Easy New England Clam Chowder

Name: Easy New England Clam Chowder
Ingredients: 6 slices bacon (chopped into ½-inch pieces); 2 tablespoons butter; 2 cup diced onions; 1 cup diced celery; 2 cloves garlic (minced); ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups water; 4 teaspoons roasted chicken base (such as Better Than Bouillon); 1 cup whole milk; 1 (8-ounce) bottle clam juice; 4 cups peeled and cubed russet potatoes (about ½-inch cubes); ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves; 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes; 1 dried bay leaf; 4 (6.5-ounce) cans chopped clams (drained); 1 cup heavy cream; salt (to taste); pepper (to taste); oyster crackers (for topping (optional)); chopped fresh chives (for topping (optional))