Traditionally the place to kick off a night out or end a party (it’s also the starting point for Noel Britten’s superb Bizarre Bath tour), the Huntsman has been the haunt of Bath’s seasoned drinkers for decades, proud owners of a late licence years before the relaxation of the UK’s drinking laws. Now a recently finished refit has breathed new life into the old girl, bringing stunning contemporary décor and a fresh, light look to one of the oldest and most famous pubs in the city.

The Huntsman is rather like a tardis, its compact frontage belying the fact that, inside, the pub spreads over four floors, with a huge ground floor bar, cellar club and expansive dining areas, including an upstairs restaurant with stunning views of Parade Gardens and the Rec – ideal for chowing down whilst watching the rugby. Food is served all day, with everything from full English breakfasts through to burgers, steaks and traditional pub meals at bargain prices; there’s live music every Monday and Friday, a cash prize pub quiz every Sunday, and party people should note that the club (The Den) is open until 2am on a Saturday with resident DJ Dave on the decks. If you thought you knew the Huntsman before, think again. (Darryl W Bullock; pics Mark Simmons) 

The information

Beer Abbey Ales’ Bellringer, Brakespear Gold, Marston’s Pedigree, Marston’s Smooth and Wychwood Hobgoblin. From £2.85.

Lager Becks’ Vier, Carlsberg, Fosters, Heineken, Peroni, Stella Artois. From £2.95.

Cider Strongbow £3.25.

Guinness £3.25

Wine From £3.10 gls/£10.75 btl.

Offers Wine offers (on full bottles only) from £6.99; double up on spirits for an extra £1.25; 2-for-1 cocktail offers daily from 5pm.

Food Served all day until 10pm: starters from £3.15, mains from £6.55. Deals include selected mains £4.95 before 3.30pm Mon-Fri. Traditional Sunday roast £5.95.

THE HUNTSMAN INN 1 TERRACE WALK, BATH, BA1 1LJ, TEL: 01225 482900. OPEN MON-THUR 11AM-11PM, FRI 11AM-1AM, SAT 11AM-2AM, SUN 12NOON-10.30PM. FFI: WWW.HUNTSMANBATHPUB.CO.UK

Copyright Darryl W Bullocks 2011; pics copyright Mark Simmons Photography 2011