The Pelican Inn

Nestled in the shadow of Gloucester Cathedral, The Pelican Inn is a proper Gloucester landmark: traditional, characterful, and very serious about good beer. This family-run ale house sits on St Mary’s Street and has built a big reputation for real ales, craft keg, traditional ciders and that classic pub atmosphere people actively seek out rather than simply stumble into.

It is especially popular with cathedral visitors, cyclists, real ale fans and Gloucester Rugby supporters, with CAMRA describing it as a traditional ale house and noting its wide choice of real ales, ciders and craft keg. In other words, it is not trying to be glossy or overdone. It is doing the old-school pub thing properly, with good drinks, loyal regulars, and the kind of atmosphere that makes “just one” a dangerously optimistic phrase.

Dogs are welcome at all times, with free treats and water bowls available for four-legged visitors. That makes The Pelican Inn a handy stop if you are exploring Gloucester with the dog in tow, especially after a city wander, cathedral visit, or riverside stomp where the dog has heroically endured being admired by strangers.