By Ben&Kyla.
On the weekend of October 15th -17th 2021, the pubs of Howells will open their doors to the acts and events of the first ever Hotwells Festival. Not only are these pubs at the heart of the festival, but they are the places in which it was first imagined, planned, reimagined and planned again. There are three fantastic and historic pubs involved in (and supporting) the festival, and here’s a little bit about them:
Fondly know as ‘The Merch’, this local’s pub is comfortingly traditional and friendly. Lovingly cared for with warmth, experience and precision by the Wilkins family for the past 7 years, this intimate gem has two wood panelled rooms, a selection of reliably high-quality, cask conditioned ales, and a cosy open fire in the winter months. Its home-made scotch eggs, generous ham and cheese rolls, hand-finished pork pies and Cornish pasties are a delicious staple, and a surprisingly good accompaniment to a poem or two. It has always hosted a Monday-night poetry gig, and its homely ambiance makes it the perfect spot for the festival’s poetry readings and small musical performances.
The ‘New Scotland’, the ‘Nova’, is a sea-worthy, courageous, hearty, wholesome, hansom, double-egg-and-chips, weatherwise rum-bustler of a boozer! Old and real and stolid as the hulk of a great ship! This nineteenth century public house was originally built as a terrace of three houses, and then converted into a pub. Once a coaching inn, it has traces of large lanterns, and the original entrance to the coach yard survive to be seen today.
This welcoming and reliable pub has a regular following for its food and, in the summer months, the tables outside are packed with people enjoying the views, the history and generous refreshments.
Also very much involved in supporting the festival, this venue has the bonus of an upstairs function room providing a space for larger music and arts gatherings over the weekend. The space outside the pub will be the site of the festival’s buzzing marquee which will host some of the main events!
Sitting just off the side of Hotwell’s vibrant and creative ‘piazza’, The Rose of Denmark is a spacious and trendy pub with stylish interiors and relaxed vibes. Comfy, homely seating inside, great food and plenty of tables outside front and back for al fresco socialising, there is something for everyone here. Nestling under the flyover, its sunken rear garden feels surprisingly private, a little Hotwellian oasis.
This venue is no stranger to hosting events, and the Festival will be utilising the pub as well as a private downstairs room for the more intimate gigs and get-togethers. It was at the Rose of Denmark that we recruited a fantastic band for the festival as we heard them rehearsing, strumming idyllic melodies from the Ukele in the garden.
These types of spontaneous connections mixed with long standing local friendships is what you can expect from the pubs of Hotwells. Community and social spirit is tangible in this archipelago of pubs that are hosting acts for the Howells Festival this October. You’ll find that it is the norm for punters and publicans alike to move freely between theses pubs, which is exactly what will be encouraged throughout the festival weekend. Several spaces, feeling like one, coming together to offer a festival like you’ve never seen before in this special pocket of the city.