Twelve Bells, Cirencester

Backstreet local’s pub 5 minutes from the centre. Basic but tidy, there’s a main bar with pub carpet and a parlour area with quarry tile flooring off right. Also a hidden room behind the main bar and a really nice courtyard with flora and fauna. Two cask over three pumps, Wye Valley Bitter and Parkway Golden, the latter of which was in great shape (NBSS 4) served-up by a pair of friendly barmen. A nice place and well-worth its GBG listing. Make sure you leave time to pop out of town and do this this one.

12½ years since our last visit to the town of Cirencester, we returned to visit the 3 pubs that have appeared in the Good Beer Guide over the past few years. The Twelve Bells was our first stop, to the southern end of the town centre. It was quiet on arrival, with just a few others in. We were soon served by the landlady, who shortly after disappeared and was replaced by the landlord. The poor chap had barely walked in when a group of around 15-20 walked in looking for Jagerbombs. He had to wander off to source a fresh bottle, whilst the pub had suddenly become very busy. But alas, these pub crawlers were gone in no time after consuming their drinks, restoring some serenity to precedings. The regular beer here is Wye Valley Bitter. Guests were Wye Valley HPA & Milestone Black Pearl. The latter washed down the Chinese takeaway I'd just had quite nicely. The pub itself consists of a room at the front and further rooms out back, where the toilets can also be found.