14 fun things to do at Stroud Brewery that aren't drinking beer

Regardless of whether you're a cask ale aficionado or not, Stroud Brewery's canalside taproom is a welcoming community hub that offers a diverse range of events and things to do, from live music and comedy nights to yoga classes and knitting clubs.

By Chloe Gorman  |  Published
Enjoy everything from live music and stand up comedy to yoga classes, knitting clubs and co-working sessions at Stroud Brewery.
In partnership with Stroud Brewery  |  stroudbrewery.co.uk
Stroud Brewery

Stroud Brewery has been brewing incredible organic beer since 2006 and has won a multitude of awards for its delicious brews, including four golds in the SIBA Independent Beer Awards 2023. Its canalside taproom is also a vibrant community hub that plays host to everything from stand-up comedy nights to community meetups.

You'd be forgiven for thinking that the main reason to visit Stroud Brewery is to indulge in a pint or two of its award-winning organic beer, but the venue offers far more than just a cool place to enjoy a brew.

The taproom plays host to a packed programme of events from foodie pop-ups and comedy nights to paint and sip events, yoga classes and even weddings, with SoGlos rounding up just some of the fun things you can do when you visit.

Tuck into tasty food at Stroud Brewery

Stroud Brewery's food is as tasty as its beer and is made using all organic ingredients, too. Tuck into everything from wood-fired pizza to burgers made with local beef, with small plates, salads and sweet treats on its everyday menu, too.

The taproom also hosts a variety of regular special nights including Monday Night Munchies serving up authentic Caribbean curries; Charr'd plant-based fire cooking every third Tuesday of the month; Mediterranean Mezze every fourth Tuesday of the month; and Burger Night every Wednesday from 5pm, as well as pop-ups like Fajita Night from Jonathan's Catering. 

Throw some shapes at a dance class at Stroud Brewery

Whether you're at home on the dance floor or a wallflower that wants to cut loose, Stroud Brewery hosts regular Forró Dancing nights every Wednesday at the taproom.

This Brazilian partner dance features simple steps that are easy even for beginners to pick up — all you need is energy, comfy shoes and perhaps a pint of Budding to get your courage up! 

Get competitive at Stroud Brewery's board game night

Manuel from Stroud Brewery hosts board game night every Thursday at the taproom, inviting gamers of all levels of XP to come along and join in the fun. 

From 6pm until 7pm it's casual gaming with a social element, so players can get to know each other in a relaxed environment; then from 7pm there are more organised tabletop games to join in with. While you're not likely to find Monopoly or Scrabble at these nights, if you're into games like Catan, Talisman or Pandemic, you'll be right at home. Players can even bring along their own games to play but places are limited so must be reserved in advance.

Listen to live music at Stroud Brewery

From the famous Phoenix Foundry Jazz Club to family-friendly Music Nest gigs, music lovers of every genre can find something that sings to them at Stroud Brewery, with talented artists from all over the country regularly taking to the stage. 

The taproom also has regular folk music sessions on the first and third Friday of every month; audience participation is strongly encouraged at its Shanties and Folksongs nights every second Tuesday of the month; while on Wednesday mornings visitors can listen to and join in with a variety of music acts, from local singer-songwriters to ukulele bands. 

Spend a day co-working at Stroud Brewery

If you're fed up with working from home in your pyjamas, Stroud Brewery's 'Get Stuff Done...' sessions encourage local freelancers, small business owners and remote workers to come to the taproom for a day of co-working.

As well as providing a great excuse to get out of the house, it also allows people to network and make connections; meet potential mentors or mentees; and enjoy an after-work drink with new found colleagues and friends, every day of the week. 

Improve your fitness and flexibility at Stroud Brewery

Providing a unique place to practice your downward dog, Stroud Brewery hosts a relaxed self practice yoga session every Wednesday morning, as well as beginner and intermediate Pilates classes with a qualified sports therapist every Friday morning and courses in the ancient Chinese martial art of Taijiquan — also known as Tai Chi or Taiji — which are ideal for focusing on your physical and mental wellbeing. 

While for anyone who's ever wondered what it would be like to run away to the circus, local circus school, Cirque du Dance, hosts dance and aerial classes for adults and children at Stroud Brewery every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday morning, incorporating modern and contemporary dance, aerial hoop, silks and hammock. It also offers exhilarating Bungee Fitness classes for brave souls to try, too!

Meet the love of your life at Stroud Brewery

Single people in Stroud looking for a companion can go along to Stroud Brewery's monthly Singles Supper to share a meal with other like-minded diners.

This relaxed event on a Wednesday night gives singles a chance to get to know each other and make new friends over a tasty meal — and if sparks fly, buy each other a drink and come back for a dinner date! 

Embrace your creative side at Stroud Brewery

Arts and crafts fans have plenty of events to get involved with at Stroud Brewery, from its regular Friday Art Club and Wild Woolly Women knitting club every Wednesday morning to Paint and Sip sessions, calligraphy workshops, willow weaving and plenty more.

The taproom also plays host to arts and crafts fairs, where local artisans and makers come together with an eclectic selection of stalls to browse over a pint. 

Meet your local councillor at Stroud Brewery

Grassroots political activism is a vital part of the democratic process, so take the opportunity to get to know the local councillor for the Stroud District and make sure local voices are heard.

Councillor Beki Aldam hosts a drop in surgery at Stroud Brewery on the first Wednesday of every month where residents can pop by and get the latest news in local politics; voice their concerns; share ideas; and find out what help and support is available to them. 

See side-splitting stand up comedy at Stroud Brewery

Crazy Bird Comedy Club brings some of the country's funniest comedians to Stroud at its regular stand up comedy nights. 

Guests have included musical comedian Christian Reilly; The Russell Howard Hour star Andrew Bird; Spit or Swallow podcast host Sally-Anne Hayward; Mock The Week guest Laura Lexx; impressionist Geoff Boyz; and award-winning comedian and cabaret artiste, Marcel Lucont, with support from up-and-coming comedy talent. 

Put your knowledge to the test at Stroud Brewery's pub quiz

Test your wits on the last Tuesday of every month at Stroud Brewery's monthly quiz night. 

With six brain-teasing rounds, teams of up to six can enter for £3 per person for the chance to win a £10 voucher each. Cheers to that! 

Get your skates on at Stroud Brewery

Stroud Skate Crew hosts skate jams and practice sessions for skaters of all abilities aged 18 and above at Stroud Brewery.

Whether you prefer quad or inline, the informal practice sessions allow skaters to experiment, drill new techniques, share their favourite tricks and be a part of this supportive local community; while skate jams give participants a chance to dress up and get down!

Share your talents at Stroud Brewery's open mic night

On the first Tuesday of every month, Stroud Brewery throws over the floor to talented local performers for its monthly open mic night.

Whether you're a band, singer-songwriter or spoken word poet, this is your chance to share your words with the world — or grab a pint, sit back and enjoy discovering some of Stroud's hottest new talent. 

Say 'I do' at Stroud Brewery

Stroud Brewery also makes for an utterly unique wedding reception venue, equipped with everything you need to make your big day special, from wonderful event spaces to a well-stocked bar and in-house catering.

It's Loft is ideal for intimate gatherings of up to 50 people; while the Balcony Bar, which boasts panoramic views over the Stroud valley, can accommodate up to 150. As well as the full spectrum of Stroud Brewery beers, the bar also stocks Woodchester Valley Vineyard wines as well as organic prosecco and soft drinks, with locally sourced food options spanning canapes followed by a full sit-down wedding breakfast; a buffet; or a barbecue, for a more laid back vibe. 

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