Live Music Pubs in Bath

From lively rugby crowds on a Saturday through to the plates piled with pink West Country beef on Sunday to quiet pints on a Monday, the Ring O bells sits in the heart of Widcombe. Locals prop up the bar, always happy to offer advice on the driest cider or hoppiest ale.Menus are packed with locally sourced ingredients, forming delicious traditional meals with some modern twists. Work by local artists decorate bare stone walls, but if it’s a warm day make use of the sun-soaked beer garden surrounded by gorgeous flowers and Bath stone.This long established people and dog friendly pub promises a buzzy atmosphere on any day of the week.

Rose & Crown

6-8 Brougham Place, Bath BA1 6SJ

Cosy, welcoming, local which has been a pub since 1840s. Refurbished in Jan 2016 and taken over by local pub company Banwell House, the pub now has a very smart and comfortable feeling about it. There is a central bar, with drinkers seating at the front of the pub, and there are rooms going round the back for eating and relaxing. At the bar it has a heated foot rail and radiators, possibly a unique feature of the interior. May 2021: Freehold is on the market.

Royal Oak

Lower Bristol Road, Twerton, Bath BA2 3BW

A pub since around 1840 this pub closed in 1999 and seemed destined to die, but it rose from the ashes in 2005 to become a real beer haven (or heaven). Began brewing their own beer in Ralph's Ruin brewery in the old pub kitchen Jun 2017. There are normally one, two or maybe even three of their own beers together with an ever changing range of up to six guest beers from microbreweries, near and far, alongside an equally interesting range of ciders, perries and bottled British and Belgian beers. There are folk music sessions (alternating Irish and English) on Wednesday evenings with live music most weekends. Quiz night first Monday of the month. Outside is a secluded garden and small on-site car park. Ralph is the pub dog Bath & Borders CAMRA Pub of the Year 2020(again)

Bell

103 Walcot Street, Bath BA1 5BW

Dog Friendly

Function Room

Bath & Borders Branch Pub of the Year 2014. Purchased by 536 of its regulars, fans and staff following a community buy-out in 2013. The Bell offers five regular ales, plus up to three ever changing guests from local micros. Live music is a mainstay of the pub with bands playing Monday and Wednesday evenings and Sunday lunchtimes. Open mic night on Thursdays. The interior is made up a long main bar and a number of seating areas whilst the wall space inside is taken up by posters for local events. Other features include bar billiards, table football, pool, board games and even a tiny launderette. At the back of the pub is the Back Bar, which acts as a separate room for music, with open-mic nights on Thursday nights, and a function room. Also behind the pub is a walled-garden with covered seating.

St James Wine Vaults

10 St James Street, Bath BA1 2TW

Dog Friendly

Live Music

A popular and friendly traditional pub spread over three floors, 2 of which are available for functions. Quiz night every Thursday and regular jazz sessions in the cellar bar. See the pub website for details. Due to reopen 17 May 21

Star Inn

23 Vineyards, Bath BA1 5NA

This locally famous pub is on the CAMRA National Inventory. First licensed as a pub in 1759, the historic interior was fitted out by Gaskell and Chambers in 1928. Since around 2001 the Star has been the principal outlet in Bath of the nearby Abbey Ales brewery. The four small rooms have benches around the walls, wood panelling and roaring fires. The smallest room has a single bench, usually occupied by the pub's older customers and referred to as 'death row'. As well as the Abbey Ales range, Bellringer is served under gravity, via large glass pitchers, to your glass. This is one of only a handful of pubs left in the country where beer is still served in this time-honoured way. Complimentary snuff is available. The pub does not do meals, but delicious rolls are normally available. Cheese night is every Thursday and live music features on Fridays from 8:30pm. Pub quiz first Sunday of each month

Trinity Brewery Inn

49-51 James Street West, Bath BA1 2DA

This Cask Marque pub serves two ales, ciders, and continental lagers, pub bar food such as cobs, pork pies, & scotch eggs etc. Sky Sports and BT Sports available and features live music from local and touring bands on Friday and Saturday evenings, plus the 1st Sunday of every month. They also have karaoke and a DJ once a month, see website for details.

Trowbridge House

128 Coronation Avenue, Bath BA2 2JP

A community pub with views over Bath

White Horse

42 Shophouse Road, Bath BA2 1EF

Regularly in the GBG some years ago and Branch Pub of the Year in 2011 this friendly community pub had a number of changes since, most recently in Aug 2018. The pub has had a new lease of life under the current management with two or maybe three ever changing guests rather than regular beers, recent beers have included Timothy Taylor, Robinsons, Black Sheep, Exile, Hogs Back, Dartmoor and Purity beers. Hoping to resume regular live music from 25 Jun 21. Generally last Friday of the month, 2nd and 4th Saturdays and 1st Sunday of the month but check pub facebook page or ents24 for latest gig lists. Opening times and food hours are liable to change a little with the seasons so best to check if travelling a distance.

Belvoir Castle

32-33 Victoria Building, Lower Bristol Road, Bath BA2 3EH

Freehouse opened around 1850 the Belvoir, meaning ‘beautiful view’, was named after Belvoir Castle (pronounced Beaver), the seat of the Dukes of Rutland. It is known that the family owned land in the city of Bath and hence the building of the pub called after its namesake. Three big screens showing SKY and BT sports, a games room with darts, pool and table football, a skittle alley and large function room with its own bar. Next door, and part of the pub, is a fish and chip shop known as ‘Pollocks of Bath’; it's food is served in the pub also.

Bladud's Head

1 Catsley Place, Bath BA1 6TA

Friendly traditional local pub built in 1858 with separate public and lounge bars (that were originally two pubs next door to each other). It has a function room with pool table to the rear. There are outside benches to the roadside front and a rear patio garden. As well as real ale it serves Thatchers Traditional cider on handpump. It is the home of the Bath Muzzle & Historic Breechloaders Association who meet every month in the function room.

Cross Keys

Midford Road, Combe Down, Bath BA2 5RZ

An historic inn dating from 1718 on the southern outskirts of the city, close to the beautiful Midford valley and popular with walkers. Featuring four ales, including guests often from a local 'Brewery of the Month' range of ales. Highly recommended, gastro standard, homemade food is available all sessions. The main bar on the left still has many original features and a large open fire. Musician Eddie Cochrane died in 1960 in the nearby St. Martin's Hospital and the snug area features pictures and memorabilia from his musical career. The restaurant is on the right and split across three levels. Parking is a bit restricted.

Curfew

11 Cleveland Place West, Bath BA1 5DG

Re-opened under new management Sep 2020. A pleasant pub on the outskirts of the city centre, serving Wadworth beers along with traditional British pub food. There is an upstairs dining room decorated in the modern wine bar pastel

Devonshire Arms

139 Wellsway, Bath BA2 4RY

Large bustling two room pub - under new management since Summer 2021 - sports orientated - food some evenings. Quiz every other Monday, 3 skittles teams use the alley, live music some Saturday evenings. Butcombe is regular with one changing guest. Snooker table upstairs (membership required).

Full Moon

High Street, Bath BA2 1DQ

Parking

Traditional 2 room local with rear terrace. No longer stocks real ale

Flan O'Briens

21 Westgate Street, Bath BA1 1EP

WiFi

A light and airy Irish themed pub with a single long narrow bar with high ceilings and large windows. It is rarity in Bath being a Victorian purpose built pub. Flan O'Brien was one of several nom de plumes of Brian O'Nolan - a major figure in 20th century Irish literature. The pub has two screens showing sports and can get very busy for major sporting events. A Freehouse since Sep 2020

Widcombe Social Club

Widcombe Hill, Bath BA2 6AA

Smoking Area

Completely rebuilt in 2015/16 this well established club re-opened in April 2016. Although owned by the members the bar is open to non-members. Function room hosts all sorts of events. No food at present but that will change. 1 regular beer and 1 guest at present. Hosted Bath & Borders CAMRA Winter Ales Festival in 2016, 2017 & 2018 and venue for the next event (8-9 Feb 2020).

Old Crown

131 High St, Bath BA2 1DA

Refurbished in Spring 2018. Now under new management since March 2019. At that time serving 2 real ales, London Pride and Tim Taylor Landlord, both selling at £2.40 a pint.

Harington Club

5-6 Harington Close,, Bath BA1 1HF

Close to Railway Station

The Harington Club is situated in a Georgian Grade II listed building in the heart of Bath. Founded in 1874, it is one of the last clubs of its type left in the country. As well as the bar there is a snooker room and a full-length skittle alley. It is regarded by its members as a safe haven from the rigours and stresses of 21st century life. Sometimes a second real ale will be available.

Golden Fleece

1-3 Avon Buildings, Lower Bristol Road, Bath BA2 1ES

Cask Marque Accredited

A simple local community pub that welcomes all, from young to old. No food, just beer and cider, plus music most weekends. BT sport when last visited Interesting and relatively unspoiled wood panelled bar area.

Grapes

14 Westgate Street, Bath BA1 1EQ

CAMRA Discount

Reputedly one of Baths oldest buildings the Grapes re-opened as a freehouse in late Aug 2019 after a two year closure and a stylish and sympathetic refurb. Two or maybe three ales typically from local brewers such as Fine Tuned , Frome or Kettlesmith or from further afield such as Anarchy, Oakham, Thornbridge, Boss, Cross Bay, Dark Star or Tiny Rebel. Wine on tap ! Live music Thurs and Sat. Offers 5% CAMRA discount. Food service is a small menu of locally sourced soups, cold meats and such like (more specialty deli than pie and chips!). Izakaya supper evenings are likely to become a regular occurrence at weekends in the upstairs room.

Green Park Brasserie

Green Park Station, Bath BA1 1JB

Lively brasserie on site of old train station. Butcombe Bitter normally available. Drinkers and diners welcome - diners have priority for seating during live music sessions ( Wed- Sat) . Sometimes closes for functions so worth checking ahead. Independently owned and run for 25 years by Andrew Peters who also owns Bath Pizza Co; their wood fired pizzas are available in the restaurant.

Walcot House

Walcot St, Bath BA1 5BG

Lunchtime Meals

Live Music

Upmarket bar and restaurant in former retail premises with nightclub and live music venue in the lower ground floor. Breakfast served in the mornings. Late night moves in the adjacent Club; Closed Mondays

Wolf, The Saloon

72, Lower Bristol Rd, Bath BA2 3HB

Dog Friendly

New (Sept 2020) craft ale, wine, and 'specialty' coffee bar on Lower Bristol Rd. It has four craft beers on, usually a couple local beers on ,including Kettlesmith, Yonder, and Arbor. Snacks, including cheese boards, cold cuts, and cake, are available. As well as the front room with the bar/counter, there is seating in a rear room. A covered courtyard at the rear has additional tables and bench seating.

Huntsman

1 Terrace Walk, Bath BA1 1LJ

Dating back to between 1748 and 1750 and taken over by Fuller's in 2012 and fully refurbished. This is now a smart gastro pub with a bar on the ground floor and an a la Carte style restaurant with its own bar upstairs. Two guest beers are usually on offer, and live music is sometimes played on the last Friday of the month. This pub is popular on the days Bath Rugby plays at home.

Apple Tree

8-10 North Parade Road, Bath BA2 4EU

Accommodation

Lunchtime Meals

Jukebox

Part of The Parade Park B & B Accommodation and serves both tourists and locals. Stopped selling real ale after minor refurbishment in the summer of 2017. Re-named Apple Tree Jun 18 and now stocking a wide range of keg and bottled ciders

Barley Mow

32 Bathwick Street, Bath BA2 6NZ

The Barley Mow, established in 1854, is one of the oldest traditional pubs in Bath and has a cosy bohemian feel. On two levels the main L-shaped bar has leather sofas and a wood burning stove; around the corner facing the bar is the pool table. A lower level has further tables and the dartboard. There is live music on most weekends and Bluegrass and Gypsy Jazz sessions on Wednesdays. No regular food service, but German style hot dogs and rolls are available on the bar and occasional curry nights are held. A carvery is served on Sunday lunchtimes.

Bath Brew House

14 James Street West, Bath BA1 2BX

Formerly the Metropolitan, and before that the Midland Hotel, the whole building underwent a major refurbishment in the summer of 2013 and re-opened as a brew-pub in September of that year. The on-site micro, the James Street Brewery, produces the two regular beers, malty Gladiator (3.9%) and the hoppier, citrussy Emperor (4.4%). There can up to four additional beers, usually James St seasonal beers. The bar also has a four-tap craft beer font serving artisan beers from both the UK and around the world. Through the main entrance is a large L-shaped bar. The James Street Brewery vessels can be seen, behind a glass frontage, to the rear of the bar and more or less opposite the main entrance. To the rear of the main bar area is a dining area with open kitchen, among whose features are a rotisserie and smoke house, and a very large garden and patio, which, in the summer makes an excellent sun trap and in winter is enclosed by a heated marquee. Upstairs is the Tank Room, where live free to air TV sports is sometimes shown, and which hosts quizzes, movie nights and comedy. This room, which has its own bar, can be hired as a function room.

New Inn

23-24 Monmouth Place, Bath BA1 2AY

Small and friendly bar with a modern tiled bar area with further seating upstairs in a small room and roof terrace. Sold by Wadworth to Red Oak Taverns in August 2019. Re-opened Jun 2016 after major internal and external refurbishment by the same group that operate Victoria Pub and Kitchen in Bath. New roof terrace and small function room added.

Canon

1 Barton Street, Bath BA1 1HQ

Previously Molloys (and before that O'Neills). A busy city centre bar, in what was an old chapel, is spread over two floors, with live sports TV and food. Launched in Dec 16 after refurbishment and re-branding. At least two and possibly three or four real ales on, plus a good range of craft beers and keg ciders. Cask Marque accredited.

Chapter One

Piccadilly Place, London Road, Bath BA1 6PL

Live Music

A brewpub serving up to 6 Keykeg craft beers on tap - many from the West Country (e.g. Moor, Wiper n True) but some from further afield, and now at least one from their own brewery, Verse Brewing (Chapter and Verse, geddit?!), on site. They also stock a selection of quality bar snacks, wine, cider, and a selection of craft beers in bottle and can. All beers are available for takeaway. The emphasis is on good beer and chat - no TV. Customers are welcome to bring their own takeaway food. Note that the hours are restricted due staffing problems. Unrestricted parking in Hanover St. Up to 3 hrs parking for Morrisons customers

Bear

6-10 Wellsway, Bath BA2 3AQ

Accommodation

Provides three, maybe four, real ales with Butcombe most of the time with local(ish) guests. The Bear Hotel is a local landmark with Snowy the life-sized polar bear above the entrance. Set on the edge of Bath's historic city centre with an uncluttered contemporary style, the original Bear pub was destroyed during the Bath Blitz, rapidly replaced with a temporary building (to keep up local morale), which lasted until the modern pub was built in 1956. A quiz is held most Wednesday evenings. Briefly renamed 'Zazu's' it has, thankfully, become the Bear again.

Westgate

38 Westgate Street, Bath BA1 1EL

Cask Marque Accredited

Lunchtime Meals

Situated in the bustling centre, not 100 metres from the famous baths, the West Gate is a lively meeting place with the features of a large traditional pub: long, narrow and comfortably furnished and occupying two floors. The pub itself has a long recorded history, thought to date back to 1611. It was recorded as one of Bath's original coaching inns, then known as the Angel.

Raven

6-7 Queen Street, Bath BA1 1HE