Guide to Bath (and nearby) Pubs

Introduction

This page contains my personal opinion on some of the pubs I've visited in Bath, Bristol and nearby areas (within walking distance of the centre of Bath). My opinions are mostly based on the quality of cask ales on offer and the atmosphere of each pub, and not on its distance from the town centre, availability of Sky TV, range of 'electric' beers on offer or number of flavours of Bacardi Breezer sold. I would love to hear alternative opinions, though, so please feel free to contact me.

Historical note: My original Cambridge Pub Guide, first written in 2000 and maintained for a couple of years after that, no longer exists. It was primarily a means of moaning about the ubiquitous and poorly-kept Greene King beers sold in the area, and also served to bring to people's attention the better pubs in Cambridge. This information remains vital to any visitor to Cambridge (though risks being slightly out of date) and is repeated here.

Pubs along the Heart of Wessex line are listed on a separate page, as are a few pubs in a range of other places (currently Birmingham, Cambridge, Cardiff, Erlangen (Germany), Salisbury, Stafford, Swindon).

Pubs in Bath

The Ale House

Has a limited selection of hand-pulled pints, though usually including only Courage, London Pride etc. Serves cheap food at lunchtimes.

The Bell

A large pub with bar billiards and several table football tables in a room at the back. Often has a wide selection of beers on offer, but they are not always in top condition.

The Hare and Hounds

This pub appears to be part of a chain, though it is not immediately obvious which one. Real ales are served, including St Austell Tribute on last visit (30/05/04). Has a large garden with excellent views towards Swainswick and Batheaston.

The Hop Pole

A friendly pub with (unusually for Bath) a spacious beer garden. Sells all the regular Bath Ales beers. The Hop Pole is similar to The Salamander, though larger.

The Huntsman

Expensive.

Lambretta's

Lambretta's is a theme bar, based around a Lambretta motorbike kept in a glass case in the centre of the room. It is split into three areas: the bar, an area with sofas, and an area with tables. Several real ales on offer. The atmosphere is pleasant enough when quiet, though probably less so when busy.

The Old Green Tree

A very small pub with an 'old man' feel to it, split into three rooms with wood panelling throughout. Very often busy in the evenings, but well worth a visit. Tends to sell Old Green Tree, Brand Oak, and the excellent (and strong) Mr Perrett's Stout, plus others. Good food served at lunchtimes. The back bar is non-smoking. Grade II listed and features in CAMRA's National Inventory of historic pub interiors.

The Pig & Fiddle

This pub has a large interior and a patio outside with benches. Real ales are on sale, including (at last visit) Bath Ales beers. Serves food.

The Raven

A large pub on two levels, with the upper level non-smoking. There are usually four real ales offered, including the specially-brewed Raven from Blindmans Brewery. A wide selection of food served upstairs.

The Royal Oak

The Royal Oak on Lower Bristol Road is one of two Royal Oak pubs in Bath, the other being in Widcombe. The Lower Bristol Road Royal Oak has a large selection of real ales (usually 8 or so) with a good range of light and dark pints. There is live music on Wednesdays, and CAMRA members receive a discount of 20p per pint.

The Rummer

A pleasant pub with an ideal location for the town centre, directly opposite the Avon weir and near Pulteney Bridge. Beers on offer on last visit (28/01/04) included Gem from Bath Ales, but the selection of other pints was slightly disappointing. Seems to be friendly.

The Salamander

A particularly fine pub, serving a large range of Bath Ales beers: usually at least SPA, Gem and Barnstormer. There are usually at two or more guest beers available. Can be busy and rather noisy in the evenings.

The Star Inn

A pleasant pub with an open fire and friendly atmosphere. It can sometimes be rather smoky when busy. Serves Abbey Ales and Bass, the latter of which has been reported to be better than might be expected for Bass. Like the Old Green Tree, The Star is a Grade II listed building, and features in CAMRA's National Inventory.

Pubs near Bath

Pubs in Bristol

Serving a wide range of ciders, many brewed locally, the Coronation Tap is the place to go in Bristol for cider. Its popularity makes it very busy, but it is pleasant in the daytime. Ideally situated for a visit to the Clifton suspension bridge or (when open) the Clifton Rocks Railway.

The Hare on the Hill

This pub is no more than two hundred yards from the Hillgrove Porter Stores. It was Bath Ales' first pub, and stocks the usual range of Bath Ales beers in good condition. Can be busy.

The Hillgrove Porter Stores

A large pub which was suprisingly quiet on last visit (weekday evening, Dec 2005). There is a wide range of hand-pulled pints on offer. A non-smoking area is available until 9pm.

The Hope & Anchor

Several cask ales on sale from handpumps. Serves excellent (though slightly expensive) food.

The King William

This pub, just off Queen's Square, serves unusually cheap beer (good session bitters) and very reasonably-priced food. There is a no-smoking area at one end.

Port of Call

A friendly pub serving excellent food and a wide range of hand-pulled bitters. Book ahead if you want Sunday lunch!

The White Lion

A very small pub in a convenient location close to the city centre. Serves a wide range of Wickwar beers. The toilets are accessed by a particularly narrow spiral staircase which may be difficult to negotiate after an long stay.

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