THE ASSEMBLY INN
16-17 Alfred St, BA1 2QU. Tel: 01225 333639, web: www.theassemblyinn.com • There’s nothing to not love about an Abbey Ales pub (see also the Coeur de Lion and the Star Inn). Find high-quality real ales (including, of course, Abbey’s flagship brews) alongside quality wines etc at the bar and home-cooked pub grub classics (including glorious sausage rolls, Bellringer sausages/beer-battered fish and homemade brownies) on the menu • Big games shown live on big screens.
THE BARLEY MOW
32 Bathwick St, BA2 6NZ. Tel: 01225 464845 • Contempo-classic neighbourhood hostelry featuring comfortable sofas around a real fire in the front, a separate dining area in the back and that all-important (heated) alfresco patio through the door in between. The bar always features three real ales and the kitchen churns out reasonably priced, freshly cooked pub grub faves on a daily basis • Regular quiz nights.
THE BEAR
6-10 Wellsway, BA2 3AQ. Tel: 01225 425795, web: www.bearbath.co.uk • Well-heeled family-friendly pub with an upmarket neighbourhood vibe. At the bar, find a rather delectable wine list, local and continental ales and lagers and proper Somerset cider, supplemented by spiffing, wallet-friendly grub courtesy of a lively kitchen. All kinds of events flourish on a regularly-changing schedule, including a very popular live music night and regular quizzes • Can’t find it? Look for ‘Snowy’, the life-size plaster polar bear who presides over the entrance.
BEAU NASH
23 Milsom St, BA1 1DE. Tel: 01225 310772 • Spacious, bustling city inn featuring a huge, open-plan bar, home to a variety of classic pub-tipple faves including a small selection of local ales. Sporting events on huge plasma screens are visible from wherever you choose to lay your hat, and food is of the Superdeal burger/fish ’n’ chip /curry variety • Almost impossibly macho Sunday roasts.
THE BELL
103 Walcot St, BA1 5BW. Tel: 01225 460426, web: www.walcotstreet.com • This long-running Bath institution offers an exceedingly warm welcome to one and all. Find a selection of seven real ales (including Bellringer, Butcombe, Otter, Pitchfork and Gem) supplemented by two regularly rotating guests alongside organic beers, interesting wines and organic alcohol-free tipples at the bar, and regular live music sessions from jazz to folk (every Sun lunchtime/ Mon/Wed eves) and a ‘vinyl only’ DJ (Fri/Sat/Sun eves) on the lively schedule of events. The Bell’s ‘Love Lounge’ (home to an open mic night every Thursday) is available for private hire • Heated covered backyard.
THE BLADUDS HEAD
Catsley Pl, Larkhall, BA1 6TA. Tel: 01225 423177, web: www.bladudshead.co.uk • Rumoured to be named after an ancient swineherd who regularly notched up a hangover at the bar here, this characterful Freehouse is well worth the 20-min walk from town. Open from 5pm during the week (12noon at weekends), there’s a good selection of real ales (regular guests include Sharp’s Doom Bar, Charles Wells Bombardier, Timothy Taylor and Cheddar Ales Potholer), two bars at which to make your selection, occasional live music and complimentary bowls of roast potatoes sitting on the bar during Sunday lunchtimes • Lovely beer garden, close to a nearby tinkling stream.
BLATHWAYTE ARMS
Lansdown, BA1 9BT. Tel: 01225 421995 • Gert big family-friendly boozer (and hotel) right next to Bath Racecourse featuring a conservatory, a covered alfresco terrace (puffers take note) and a slightly more formal dining room with a big log fire. Bar tipples are of the classic pub variety and include a small selection of real ales, while menus run the full pub grub gamut, from lunchtime sandwiches, salads and jacket spuds to fish/steak & chips and posh versions of Medi-themed classics • Sunday lunches here are reliably good.
THE BOATER
9 Argyle St, BA2 4BQ. Tel: 01225 464211 • Classic 18th-century Weirside hostelry featuring a large alfresco area which makes the most of ‘that’ view (and turns it into a smoker’s paradise), very popular with rugby fans, college teams and students attracted by regular drinks promos and big-screen sporting action. Find Courage Best, 6X and Bombardier on tap • The alfresco backyard bar opens subject to demand during summer months.
THE CHARMBURY ARMS
69-70 Brook Rd, Twerton, BA2 3RR. Tel: 01225 405559 • When you walk through the door at the charming Charmbury Arms, expect to step back in time to a food-, fuss- and frill-free era that’s unlikely to have changed much since this hostelry was first established around 130 years ago. Find both 6X and Henry’s IPA (plus the occasional special) on tap, a quiz every Sunday, occasional live music nights and a warm welcome at all times • Possibly one of the only pubs in the country with a skittle alley in the bar itself.
CHEQUERS
50 Rivers St, BA1 2QA. Tel: 01225 360017, web: http://www.thechequersbath.com/ • There’s been a hostelry on this site since 1776, but today’s Chequers thrives under the auspicious auspices of the award-winning Marlborough Tavern head honchos Joe Cussens and Justin Sleath, with former Royal Crescent sous chef Leigh Evans at the helm in the kitchen. Find a relaxed atmosphere, gastropub grub and plenty of local ales and ‘proper’ cider downstairs (but whatever you do, don’t overlook the wine list – it’s superb, to say the least), or opt for a more refined fine-dining experience on the upper floor. Spiffing! • Alfresco area on the lively little street out front.
THE COEUR DE LION
Northumberland Passage, BA1 5AR. Tel: 01225 463568, web: www.coeur-de-lion.co.uk • This tiny, characterful pub boasts a big history and proves that very good things can indeed come in small packages. Part of the Abbey Ales mini-empire (which explains why the extremely well-stocked bar features Bellringer and Abbey Star classics alongside a small but perfectly formed range of thoughtful tipples), even the daytime-only menus push all the right ‘proper pub grub’ buttons. Meanwhile, pavement tables outside make for one of the best people-watching (and smoking) locations in the city • Officially Bath’s smallest pub; visit the website for a fun, fascinating tour through the Coeur’s history.
THE CORK
11-12 Westgate Buildings, BA1 1EB. Tel: 01225 330470, web: www.thecork.co.uk • Multi-faceted city centre pub combining elements of Brit-pub tradition (lounging areas, pool tables, big-screen sports, theme nights etc) with a fresh, elegant vibe. The swanky downstairs bar (The Vaults) boasts its own covered, heated alfresco patio, and there’s literally all kinds of everything behind the bar, including the lesser-spotted Derail Ale and Golden Bolt on tap, Brooklyn and Goose Island lager in bottles, and Strawberry Brothers, Toffee Apple Orchard and Kopparberg Fruit in the cider selection, and cocktails go large here. A lively mix of contemporary and traditional fare, meanwhile (including generously filled ‘door stop’ sandwiches from 12noon-6pm every day) uses fresh, largely locally sourced, seasonal produce to create exceedingly wallet-friendly grub, including excellent Sunday roasts and sociable sharing platters • Visit website for details of regular events and student-friendly drinks promotions.
THE CRYSTAL PALACE
Abbey Green, BA1 1NW. Tel: 01225 482666, web: www.crystalpalacepub.co.uk • Bustling city centre pub/restaurant on a pretty cobbled courtyard at the heart of the Abbey quarter action, with a covered, heated garden out back offering a warm welcome to smokers whatever the weather. Find Marston's Pedigree, Banks's Bitter, Banks's Original, Mansfield Bitter, Hobgoblin and Ringwood Best Bitter amongst a sturdy selection behind the bar, plus a wine list of which the CP is rightfully rather proud. Food, meanwhile, ranges from sturdy sandwiches and filled jacket spuds to paella, fish & chips, big salads and hearty specials • Visit the website for regularly updated events/offers.
THE CURFEW
11 Cleveland Pl West. Tel: 01225 424210, web: www.thecurfew.co.uk • This lovely, long-established neighbourhood boozer has integrity marinated in the very woodwork of the oak-panelled interiors. There’s 6X, Old Timer and Bishop’s Tipple on tap alongside a regular seasonal ale courtesy of Wadworths at the bar, a massive pool table upstairs and a charming (heated, partially covered) private beer garden out back. Food is of the sturdy, homecooked variety, while regular events throughout the week include live music, a pool league, a quiz night and a folk/Irish jam on Sundays • Big-screen sporting events are shown in the upstairs room, meaning that non-sports fans can enjoy a quiet pint here even on match days.
THE DEVONSHIRE ARMS
139 Wellsway, BA2 4RY. Tel: 01225 429593, web: www.devonshire-arms-bath.co.uk • Traditional neighbourhood boozer originally established in 1841 and known locally as the Devvie, serving thoughtful pub grub alongside a bar selection to match. The historic skittle alley is one of the oldest in the region, pub games proliferate behind the bar, regular live music events, quizzes and food/drink details can be found on the website and two small alfresco areas at the front and rear considerately accommodate smokers • A little-known steep set of steps off Greenway Lane (to the side of the pub) lead down to the gorgeous Lyncombe Vale – part of Bath’s “hidden urban countryside”.
THE DOLPHIN
Locksbrook Rd, Lower Weston, BA1 3EN. Tel: 01225 445048, web: www.dolphininn.org.uk • Situated in an easily accessible but picturesque setting just beyond the towpath that runs alongside the river Avon, the Dolphin’s beer garden (featuring a well-equipped safe play area for the kids and a welcome haven for smokers) makes the most of its ‘Tales from the Riverbank’ location. Real ales include Marston's Pedigree, Wadworth 6X and Flowers/Butcombe Original, while big portions of hearty pub grub, a Sunday carvery, quiz nights and live music at the weekends keep attention levels up • Conveniently placed right on the Bristol-Bath cycle path.
THE FAIRFIELD ARMS
1 Fairfield Park Rd, BA1 6JM. Tel: 01225 445553, web: http://www.fairfieldarms.com/ • Unique blend of spruced-up traditional boozer (complete with open fires) and Haldi Tandoori Indian restaurant and takeaway, providing an immediate solution to the Great British Conundrum revolving around whether to spend the evening in the curry house or the pub. Authentic Indian classics abound, but you can just enjoy a pint and a couple of bhajis at the bar should you so wish • Fancy a curry in the sun? Explore the beer garden out back.
FLAN O’BRIENS
21 Westgate St, BA1 1EP. Tel: 01225 312914 • This popular, Irish-themed boozer serves up an excellent pint of Guinness (of course!) and gets absolutely packed when there’s rugby or football on the TV. The late licence allows revellers to party on into the small hours Wed-Sat, while the new wave/punk soundtrack inspires those of a certain age to take many a trip down memory lane • First licensed in 1793 as the Falstaff Tavern.
GARRICK’S HEAD
Sawclose, St John’s Pl (next to Theatre Royal), BA1 1ET. Tel: 01225 318368, web: www.garricksheadpub.com • Classy but classless gastropub adjacent to the Theatre Royal courtesy of the same team responsible for the highly acclaimed King William and endorsed by this year’s Good Food Guide. Pavement tables on the traffic-free lane outside have recently been extended to incorporate some 50+ extra covers, while metro-rustic sensibilities and urbane, urban chic set the tone within. Find a truly fabulous wine list at the bar, alongside a selection of local microbrewery ales (including Butts, Mathews, Milk Street and Stonehenge ales at the time of writing), up to five local ciders at any one time and regular appearances from Orchard Pig, Worley’s and Broadoak’s Pheasant Plucker. Connoisseurs shouldn’t overlook the unique selection of Eaux De Vie and at least 20 types of whiskey. Food, meanwhile, is of the locally sourced, daily changing, top-notch gastropub genre and even the burgers/fish & chips on the bar menu are truly scrumptious • Sleb spotter alert: this is where the thesps hang out when the curtain comes down at the Theatre Royal.
GASCOYNE PLACE
Sawclose, BA1 1EY. Tel: 01225 445854, web: http://www.gascoyneplace.co.uk/ • Tasteful, easy-going pub/bar/restaurant hybrid catering for a tasteful, easy-going crowd. Stylish design twists proliferate throughout this split-level oasis that offers a choice between buzzing basement lounge, cosy snug, elegant supper rooms or brasserie-style balcony dining. The bar selection is extensive to say the least, most notably the wine list, which includes over 90 wines, 30+ of which are available by the glass; if you’re spoiled for choice, opt for the exclusive, award-winning Château de la Tuilerie house label. 6pm is Cocktail Hour and, on the food front, the selection ranges from a very tempting small/large plate selection all the way up to a full-on fine-dining experience on weekend evenings. The free jazz sessions in the lounge (every Sunday), meanwhile, are the stuff of local legend • Visit the website for regularly updated events/private hire details.
THE GEORGE INN
Mill Lane, Bathampton, BA2 6TR. Tel: 01225 425079 • Cask Marque-awarded period character pub, situated almost directly on the canal towpath. The big menu features all kinds of crowd-pleasing delights while Courage Best/Directors, Greene King, Old Speckled Hen and regularly changing guest ales keep barflies busy • Canalside gardens are properly picturesque.
THE GRAPES
14 Westgate St, BA1 1EQ. Tel: 01225 310235 • Old-fashioned, dimly lit little boozer specialises in bar/food promos and live sporting action on the TV • Conveniently located for a pre-cinema pint: Bath’s Little Theatre is just down the alleyway to the side of the pub.
GREEN PARK TAVERN
Lower Bristol Rd, BA2 3BD. Tel: 01225 400050, web: www.greenparktavern.com • Multi-ambient bar/pub/restaurant that operates as an unofficial student hall of residence during term time. The bar is home to a cheerful selection of draught lagers, beers, ciders, wines and guest ales, and the current cast list features Bath Ales Barnstormer, Glastonbury Ales Lady of the Lake, Symonds Fouders Reserve, Sharps Doombar and Pilsner Urquell; food is of the reasonably priced, robust variety (including a splendid Sunday roast incorporating both free-range meat and excellent vegetarian options); and regular entertainment/events abound – visit the website for a regularly-updated schedule • Covered, heated beer garden.
GRIFFIN INN
Beauford Sq, BA1 2AP. Tel: 01225 420919, web: www.griffinbath.co.uk • A scrubbed-up paean to contempo-pub sensibilities, complete with chunky wooden fixtures and fittings, an intelligently well-stocked bar and boutique hotel accommodation upstairs. The bar prides itself on a selection of real ales, fine wines and a clutch of lesser-spotted provincial malt whiskeys and, on the grub front, an excellent full English breakfast (including veggie options) gives way to ploughman’s and sturdy sandwiches on weekday lunchtimes, and a more substantial selection (homemade burgers, fishcakes, sausage & mash) at weekends, all largely wrought from free-range, locally sourced and/or organic produce.
HALL & WOODHOUSE
1-3 Old King St, BA1 2JT. Tel: 01225 469259, web: http://www.hall-woodhousebath.co.uk/ • Independent Blandford-based brewery Hall and Woodhouse took the ambitious step of refurbishing the historic, split-level building formerly occupied by Bonham’s Auction House over a year ago, introducing Bath to a brand new venture combining a pub/bar, brasserie and fine-dining restaurant, with an alfresco terrace and rooftop garden putting the icing on a £5million cake. As you might expect, the brewery’s own tipples (including the award-winning Badger Ales and Hofbrau Lager) are given pride of place at the bar, but all manner of exciting quaffing opportunities abound, from fizz to diet coke by way of cocktails, a thoroughly decent wine list and classic/continental brews.
HARE AND HOUNDS
Lansdown Rd, BA1 5TJ. Tel: 01225 482682, web: www.harehoundsbath.co.uk • Imposing 18th-century alehouse with huge picture windows, large split-level beer garden (with pretty, covered, fairy-lit area) and swoonsome views across the surrounding countryside. This being a Marstons Inn’n’all, expect to find a well-heeled variety of cask ales at the bar, from old favourites such as Marston's Pedigree and Banks's Bitter to newer additions including Hobgoblin and Ringwood Best Bitter, supplemented by a decent wine list and a range of classic spirits etc. On the food front, traditional pub food and exceedingly wallet-friendly meal deals (visit website for details) keep the scoffers satisfied • Worth checking out for the amazing views alone.
THE HOBGOBLIN
47 Saint James’s Parade, BA1 1UQ. Tel: 01225 460785 • Self-styled as “Bath’s home of alternative music”, the Hobgoblin boasts an agreeable spit ’n’ sawdust vibe, pound-stretching bar promotions, pool tables and regular music-themed/quiz night events. Real ales available at the bar include Wychwood Hobgoblin (of course), Bath Ales’ Gem and three rotating guests. Open until 1am Fri-Sat • Quite possibly the most fascinating jukebox in Bath.
THE HOP POLE
7 Albion Buildings, Upper Bristol Rd. Tel: 01225 446327, web: www.bathales.com • As you’d expect from a Bath Ales brewery, the Hop Pole pulls an excellent pint. But the story behind this seemingly prosaic exterior doesn’t end there. As well as boasting a properly atmospheric interior, the food here puts most restaurants to shame – which is why the Hop Pole received a well-deserved honourable mention in last year’s Good Food Guide. Meanwhile, a vast range of Bath Ales, Belgian beers, superb wines and a beautiful beer garden have all served to build the Hop’s reputation as one of the best watering holes in town • Visit the website for details of the Loyal Hare Force loyalty scheme and earn pounds off pints and more at participating Bath Ales pubs.
THE HUNTSMAN
1 Terrace Walk, BA1 1LY. Tel: 01225 482900, web: www.huntsmanbathpub.co.uk • By day, this recently revamped, fully refurbished city centre pub is perennially popular with tourists. However, there’s a complete transformation after the sun goes down, when club nights/DJs make full use of the late licence. Find Marston’s real ales on tap, a substantial food menu to accompany your choice and plenty of pavement seating to keep the smokers happy; visit the website for crunch-busting deals (including a bottle of house wine for £7.99 all day, every day at the time of going to press) • The Bizarre Bath Comedy Walk starts here every evening between March and November (8pm).
THE KING OF WESSEX
James St West, BA1 2BX. Tel: 01225 303380, web: www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk • One of the many cogs in the wheel of the huge Wetherspoon chain situated in the heart of Bath’s multi-use Kingsmead leisure complex, offering Cask Marque-accredited ales (including Green King Abbot/Ruddles, Pedigree and Deuchars IPS, plus regularly changing guests), Kopparberg, Savanna Dry and Westons Organic on the cider list, Tyskie, Erdinger and Desperados amongst the world beer selection and a vast range of all kinds of everything else that keeps the many punters who frequent this busy, bustling boozer very merry indeed. Loud, proud food/beer promotions proliferate • Opens from 9am for boisterous, bargain-priced breakfasts.
THE KING WILLIAM
36 Thomas St, BA1 5NN. Tel: 01225 428096, web: www.kingwilliampub.com • Nationally recognised as one of the finest traditional free houses in the country, offering award-winning British food, an excellent wine list, real ales from local microbreweries (including Stonehenge Ales, Milk St Brewery and the Bristol Beer Factory), proper Somerset cider and many more tipples that reflect the King Billy’s commitment to supporting local producers, all in cheerfully eclectic surroundings. Food, meanwhile, is seriously gastro – and seriously, seriously good • Regular quiz nights.
THE LAMB AND LION
15 Lower Borough Walls, BA1 1QU. Tel: 01225 474931 • Popular city centre pub, usually packed to overflowing when sporting events are shown on the massive screens (and when the Saturday night stags and hens hit the town). There are plenty of keg beers and lagers to choose from at the bar, while bargain meal deals at rock-bottom prices are available all day • Beer garden.
MANDALYN’S
13 Fountain Buildings, BA1 5DX. Tel: 01225 425403, web: www.mandalyns.co.uk • Bath’s longest-established gay pub offers a welcoming, party-on vibe – loud, proud and always, always fabulous fun • Visit the website for news of promotions, parties and events (including Happy Hour, karaoke, quiz, cocktail and poker nights).
THE MARLBOROUGH TAVERN
35 Marlborough Buildings, BA2 2LY. Tel: 01225 423731, web: www.marlborough-tavern.com • Despite being the holder of multiple awards (including two well-deserved AA Rosettes) and a host of accolades from critics, food guides and Michelin men alike, the MT is most definitely not a posh destination diner; most regulars treat it as a friendly local featuring an exceedingly well-stocked bar and serving up faultless modern British food with plenty of twists on classic themes created with perfect-pedigree ingredients. Visit the website for news of regular wine tasting events • Private, walled, partially covered garden out back.
THE OLD GREEN TREE
12 Green St, BA1 2JZ. Tel: 01225 448259 • The Old Green Tree may be small but it’s certainly perfectly formed in terms of proper pub perfection – and remains refreshingly free of the tourist trap commotion that most pubs which can claim to have been on the same site for almost 300 years would easily succumb to. Beams, oak panelling, original fireplaces and ancient wooden floors attest to the building’s history, while six real ales (all sourced from microbreweries within a 70-mile radius) and tempting lunchtime-only menus offering everything from doorstep sarnies to smoked trout keep contemporary regulars very happy indeed • Maximum capacity: 100 (including resident ghost).
ONE BEAUFORT
1 Beaufort West, BA1 6QB. Tel: 01225 334050 • Kevin Walters and Christophe Lacroix – former head honchos of what was once the 1453 Bar and Grill and masters of the art of creating stylishly cosy surroundings – have infused upper-crust British gastropub menus at this multi-ambient contemporary pub with Gallic flair and locally sourced, seasonal delights to create a stylish, easygoing, supremely tasteful experience away from the tyranny of city centre stress. Eat, drink and generally be merry in the lounge/bar, dining room or tiny little urban terrace to the rear, choosing from extensive, reasonably priced refreshment opportunities on both the quaff and nibble front • The wine list is spiffing.
THE PACK HORSE INN
South Stoke, BA2 7DD. Tel: 01225 832060, web: www.packhorseinn.com • Set in an atmospheric 15th-century manor house at the heart of a similarly historic village, The Pack Horse is at once traditional and eclectic. Slate floors, sturdy oak tables, sturdy grub and a wide range of traditional ciders, quality ales and top-notch wines keep everybody historically happy • Beautiful beer garden with views across the valley; very dog friendly both inside and out.
THE PIG AND FIDDLE
2 Saracen St, BA1 5BR. Tel: 01225 460868, web: www.thepigandfiddle.co.uk • This busy, friendly boozer appeals largely to a young crowd (and smokers who dominate the heated outdoor tables at the junction of a busy traffic island). Find guest ales, continental lagers and a solid selection of ciders at the bar and plenty of wallet-friendly grub to keep the effects of pint-sized over-indulgence at bay on the food front • Visit the website for regularly updated offers and deals.
THE PORTER
2 Miles' Buildings, George St, BA1 2QS. Tel: 01225 424104, web: www.theporter.co.uk • Bath's only vegetarian pub boasts the most exciting weekend atmosphere on George Streeet. It's under new management, but is still an independent - and it still thrives on good homemade food, an ever-changing selection of real ales and friendly faces. There's a sophisticated wine list too - which sits happily next to a plethora of ciders. Sunday night sees the Comedy Cavern (call for details) • Free live music throughout the week with DJs to soundtrack the weekend.
THE PULTENEY ARMS
37 Daniel St, BA2 6ND. Tel: 01225 463923 • Friendly, traditional boozer boasting wooden floors, comfortable banquettes, roaring open fires and a very well-stocked bar (including a selection of real ales, Stowford Press and Weston’s Organic cider). The kitchen, meanwhile, specialises in generous portions of good, honest homemade food • Pavement tables out front.
THE RAM
20 Claverton Buildings, Widcombe, BA2 4LD. Tel: 01225 421938 • Neighbourhood boozer with a strong community vibe and the kind of decor (stripped wooden floors, oak beams etc) that lull you into thinking you could be in a village inn rather than a stone’s throw from the city centre (as long as, that is, you don’t opt for a pavement table on the busy main road). Food is of the homemade, robust variety (including legendary breakfasts) and there are several well-maintained real ales alongside all manner of quaffable options available at the bar.
THE RAVEN
6-7 Queen St, BA1 1HE. Tel: 01225 425045, web: www.theravenofbath.co.uk • This lively city centre oasis – guaranteed free of TV/loud music – always offers a warm welcome at either the long, street-level bar or upstairs in the cosy supper room, even when it’s packed to the rafters (a not-that-unusual scenario). The wine list offers a fresh, innovative selection and the bartenders are deservedly proud of their loving attention to detail on the real ale maintenance front, having played host to over 200 guest ales (alongside stalwarts such as Abbey Ales, Theakstons, Badger and Moles) in the last 12 months. On the food front, pies come courtesy of Pieminister and there are local sausages, an excellent ploughman’s and elegant pates and terrines to munch through too • Call in or visit the website for details of regular meetings and unique events including storytelling circles, a publishing group and a science café.
THE RICHMOND ARMS
7 Richmond Pl, Lansdown, BA1 5PZ. Tel: 01225 316725, web: www.richmondarmsbath.co.uk • This well-heeled Georgian pub offers a small selection of wine, ales and lagers, but as the Richmond is up for sale at the time of writing, all kinds of exciting developments could be in the pipeline • Suntrap beer garden.
THE RING O’BELLS
Widcombe Parade, BA2 4JT. Tel: 01225 448870, web: www.ringobellswidcombe.co.uk • Perennially popular and always reliably good fun, find a range of globally sourced wines and beers nestling happily amongst a selection sourced much closer to home and a nibble/bar snacks/tapas menu that really does indicate that a drink’s too wet without at least one little something to share • Live jazz on Sunday eves.
THE RISING SUN
3-4 Grove St, BA2 6PJ. Tel: 01225 425584, web: www.bath.co.uk/risingsun • Charming neighbourhood pub offering a winning formula of cheery bonhomie and excellent home cooking. There’s ensuite B&B accommodation for those who want to make a holiday of it, while table tennis, pool and skittles mean you’ve no excuse for getting bored • Beer garden.
THE ROYAL OAK
8-10 Summerlays Pl, Pulteney Rd, Widcombe, BA2 4HN. Tel: 01225 335220 • Traditional hostelry always offering a selection of four real ales at any one time alongside real ciders and a neat little selection of wines, decent pub grub, a skittle alley, a dart board, free wi-fi access and that all-important alfresco area • Live sporting action on big screens goes large here.
THE ROYAL OAK
Lower Bristol Rd. Tel: 01225 481409, web: www.theroyaloak-bath.co.uk • Less of a pub, more of a way of life, this unique (to Bath, anyway) real ale haven features 10 hand pumps that serve up an ever-changing array of microbrewery specials from artisan producers, with taster glasses beside each pump offering you the opportunity to sample before you buy. At the time of writing, the line-up includes tipples courtesy of Arbor Ales, Art Brew, Dorset and RCH, and the pub hosts several beer festivals each year to promote/celebrate their liquid-based USP – little wonder, then, that the Good Beer Guide can’t praise the Royal Oak highly enough • Discounts for CAMRA members.
SAINT JAMES’ WINE VAULTS
10 Saint James’s St, BA1 2TW. Tel: 01225 310335, web: www.stjameswinevaults.co.uk • Expect a warm welcome, a genuinely friendly vibe, art courtesy of local artists on the walls, DJs and live music in the basement bar and a 1am licence at weekends, all of which combine to turn the this Bath institution into a home-from-home (but with better entertainment options). There’s no kitchen, but if the hunger pangs strike, grab yourself a takeaway menu from the selection kept behind the bar and order in, spending the delivery waiting time choosing a tipple from the range of goodies behind the bar • Regular quiz nights/live music events – visit website for details.
THE SALAMANDER
3 John St, BA1 2JL. Tel: 01225 428889, web: www.bathales.com • No TV, no fruit machines, no fuss – just nice folk, a good atmosphere, a veritable bounty of well-kept ales and excellent grub... in other words, exactly what we’ve come to expect from a Bath Ales pub, in this instance featuring a snug, recently refurbished pub bar at street level and a cosy supper room on the first floor • Visit the website for details of the Loyal Hare Force loyalty scheme and earn pounds off pints and more at participating Bath Ales pubs.
SAM WELLER’S
Upper Borough Walls, BA1 1RH. Tel: 01225 474910, web: www.samwellersph.co.uk • Four real ales, good value, all-day food menu and a midnight licence at weekends make Sam’s a popular hotspot for city centre shoppers by day and youthful revellers after sunset • Named after the servant Samuel Weller, who appears in ‘The Pickwick Papers’.
THE SARACEN’S HEAD
Broad St, BA1 5LP. Tel: 01225 426518 • Ancient boozer slightly marred by concessions to tourists and today generally packed to the rafters with throngs of big-screen TV sports fans and the occasional stag party. Meanwhile, in the quieter, back end of the pub, 10-strong groups of American tourists tuck into steak & ale pies, Sunday roasts etc • Claims to be the oldest pub in Bath.
THE STAR INN
The Paragon, BA1 5NA. Tel: 01225 425072, web: www.star-inn-bath.co.uk • A Grade II-listed, CAMRA-endorsed corker of a pub with a history that dates back to the 16th century, complete with original 19th-century wooden interiors, a well-stocked bar courtesy of local brewery/proprietors Abbey Ales, and neither fruit machines nor TV screens to shatter the historic peace. Find as many CAMRA-approved tipples as you can imagine at the bar (including Abbey Ales, London Pride, IPA, various unusual imports and Bass straight from the jug – very rare), all of which inspire fierce loyalty from fans both locally and across the globe • If the crowd around the bar are looking peckish, the landlord gets the cheeseboard out.
THE VOLUNTEER RIFLEMAN’S ARMS
New Bond St Pl, BA1 1BH. Tel: 01225 425210 • Bustling boozer offering home-cooked grub and a good selection of traditional local ales (usually featuring Abbey Ales’ Bellringer, Otter and Weymouth) within a classic bar selection • Heated alfresco smoking area on the neat little traffic-free street outside.
WEST:GATE
38 Westgate St, BA1 1EL. Tel: 01225 461642, web: www.thewestgatepub.co.uk • Slick, Cask Marque-accredited contemporary city centre pub offering a huge bar selection (real ales, real ciders and really good cocktails go large here), alongside food menus teeming with shopper’s paradise/girl’s night out/hangover-soothing classics • On the site of one of the oldest pubs in Bath in a building dating back to 1611.
THE WHITE HART
Widcombe Parade, BA2 6AA. Tel: 01225 338053, web: www.whitehartbath.co.uk • Glorious Michelin Guide-sanctioned gastropub sanctuary with a lively, buzzing bar area serving a classy selection of liquid refreshment and menus packed with unpretentious but inspired delights • An absolutely gorgeous heated courtyard out back completes this sublimely stylish, relaxing experience.
|
