The historic city of Bath is known for many things, but the nightlife supposedly isn’t one of them. That being said, if you take the time to look around, you might be pleasantly surprised. Aside from the sticky-floored bars catering to local University students, there are plenty of lovely watering holes. And your options continue to increase each year. From quirky cocktail bars to sophisticated wine bars, read on to uncover the best bars in Bath.
The Canary Gin Bar
Wander down one of Bath’s typically charming cobbled streets and you’ll find The Canary Gin Bar. Split across two floors, this atmospheric gin and martini bar is fast becoming the city’s number one hangout.
Inside, it’s dark, lively and atmospheric, reminiscent of a speakeasy. Serving an extensive range of spirits and liquors including Bath Gin (brewed in the basement’s distillery), the skilled mixologists will fix you up the perfect tipple. They’re incredibly creative and can convert even non-gin drinkers into fans. Watch in awe as they expertly matching inventive concoctions to your palate.
View this post on Instagram
Hall & Woodhouse
What was originally a 1960s auction house is now bar & restaurant Hall & Woodhouse. Stretching across three floors, this cocktail and wine bar is possibly the largest in Bath.
From the pantry to the potting shed, the ground floor is filled with eclectic seating. Expect wooden picnic-style tables interspersed with sofas and cosy leather armchairs. There’s even an open fireplace among book-lined walls, perfect for warming up after a crisp county walk. Most noteworthy is the eye-catching copper bar. Acting as the focal point, and a nod to its namesake brewery in Dorset, it ties the interiors together perfectly.
Still not satisfied? Why not take your beverages up to the roof terrace. With a vast skylight and grand central staircase leading the way, you can’t (and shouldn’t) miss it. After all, warm sunny days in Bath are precious. You better make the most of them!
Warning: If you decide to indulge in the tapas or small plates whilst you’re on the terrace, watch out for the birds!
View this post on Instagram
Graze
First and foremost, Graze Bath is a restaurant. A grill-focussed one at that. It’s even made my list of the most delicious restaurants in Bath, so I’m clearly a fan!
The outside area at Graze is the reason why it’s one of my favourite places to enjoy a drink. Grab one of the tables out front if you can – they’re like gold dust. Providing an elevated view over Bath and a nice little sun trap, what more could you want? It’s a prime people-watching spot.
The area around the back of the restaurant is also nice and is larger. But you don’t get the same views. In fact, you’ll be overlooking the train station… which isn’t quite as peaceful.
View this post on Instagram
Cosy Club
If you’d like to drink in the most eccentric bar in Bath, quirky Cosy Club is the place for you. Featuring a fun and colourful mix of interiors and innovative beverages, they’ve got something for everyone. In fact, you’re far more likely to find a varied crowd at Cosy Club, compared to the other options listed. So bring your friends. Or your parents! It’s a hit with students, locals and tourists alike.
The Botanist
Are you a huge mixology fan looking for the best cocktail bars Bath has to offer? Don’t miss out on this one. The Botanist has a vast array of whimsical, botanical cocktails, served in the most enchanting way. Think Alice and Wonderland and her various ‘drink me’ receptacles.
Adding to the charm is the venue. Located within a former church, frequented by the likes of Jane Austen, the building is now known as ‘The Octagon’. Though if that’s too open and airy for you, head downstairs and explore the darker side of botany. Here you’ll find ‘Beneath‘ a curious underground cocktail apothecary.
View this post on Instagram
I hope that this article has inspired you to visit Bath! If you have any questions about the best cocktail bars in Bath, please do share these in the comments below. I will be continually adding new cocktail and wine bars to this list and would love to hear your suggestions.
Read More About Bath:
Pin this post for later:
All of those places look amazing! I’m yet to visit Bath but I really want to go, hopefully I can try some of these when I finally visit.
I’m so pleased you like them – I lived there for just under a year so was able to try quite a few places whilst I was there! I’ll be publishing a guide to the city soon so hopefully that will give you some ideas for you do finally get to go!