Pubs

Bath

ASSEMBLY INN
16–17 Alfred St, BA1 2QU
Web: www.abbeyales.co.uk
● Third acquisition for esteemed local brewery Abbey Ales, and run along similar lines to Abbey’s other pub hotspots the Coeur de Lion and Star Inn. High-quality real ales (including Abbey’s flagship brews) and good, homecooked pub grub classics. Open Regular pub hours Food Mon-Fri 12noon-2.30pm & 5.30-7.30pm, Sat-Sun 12noon-6pm

BARLEY
32 Bathwick St, BA2 6NZ
Tel: 01225 464845
● Comfortable sofas around a real fire, lovely little separate dining area in the back, and that all-important alfresco patio. Bar always features three real ales and reasonably priced, freshly cooked pub grub favourites. Open Regular pub hours Food Daily 12noon-2.30pm & 6-9pm

BEAR
6-10 Wellsway, BA2 3AQ
Tel: 01225 425795, web: www.bearbath.co.uk
● Lively neighbourhood pub serving chef-led, homecooked, upper-crust pub grub including boisterous breakfasts and homemade cakes. Regular themed evenings (Polish, Thai, etc) and a rollickingly good Sunday roast in relaxed surroundings: chunky farmhouse tables and soft leather loungers. Recently spruced-up covered patio to the rear is a calm oasis away from the busy main road. Free Wi-Fi and spiffing bar selection. Open Regular pub hours Food Daily: breakfast 8-11.30am (eat in or take away), lunch 12noon-3pm, dinner 6-9.30pm

BEAU NASH
23 Milsom St, BA1 1DE
Tel: 01225 310772
● This spacious, bustling city inn, formerly the Litten Tree, has had a £175,000 facelift and reinvented itself as the Beau Nash, in homage to the dandy socialite who transformed Bath’s reputation in the 18th century. The huge, open-plan bar, sofa/lounging areas and sport on huge plasma screens from wherever you sit have all remained intact. Food is of the doorstep sandwich or steak/pie/fish with chips variety, and all portions go large, including the almost impossibly macho Sunday roasts. Open Daily 12noon-11pm Food Mon-Thur 12noon-9pm, Fri-Sun 12noon-8pm

BLATHWAYT
Lansdown, BA1 9BT
Tel: 01225 421995, web: www.theblathwayt-bath.co.uk
● Gert big family-oriented boozer (and hotel) next to Bath Racecourse. Food served in the conservatory, on the covered alfresco terrace or in the slightly more formal dining room. Menus run the full classic pub grub gamut, from lunchtime sandwiches, salads and jacket spuds to fish/steak & chips and classics like braised lamb shanks, mixed grill and faggots. Puds go large, Sunday lunches are reliably good, and kids get their own menu. Food Breakfast daily 8-9.30am, lunch Mon-Sun 12noon-2.30pm, dinner 6-9.30pm. All day Fri-Sat

BOATER
Argyle St, BA2 4BQ
Tel: 01225 464211
● Revamped 18th century pub just opposite the weir. Large alfresco area makes the most of ‘that’ view. Sturdy menu of hearty, filling, homemade favourites and classics, including a superb Sunday roast. Atmosphere is always lively, and it gets rammed on rugby days. Open Regular pub hours Food Daily 12noon-3pm, occasional eves (call in adv)

CHEQUERS
50 Rivers St, BA1 2QA
Tel: 01225 360017, web: www.thechequersbar.com
● Recently refurbished and under new management but still smart, stylish and relaxed. Locally brewed ales among a well-stocked bar selection and good, upper-crust, locally sourced food. Fresh Cornish fish. Sunday roasts (2 £17.95) are highly recommended. Open Regular pub hours Food Mon-Fri 12noon-2pm (last orders) & 6.30-9.30pm (last orders, Sat till 10pm), Sun 12noon-5pm (last orders)

COEUR DE LION
17 Northumberland Place (off High St), BA1 5AR
Tel: 01225 463568, web: www.coeur-de-lion.co.uk
● Part of the Abbey Ales mini-empire and officially Bath’s smallest pub, this place doesn’t have to leap on the gastropub bandwagon to secure local legend status. Lunchtime-only menus push all the right pub grub buttons (sturdy sarnies, full-on roast dinners, homemade pies, sausage & mash), with the kind of sourcing details that most other pubs make a stomach-churning screech about: Bath Bakery bread, Bath Soft Cheese Company cheese, Bartlett’s meat, Sausage Shop bangers. The ploughman’s and fish & chips come highly recommended. Open Regular pub hours Food 12noon-4pm

CORK
11-12 Westgate Buildings, BA1 1EB
Tel: 01225 333582, web: www.thecork.co.uk
● People-pleasing city centre pub, recently revamped and under new management. Traditional Brit-pub elements (pool tables, big screen sports, theme nights) remain, but the new vibe is elegant and fresh, and there’s now a swanky downstairs bar (The Vaults) and spiffing covered, heated alfresco patio to the rear. A lively mix of contemporary and traditional fare, using fresh, locally sourced seasonal produce to create exceedingly wallet-friendly grub. Excellent Sunday roasts and generously laden sharing platters Open Mon-Wed 12 noon-12midnight, Thurs-Sat 12noon-1am, Sun 12noon-11pm Food Daily 12noon-8pm (Fri-Sat 9.30pm)

CROSS KEYS
Midford Rd, BA2 5RZ
Tel: 01225 849180, web: www.crosskeysbath.co.uk
● Traditional, historic, family-friendly country pub with wood panelling, gas-light fittings and open fires. Hearty, largely locally sourced food is cooked to order (and includes a really good tapas selection), fresh fish is delivered daily from Cornwall, and children get their own menu. Always at least four real ales to choose from at the bar. The garden is one of the West’s prettiest smoker’s hangouts and the no jukebox/fruit machine rule makes indoors a peaceful experience even when it’s crowded with ramblers. Book in adv online for a 10% discount on your total food bill. Open Mon-Sat 12noon-3pm & 5pm-12midnight, Sun 12noon-4pm & 5-11.30pm Food Mon-Sat 12noon-2.30pm & 6-9.45pm, Sun 12noon-3pm & 6-9pm

CRYSTAL PALACE
Abbey Green, BA1 1NW
Tel: 01225 482666, web: www.crystalpalacepub.co.uk
● Big city centre pub/restaurant on a pretty cobbled courtyard, with a covered, heated garden out back. Popular with office workers and tourists alike. Food ranges from sturdy sandwiches and filled jacket spuds to Somerset Pork braised in cider, chickpea tagine, harissa lamb kebabs and superb fish & chips. All meat is supplied by Bartlett’s Butchers and ice-cream is Marshfield’s all the way. Open Regular pub hours Food Mon-Sat 12noon-9pm, Sun 12noon-3pm

DOLPHIN
Locksbrook Rd, Lower Weston, BA1 3EN
Tel: 01225 445048, web: www.dolphininn.org.uk
● Located in an easily accessible but picturesque setting just beyond the towpath that runs alongside the river Avon. Beer garden (with a well-equipped, safe play area for kids, and a welcome haven for smokers) makes the most of its ‘Tales from the Riverbank’ location. Real ales and big portions of hearty pub grub (lasagne, steak & ale pie, fish & chips, etc), Sunday carvery, and live music at the weekends. Open Daily 11.30am-11pm (Fri-Sat 12midnight) Food Mon-Thur 12noon-2.30pm & 6-9pm, Fri-Sun 12noon-9pm

FAIRFIELD ARMS
1 Fairfield Park Rd, BA1 6JN
Tel: 01225 445553, web: www.fairfieldarms.com
● Unique blend of spruced-up, traditional boozer (with beer garden and open fires) and Haldi Tandoori Indian Restaurant and takeaway. Authentic Indian classics abound, or just enjoy a pint and a couple of bhajis at the bar. Open Regular pub hours Food Daily 12noon-2.30pm & 6-11.30pm

GARRICK’S HEAD
St Johns Place, BA1 1ET
Tel: 01225 318368, web: www.garricksheadpub.com
● Thoroughly classy but classless gastropub under the same ownership as the wonderful King William. Pavement tables on traffic-free lane outside. Metro-rustic sensibilities and urbane, urban chic within (chunky wooden furniture, hotchpotch kitchen knick-knackery, squidgy sofas, open fire). Food is locally sourced, daily changing, top-notch and chef-led. Bar menu features sturdy sandwiches, excellent fish & chips and homemade burgers; the ALC features warm pigeon salad, rump of venison with red cabbage & walnuts, and prune & armagnac tart. Sunday lunches (2 £15) are spectacular, as is the wine list. Open Mon-Wed 11am-11pm, Thur-Sat 11am-12midnight, Sun 12noon-10.30pm Food Mon-Sun 12noon-3pm & 5.30-10pm

GASCOYNE PLACE
Sawclose, BA1 1EY
Tel: 01225 445854, web: www.gascoyneplace.co.uk
● Tasteful, easygoing cafe-bar/restaurant hybrid catering for a tasteful, easygoing crowd. Stylish, novel design twists proliferate throughout this split-level oasis: buzzing basement bar, elegant supper rooms and brasserie-style balcony dining. Massive wine list, extensive bar selection and bar food ranging from homemade chips with mustard mayo to burgers and cheese/charcuterie sharing platters. At time of going to press, Mon is Pie Night, Tue night means upmarket burgers and Wed night swims with fish & chip specials. Open Daily 11.30am-late Food 12noon-2.30pm (4pm Sun) & 5.30-10pm (Sat-Sun, last orders 10.30pm)

GEORGE INN
Mill Lane, Bathampton, BA2 6TR
Tel: 01225 425079
● Cask Marque-awarded Chef and Brewer inn with lashings of charm, attracting a loyal army of locals and walkers alike. Big menu features crowd-pleasing delights, from traditional, well-sourced British classics (including a spiffing Sunday roast) and regular fresh fish specials to easygoing contemporary favourites with Mediterranean flavours. In summer, the grassy canalside gardens come into their own. Open Regular pub hours Food Mon-Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 11am-9pm

GREEN PARK TAVERN
Lower Bristol Rd, Twerton, BA2 3BD
Tel: 01225 400050
● Spacious, multi-ambient pub, popular with students and friendly locals who can’t get enough of the GPT’s reasonably priced, robust food, covered beer garden and massive entertainment programme (DJs, live acoustic showcases, salsa classes, quiz/poetry/open mic nights). Splendid Sunday roast incorporates free-range meat and excellent vegetarian options. Open Sun-Thur 11am-12midnight, Fri-Sat 11am–2am Food 12noon-9pm

NEW
GRIFFIN INN
Beauford Square, BA1 2AP
Tel: 01225 420919, web: www.griffinbath.co.uk
● What was once a careworn, dingy boozer is now a scrubbed-up paean to contempo-pub sensibilities, complete with chunky wooden fixtures and fittings, intelligently well-stocked bar and boutique hotel accommodation upstairs. 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 meat and poultry is free-range and/or organic, and most produce is locally sourced. Open Regular pub hours Food Breakfast 8am-11am, lunch 12noon-3pm

NEW (OPENING MAY 2010)
HALL & WOODHOUSE
1-3 Old King St, BA1 2JT
Web: www.hall-woodhousebath.co.uk
● Ambitious, split-level good-times complex combining pub/bar area, fine dining restaurant, continental brasserie, spacious alfresco area and rooftop garden.

HARE & HOUNDS
Lansdown Rd, BA1 5TJ
Tel: 01225 482682, web: www.hareandhoundsbath.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. ALC selection - majoring on scampi, lasagne, surf’n’turf - offers a trip back to pre-gastropub revolution days, and prices are similarly nostalgic, especially on theme nights, when featured dishes (pies, steak, etc) are half-price. Great carvery on Sundays. Open Regular pub hours Food Mon-Sat 11am-3pm & 6-10pm, Sun 12noon-8pm

HOP POLE
7 Albion Buildings, Upper Bristol Rd, BA1 3AR
Tel: 01225 446327, web: www.bathales.com
● As you’d expect from a Bath Ales brewery, the Hop Pole pulls an excellent pint. But don’t overlook the restaurant: locally sourced, imaginative fare-with-flair, some very ‘cheffy’ inspiration and a glowing reputation for well-priced gastropub. Now open for brunch at the weekends, and there’s a spectacularly lovely garden out back. Open Regular pub hours Food Mon-Fri 12noon-2.30pm & 6-9pm, Sat 9.30am-2.30pm & 6-9pm, Sun 9.30am-4pm

KING OF WESSEX
James St West, BA1 2BX
Tel: 01225 303380, web: www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk
● Part of the huge Wetherspoon chain, in the heart of Bath’s multi-use Kingsmead leisure complex. Extremely wallet-friendly, crowd-pleasing grub keeps the many punters who frequent this busy, bustling boozer very merry indeed. Loud, proud food/beer promotions proliferate, but sourcing hasn’t been overlooked in the scrum. Open Daily 9am-11.30pm (11pm Sun) Food Daily 9am-9pm

KING WILLIAM
36 Thomas St (off London Rd), BA1 5NN
Tel: 01225 428096, web: www.kingwilliampub.com
● Top-notch, award-winning, highly acclaimed gastro grub in charmingly eclectic surroundings. Daily changing menus (including a less formal bar menu) are based around local, seasonal produce. All meat and poultry is free-range or organic, and seafood is delivered daily from Cornwall. Private dining for parties of up to 25. Open Regular pub hours Food Tue-Sun 12noon-2.30pm, Wed-Sat 6-10pm. Bar menu: Mon-Sat 6-10pm

MARLBOROUGH TAVERN
35 Marlborough Buildings, BA1 2LY
Tel: 01225 423731, web: www.marlborough-tavern.com
● Part proper pub, part upmarket bistro. An appealing blend of friendly familiarity and a fresh, smart outlook have earned them multiple accolades from critics, food guides and Michelin men alike, including a well-deserved AA rosette. Faultless modern British food: plenty of twists on classic themes and perfect-pedigree ingredients. Local ales and ciders and a fabulously thoughtful wine list, all at down-to-earth prices, and in welcoming surroundings. Sunday roasts are excellent. See website for offers and dining/wine-tasting events. Open Mon-Thur & Sun 12noon-11pm, Fri-Sat 12noon-1am Food Mon-Sat 12.30-2.30pm (4pm Sat) & 6-9.30pm, Sun 12.30-4pm & 6-9pm

NEW
NINETEENTH HOUSE
19 St James Parade, BA1 1UL
● At long last, this long-standing city centre pub has been taken over and is being given the makeover/revamp it deserves. Full details not available at time of going to press, but a major staff recruitment campaign suggests that food is most definitely in the pipeline - check Venue’s Food & Drink pages for updates.

OLD GREEN TREE
12 Green St, BA1 2JZ
Tel: 01225 448259
● The Telegraph recently said: ‘The Old Green Tree blends seamlessly with Bath’s faded Georgian glory. This charming and most hospitable of hostelries is rather like an 18th century version of the bar in ‘Cheers’, where all and sundry dost know thy name.’ And we couldn’t have put it better ourselves. Find beams, oak panelling, original fireplaces, ancient wooden floors, six real ales (from microbreweries within a 70-mile radius) and everything from doorstep sarnies to smoked duck and poached apple salad (all freshly prepared on the premises). Small but perfectly formed, and well worth squeezing yourself into, even on busy days. The ‘Good Pub Guide’ loves it, and so do we. Open Regular pub hours Food Mon-Sat 12noon-3pm

NEW
ONE BEAUFORT
1 Beaufort West, Bath, BA1 6QB
Tel: 01225 334050, web: www.onebeaufort.co.uk
● In a newly regenerated little corner of downtown Bath, this friendly hostelry has unpretentious gastropub pretensions, flexible all-day menus, a lounge/bar, dining room and tiny little urban terrace to the rear. Choose from fashionably light lunches and more substantial delights: moules marinieres, ham hock & tarragon terrine, beer-battered hake with handcut chips, duck confit and homemade puds. Suppliers include Larkhall Butchers, Newton Farm, Thoughtful Bread Co, Eades Greengrocers and Ivy House Farm. Extensive, reasonably priced wine list. Open Mon-Fri 11.30am-3pm & 6-11pm, Sat 11.30am-11pm, Sun 11.30am-10.30pm Food Mon-Fri 12noon-2.30pm & 6.30-9.30pm, Sun 12noon-4pm

PACKHORSE INN
South Stoke, BA2 7DU
Tel: 01225 832060, web: www.packhorseinn.com
● Set in an atmospheric, tumbledown 15th century manor house in a similarly historic village. At once traditional and eclectic, with well-paced monthly changing menus ranging from sturdy classics on the bar menu to chef-driven ALC delights like seared scallops with chorizo, and rabbit with red lentils, calvados & kale. Slate floors, sturdy oak tables, and a properly lovely, mature garden add to the ineffably cosy, 500-year-old minimalist chic. Open Regular pub hours Food Tue-Sat 12noon-2pm & 6.30-9pm (9.30pm Fri-Sat), Sun 12noon-4pm (6pm summer)

PIG & FIDDLE
2 Saracen St, BA1 5BR
Tel: 01225 460868, web: www.thepigandfiddle.co.uk
● Pretty much an extension of Bath University’s Student Union bar, this busy, friendly boozer appeals largely to a young crowd (and smokers who dominate heated outdoor tables at the junction of a busy traffic island). Wallet-friendly specials concentrate on traditional pub grub; home-from-home highlights include classic macaroni cheese, chicken & ham pie, and the ‘Porky’s Revenge’ breakfast (served till 1pm on Sat). Sunday roasts (£6.95) include an excellent vegetarian option. Open Regular pub hours Food Mon-Fri 11.30am-6.30pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 12noon-6pm

PORTER
George St, BA1 2EN
Tel: 01225 424104, web: www.moles.co.uk
● Popular with pleasure seekers of all ages, students and Bath fringers attracted by a whole host of musicians, comedians and DJs who provide free entertainment downstairs most evenings. Pleasant, lively, old-school pub serving good old-fashioned, pub-grub favourites… all of a totally vegetarian persuasion. The reliably satisfying fare perfectly suits the Porter’s laidback atmosphere, and the recent addition of the Moles Music Cafe (open 11.30am-late) adds to the general swing. All-day breakfasts and full-on veggie roasts, plus lasagne, curries, shepherd’s pie and bar snacks (excellent nachos), at very reasonable prices. Free live music Mon-Thur, comedy on Sun eves, live DJs Fri-Sat (call for details). Open Mon-Thur 11am-12midnight, Fri-Sat 11am-1am, Sun 11am-11.30pm Food Daily 11am-9pm (breakfast till 6pm weekdays/2pm weekends, Sunday roast 12noon-4pm)

PULTENEY ARMS
37 Daniel St, BA2 6ND
Tel: 01225 463923, web: www.thepulteneyarms.co.uk
● Friendly, traditional boozer with wooden floors, comfortable banquettes, roaring open fires, recently revamped ‘sofa room’ and a very well stocked bar. Generous portions of good, honest homemade food. First Mon of the month is Curry Club (curry, rice, naan bread and a drink, £9.95), and the Pulteney Dining Club meets regularly to enjoy gourmet three-course dinners for £29.95 (including wine). Classic roasts (2 £12.50) served every Sun. Pavement tables make for lovely pub lunch picnics. Open Regular pub hours Food Wed-Fri 12noon-2.30pm & 6-9pm, Sat & Sun 12noon-3pm

RAM
20 Claverton Buildings, Widcombe
Tel: 01225 460426, web: www.therambath.com
● Welcoming, traditional neighbourhood boozer. Menu highlights include the famous 10-piece Ram breakfast (served from 10am, £4.95), homemade beef, Bellringer ale & thyme pie and an imaginative selection of ciabattas, wraps and panini. Tue night is Curry Night (curry and a pint, £5), and Sunday lunches include a gert big homemade pud for £6.95. Real ales, real pub, really good fun. Open Regular pub hours Food Mon-Sat 12noon-9pm (breakfast from 10am), Sun 12noon-4pm (food service times are approximate, call to confirm)

RAVEN
7 Queen’s St, BA1 1HE
Tel: 01225 425045, web: www.theravenofbath.co.uk
● This small but perfectly formed city centre oasis (guaranteed free of TV/loud music) always offers a warm welcome. Excellent wine list and classic bar selection, both at the long, street-level bar and upstairs in the cosy supper room. Pies come courtesy of Pieminister (served with mash or chips and your choice of gravy), and there are local sausages, an excellent ploughman’s and elegant pates and terrines. Open Mon-Thur 11.30am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11.30am-12midnight, Sun 12noon-10.30pm Food Mon-Fri 12noon-2.30pm & 6-8.30pm, Sat 12noon-8.30pm, Sun 12.30-4pm

RICHMOND ARMS
7 Richmond Place, Lansdown, BA1 5PZ
Tel: 01225 316725, web: www.richmondarmsbath.co.uk
● Well-heeled Georgian pub with a light, modern airy feel and charming beer garden. Top-notch gourmet delights like pork & smoked chicken mousse terrine wrapped in Parma ham, loin of Devon cod with Welsh rarebit crust served with bubble & squeak and pea veloute, and trio of sorbets and crushed meringue with fruit sauce – pub grub plus. Excellent Sunday roast (2 £13.50, 3 £15.95). Open Tue-Sat 12noon-3pm, Tue-Thur 6-11pm (till 12midnight Fri-Sat), Sun 12noon-3pm & 7-10pm Food Tue-Sat 12noon-2pm, Tue-Thur 6-9pm, Fri-Sat 6-9.30pm, Sun 12noon-3pm

RING O’BELLS
Widcombe Parade, BA2 4JT
Tel: 01225 448870, web: www.ringobellswidcombe.co.uk
● The perennially popular Ringo can probably take the credit for being the first gastropub in Bath and continues to go from strength to strength. A friendly, polished atmosphere and polished, friendly food - mainly modern British but with plenty of contemporary Medi-themed twists. Spectacular Sunday lunches and excellent nibbles, bar snacks and tapas. Well-stocked bar with a great range of wines, conti-beers, etc. Private hire available. Open Mon-Fri 12noon-3pm & 5-11pm, Sun 12noon-11pm Food 12noon-2.30pm & 6-10pm

ROYAL OAK
8-10 Summerlays Place, BA2 4HN
Tel: 01225 335220, web: www.theroyaloakbath.co.uk
● Friendly real ale haven, all comfy seats and stripped wood floors, with a great outdoor area for summer. Cracking selection of real ales, regular charity quiz/live music nights, sporting events on big plasma screens and free Wi-Fi. Reasonably priced homemade pub grub favourites, from soup and jacket spuds to rib-eye steaks, sharing platters and a superb Sunday roast. Open Mon-Thur 5-11pm, Fri & Sat 12noon-11.30pm, Sun 12noon-7pm Food Mon-Thur 5.30-9pm, Fri-Sat 12noon-9pm, Sun 12noon-3.30pm (Sunday roast) & 5.30-9pm

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 and a cosy feel… exactly what we’ve come to expect from a Bath Ales pub. Refreshingly straightforward pub bar at street level and a cosy supper room on the first floor. Locally sourced menu selection runs from (at time of going to press) goodies on toast to toad in the hole, organic rib-eye steak with triple-cooked chips, and smoked haddock, leek & cheese tart. Bar menu features what’s possibly the best homemade burger in Bath. Open Mon-Sat 11.30am-11pm (12midnight Fri-Sat), Sun 12noon-10.30pm Food Daily 12noon-2.30pm (3pm Fri-Sun) & 6.30-9pm (9.30pm Fri-Sat)

SAM WELLER’S
Upper Borough Walls, BA1 1RH
Tel: 01225 474910, web: www.samwellersph.co.uk
● Bustling city centre hotspot specialising in classic pub grub (steaks, fish & chips, pie & mash, Sunday roasts, etc), a good pint (or three!) and a welcoming atmosphere. Open Daily, regular pub hours Food Mon-Sat 12noon-9.30pm approx (according to demand), till 5.30pm Sun

SARACEN’S HEAD
Broad St, BA1 5LP
Tel: 01225 426518
● Ancient boozer with a fascinating history (Charles Dickens apparently once fell asleep at the bar here), slightly marred by concessions to tourists, sports fans and stag do’s. Traditional, reasonably priced fare like beef & ale pie and Sunday roasts, with some veggie options. Open Regular pub hours Food 12noon-9pm

STAR INN
Vineyards (opposite The Paragon), BA1 5NA
Tel: 01225 425072, web: www.star-inn-bath.co.uk
● A grade ll-listed, Camra-endorsed, fruit machine/music-free real ales corker with a history that dates back to the 16th century, 19th century wooden interiors and a well-stocked bar courtesy of local brewery/proprietors Abbey Ales. No menu as such, but well-stuffed rolls and generous complimentary Saturday bar snacks (from quail’s eggs and sausage rolls to big cheeseboard selections) make this truly original gem worthy of a mention here. Open Mon-Fri 12noon-2.30pm & 5.30-11pm, Sat 12noon-11pm, Sun 12noon-10.30pm

NEW
VICTORIA WORKS
32-33 Victoria Buildings, Lower Bristol Rd, BA2 3EH
● Regulars at the longstanding traditional boozer formerly known as the Belvoir Castle fought plans from the new owners to change the name of the venue earlier this year, claiming it would destroy the heritage of the 19th century watering hole. But the new owners won the battle to create a new image for the premises, now scrubbed up to perfection, and the name acknowledges the site’s industrial past (once the Stothert and Pitt crane factory). Stone-baked pizzas and massive fresh salads dominate, and there’s an exceedingly well-stocked bar. Open Regular pub hours Food Daily 6-9pm

VOLUNTEER RIFLEMAN’S ARMS
New Bond St Place, BA1 1BA
Tel: 01225 425210
● Small, welcoming pub offering homecooked traditional pub grub and a great selection of traditional local ales alongside standard bar goodies. Open Mon-Thur 11am-1am, Fri-Sat 11am-2am, Sun 12noon-11pm (may close early on weeknights, according to demand) Food Daily 12noon-3pm

NEW
WEST:GATE
38 Westgate St, BA1 1EL
Tel: 01225 461642, web: www.thewestgatepub.co.uk
● Formerly the Rat and Parrot, now a laidback, scrubbed-up city centre pub. Reasonably priced shopper’s paradise/girls’ night out classics, from snacks/nibbles/light lunches (nachos, quesadillas, fishfinger sandwiches) to a ‘Burger Boutique’ selection, proper fish & chips and man-sized steaks. ‘Hungover Sundays’ bring two full English breakfasts, two mugs of tea and two bloody marys to the party for £11.95, and Sunday roasts kick off at 12noon. Open Mon-Sun 11am-late Food Daily 12noon-9pm (opening hours under consideration at time of going to press - call/see website for updates)

WHITE HART
Widcombe Parade, BA2 6AA
Tel: 01225 338053, web: www.whitehartbath.co.uk
● Quietly elegant scrubbed-pine-and-blackboard-menu sanctuary with downhome dining rooms, a lively, buzzing bar area and a gorgeous urban oasis in the lovely courtyard outback. A much-loved cornerstone of the Widcombe scene. Unpretentious but inspired food won a special mention in the 2009 Michelin Guide), from the signature rough pesto/mint & lemon hummus bar platter to gert big homemade puds and a gently gastro-fuelled selection. Open Mon-Sat 11.30am-11.30pm, Sun 12noon-10.30pm Food Daily 12noon-9pm

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