There are all sorts of reasons to travel to Bath – its UNESCO World Heritage Status, the fine Georgian architecture, its ancient Roman Baths… But perhaps a less well broadcasted reason is its pubs and bars. In fact, Bath boasts one of the best nightlife scenes in the South West.
In a city where locals and students rub shoulders with hens and stags, all of them looking for a good night out, Bath’s bars are shaking and stirring cocktails to rival any found across the UK. Adding to the charm, you’ll find these bars in the most unassuming of places, mostly on a subterranean level under the city’s Georgian architecture.
So, whether you’re thirsty for a local gin and tonic, seeking a particularly skilful rum preparation, or are wondering just where to go for cocktails in Bath, here’s our roundup of the best cocktail bars in Bath
The Dark Horse
Ideal for a sophisticated, below-ground cocktail bar for discerning drinkers…
After a nightlife that subsisted on a string of substandard chains like Revolution and Slug and Lettuce for far too long, a decent bar was long overdue in Bath. Enter the year 2016 and entrepreneur Louis Lewis-Smith – a man on a mission to bring a world-class bar to Bath. Fast forward to today, and he’s achieved just that – a place that could stand up to any cocktail bar in London, New York or even Barcelona for that matter.
Sitting below street level in Kingsmead Square, The Dark Horse is often the first recommendation from locals when asked about the best cocktail spot in Bath. This basement bar has earned its stripes and been shortlisted as one of the top 10 bars in Europe by Tales of The Cocktail, as well as making Imbibe Magazine’s top 3 in the UK.
It’s a low-lit, sultry cocktail den, lined with wood panels and all sorts of little nooks and crannies – delivering an unapologetically sexy mood. Aside from the vibe, it’s the innovative, seasonally changing cocktail menu that makes this bar stand out from its subterranean dwelling – think Somerset brandy, red grape and thyme syrup, or picpoul de pinet with peach bitters.
No matter how busy the bar is, the staff are unfailingly attentive, in the best sort of way. While the bar does accept walk-ins, it’s a good idea to book if you want to score a seat, especially at the weekend.
Address: 7A Kingsmead Square, Bath BA1 2AB
Website: The Dark Horse
Fidel Rum Bar
Ideal for rum enthusiasts…
It takes just three minutes to get from the Dark Horse to Fidel Rum Bar, but it’s a walk that may be richly rewarded by a darn good rum cocktail upon completion. We caveat with ‘may’ because the cocktails here very much depend on who’s making them – sometimes your rum punch might be more watery than punchy, but more often than not it will be very good. The bar is rum-led, of course, and you can do worse than sticking to one of their 140 types of rum straight up.
The declaratively named Fidel Rum Bar is all about celebrating the vibes and energy of Cuba, and what better way to do that than by raising a glass of rum to Castro? If only they allowed cigars to be smoked inside…
Don’t be put off if the downstairs looks packed on your approach; there’s plenty of upstairs seating, including some particularly natty pink banquettes.
Address: 3 Trim Bridge, Bath BA1 1HD
Instagram: fidelrumbar
The Hideout
Ideal for indulging in a dram…
This walk-in-only hideaway bar is hidden next to the historic Sally Lunn’s and like most historic places in Bath, comes with a story, too. Legend has it that the space was originally a hoard for thieves and highwaymen but, today, a very different type of crowd comes here.
Signature whisky cocktails and old-school hip-hop tunes is the offering here, the former of which are perfectly conceived and grown-up (see: strong) in composition. Though the inside is compact and only has a handful of tables, there’s an outdoor courtyard with heaters that comes alive in the warmer months.
The Hideout certainly doesn’t obscure the skills of its team. In fact, the bar is a marvellous showcase for Bath’s young bartending talent, who work the floor with tips and recommendations. Indeed, the service is super engaging here and it’s an impressive whisky bar, by even the standards of a self-proclaimed aficionado. Whether you’re after something classic or creative, these guys have got you covered.
The Hideout has made it onto the UK’s Top 50 Cocktail Bars list for a couple of years in a row, and this year ranks as the 25th best bar in the UK. We can’t help but think they should be even higher!
Address: 1 Lilliput Court, Bath BA1 1ND
Website: hideoutbath.co.uk
Bread & Jam
Ideal for a well made martini…
Be honest: when was the last time you enjoyed a properly made martini? If the answer’s “never” (or even if it’s “not for a few days”), then it’s time to head over to Bread & Jam.
Alongside classic cocktails made very well, they also have a stellar seasonal cocktail list which changes according to what’s fresh and abundant at that time of year. With Somerset’s produce so well regarded, this side of the menu can result in some superb drinks. Refreshingly, there are a whole load of non-alcoholic drinks available too.
Nestled under Walcot House, a multi-purpose venue which was once a bakery, Bread & Jam sits in the vaults of that former bakery, with plenty of sofas, banquettes and chairs to settle into. Presiding over that seating, there’s a disco ball and a DJ spinning funky discos grooves. If you fancy a quiet drink, then you can just go to the adjoining restaurant’s bar upstairs, where things are a little more sedate.
Only open on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Address: Old Orchard St, Bath BA1 5BG
Website: Bread & Jam
The Bath Distillery Gin Bar
Ideal for those who appreciate a good G&T…
Quintessentially English, the gin and tonic is such a classic combination. There’s nothing better than when gin and tonic is poured over ice and served with a simple twist of lemon or lemon. However, at the Bath Distillery Gin Bar, there’s no reason to play it straight. With the cocktail menu here, these guys elevate the humble gin and tonic to dizzy new heights.
The Bath Gin sharing teapots may be a bit of a gimmick, sure – where they try to channel famous Bath resident Jane Austen’s regency vibes and also miss a trick by not calling them ‘g’n’tpots – but they are a lot of fun. They even created the character Virginia ‘Gin Austen’, just to get you in the mood.
In addition to the Bath Gin range, they serve 230 or so (yes, you read that right) other gins. That’s probably too many G&Ts for one sitting, but it’s always a reason to come back. Another reason to return; the bar is a great place to do a bit of souvenir shopping. The hopped rhubarb, especially, makes for a great gift.
Whether you’re in the mood for a classic G&T or something more avant-garde, this spot promises a memorable gin experience – depending on how many you have, that is…
Oh they have live music on Friday’s too.
Address: 2/3 Queen St, Bath BA1 1HE
Website: thebathgincompany.co.uk
Opium Bar
Ideal for time travellers and lovers of the eclectic…
A popular fixture on Bath’s drinking scene since forever and yet another subterranean bar that retains a slightly exclusive feel, Opium sits a flight of stairs below street level in one of the vaults near the famous Pulteney Bridge.
The moment you enter this dark, atmospheric vault, you forget what time of day it is, let alone what number cocktail you’re on. Billing itself as a vintage and curious cocktail bar, it’s a transportive space make no mistake, with a bohemian, shabby chic vibe, Georgian furniture, velvet chairs and a chaise lounge, renaissance paintings, and baroque mirrors on the wall.
As we sip on our cocktails, we imagine that these vaults could be the storage room of some Georgian gentry, who are currently decorating their house and we’re squatting in it, turning it into a salubrious drinking den while we’re here. Got a bit carried away there, perhaps…
Anyway, you can tell by the cocktail menu that this is an old school place – White Russian or Rusty Nail anyone? Both are delicious.
Opium stays open until 1am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Address: Spring Gardens Rd, Bathwick, Bath BA2 6PJ
Website: Opium Bar
SubThirteen
Ideal for an alfresco cocktail in summer…
Another oldie, but a goody, SubThirteen is one of Bath’s longest standing cocktail bars and remains a great place to drink, with reasonably priced cocktails and a great vibe. It’s named so because of the thirteen steps that you have to take to get down to the entrance – yes, this is another subterranean cocktail bar.
The chatter-fuelled spot attracts lots of hen dos with their cocktail workshops in the day, but luckily, come the evening, outrageous outfits are banned. For us, the reason to come here is the large, walled garden at the back. In the summer, it’s a lovely spot for a cocktail.
The Red Sofas at The Beckford Bottle Shop
Ideal for a finely made cocktail and some truly superb snacks…
If you read IDEAL regularly, then you’ll know that The Beckford Bottle Shop is one of our favourite places to eat in Bath. It’s no surprise, then, that a spot on their red sofas is one of our favourite places to get a drink. Here they offer their full wine list alongside snacks, boards and small plates. They also serve up some killer cocktails, which is why you’re here, after all.
The menu is crafted by resident cocktail connoisseur Paul, whose seasonal mixes champion the best of British – think concoctions like their Garden Fizz which sees English sparkling wine, quince and lemon gin combine.
Address: 5-8 Saville Row, Bath BA1 2QP
Website: .beckfordbottleshop.com
The Bottom Line
Next time you find yourself wandering the historic streets of Bath, remember that an exceptional cocktail experience awaits you around almost every corner. Cheers to discovering your new favorite drink in one of Bath’s finest cocktail bars!