now, we’ve strived to create ‘good chemistry’ in its broadest sense. Good beer has the potential to be the show-stopping support act that allows good times to happen. It’s undeniable that our most treasured moments over the past ten years have been when beer has brought us together. Friendships cemented, debates enjoyed, those fleeting connections between strangers… the real stars here are you lot – the ones who've merely walked through our doors in all weathers and made ordinary nights unforgettable.
We wanted to focus on a few of our previous events that are making a big comeback, as well as touch on some exciting one-offs coming soon!
Think While You Drink - the highest form of multi-tasking
Born from our belief that a brewery should stimulate more than just taste buds, Think While You Drink returns! Our series of talks-in-pubs is back this year with events across Bristol. We believe the humble pub or taproom is the perfect venue for passionate people with something interesting to say, and in an age when public discourse seems to happen primarily through the tapping of keyboards, there's something cheerfully analogue about this event. The format remains simple: a captivating speaker or two and a room full of attentive people with beers in hand. It’s relaxed, incredibly interesting and always fun!
Through the years we’ve met some fascinating people and made links with UWE, the University of Bristol, and the Drinking Studies Network, amongst others. This is drinking with purpose; it’s an event we’re really proud of and excited to bring back!
Our first event is lined up and ready to go, and we really hope you’ll join us:
Wed 30th April at The Robin Hood – Dr Christina Wade in conversation with Dr Amy Burnett, about her brand new book Filthy Queens: A History of Beer in Ireland. The book delves into 1000 years of Ireland's brewing past, teasing fact from fiction to bring to life the ghosts and spirits that have left echoes in the modern brewing world. Copies will be available during the evening from the award-winning Bookhaus, and an exclusive signing by Christina will take place after. This is a free event, with an optional donation to charity (facebook event here, sign up here)
And keep an eye here, and on our social media and mailers, for upcoming Think While You Drink events, coming very soon!
East Bristol Brewery Trail - a homegrown tradition
Back in 2016, when the craft beer movement in Bristol was fresh and taprooms felt novel, a handful of like-minded breweries in East Bristol decided to throw a party. What if we all rolled up the shutters on the same weekend, planned a route, maybe some kind of trail…?
What started as an intimate gathering of those in the know has grown into the beast that is East Bristol Brewery Trail - a twice-yearly migration for beer-enthusiasts and those seeking a fun day out in the sun. Over the years, the crowds may have grown, and the breweries changed slightly, but it remains a fun meander through our quirky, mostly-still-industrial part of Bristol. This May early bank holiday, the Brewery Trail returns for its first outing of 2025. And we’ll be talking about it all through April because, let’s be honest, it’s too good to miss!
Mark your diaries for Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th May, dig out your walking boots and gather your mates for a weekend of exceptional beer, great food and a whole load of lovely people. In the meantime, get your steps in and remember - this one's a marathon, not a sprint.
(We’ll be open from midday until 8pm both days – don’t be late! And of course, the Brewery Trail will be back on the August bank holiday too, 23rd & 24th August!)
(photos show, top right sunshine on William Street in May 2018, bottom left taking over the whole of William Street in May 2024, inside GCHQ May 2017)
She Drinks Beer – disrupting the traditionally male pub space every month
A quick word about our regular event for women who enjoy beer – She Drinks Beer takes place one Tuesday every month at either the Kings Head or The Good Measure. Join us for a relaxed and inclusive evening of beer drinking, chatting and taking up space. Find out more here
Upcoming Events – save the dates
We’re pleased to be working with the Volunteer Tavern, a short hop and skip away from GCHQ, on a great Easter Beer Festival this April. We’ll be setting up a bar in their beer garden and serving two cask beers and FOUR kegs, as well as Zero Gravity cans and our usual Kokomo Weekday on the pub bar AND another tap inside! Kicking off on Thursday and running all through till Bank Holiday Monday, we hope you’ll find time in your long weekend to head over to this flowery, funky little pub tucked away off Old Market.
You’ll also find two of our beers on at Small Bar’s Locals Only event, at the end of April. We’ve been working with Small Bar since the very beginning of Good Chemistry, and are looking forward to showcasing what we do best here. (Also, keep an eye out for our very own GC x SB event coming up in May!)
- She Drinks Beer – International Women’s Day beer launch: Tue 1st April at The Good Measure
- Sunday Sessions Tap Takeover: Sun 6th at The Colosseum
- Easter Beer Festival: Thur 17th-Mon 21st at The Volunteer Tavern
- Locals Only Festival: Fri 25th at Small Bar
- Think While You Drink: Launching on Wed 30th at The Robin Hood (facebook event here, sign up here)
- East Bristol Brewery Trail: Sat 3rd & Sun 4th May
- She Drinks Beer: Tue 6th May at Kings Head
- 10 Years of Good Chemistry Bar Residency: Thur 22nd May at Small Bar
- Summer Tap Takeover: Thur 5th June at Old Castle Green
- Food Truck Friday Tap Takeover: Fri 4th July at Tobacco Factory
- GC is 10 Birthday Party: Sat 26th July at the Taproom
Why Events Matter: The Heart of Good Chemistry
Our industry is unique and vibrant with a rich tapestry of events that keep us all coming back for more. Beer may be our business, but it's the coming together that gives it meaning. That's what we mean by "Good Chemistry”, for ten years we've been fortunate enough to witness conversations flow, friends being made and communities strengthening.
These events are the very reason we brew. They're how we connect with you, how we share our passion, and how we contribute to the vibrant city of Bristol. And this is just a snapshot of what we’ve got going on soon, there’s lots more to come, so we really hope we’ll see you somewhere to celebrate 10 years of good times!
For more details of any of these events check out our social media, or drop us a line to cheers@goodchemistrybrewing.com.
