The Best Pubs in Bath
Bath’s pub culture is as layered as its famous Georgian architecture, offering everything from historic inns tucked behind ancient facades to vibrant cider houses and modern gastropubs. Across this UNESCO World Heritage city, you can settle into a cosy corner for a proper pie and a real ale, catch live music in a bohemian free house, or enjoy a seasonal Sunday roast with sweeping valley views. Whether you’re after a sun-trap terrace, a crackling fire, or a lively spot for a post-walk pint, the scene welcomes everyone from groups and dogs to solo drinkers. Come explore the best pubs in Bath.


1. The Raven
7 Queen St, Bath BA1 1HE, UK
Tucked away over several cozy floors, The Raven is a wonderfully bustling spot where you can settle in with a proper pint and a legendary pie. Their hearty, generously filled pies are a true highlight, served with creamy mash and perfectly paired with a great selection of ales, ciders, and cocktails. It’s a dog-friendly haven that’s ideal for groups, offering fantastic value for a satisfying, no-fuss meal in a genuinely charming setting.
Photo by Mike Parker — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


2. Bath Cider House
7 Bladud Buildings, Bath BA1 5LS, UK
Step into the heart of the city's cider scene at this wonderfully welcoming spot, the only dedicated craft cider pub around. They blend their own ciders on site, offering everything from crisp Somerset classics to modern pours, and their legendary 14 inch pizzas are made for sharing (or not!). With a sunny outdoor garden, big screens for live sports, and a dog friendly policy, it’s the perfect place for a relaxed catch up, a lively match day, or a post work pizza and pint.


3. The Bell Inn
103 Walcot St, Bath BA1 5BW, UK
Just off the main drag, The Bell Inn is a beloved community owned free house that pulses with bohemian energy and legendary live music. With a retractable roof over its beer garden, excellent local ales, and vinyl only DJ sets, it’s a welcoming spot for drinkers, thinkers, and dancers alike. Friendly for dogs and groups, this historic pub serves up great pizza and a genuinely warm vibe that makes everyone feel like a local.
Photo by Jaggery — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


4. The Salamander
3 John St, Bath BA1 2JL, UK
Nestled in a quiet corner near Queen Square, The Salamander is a delightfully cosy pub where traditional charm meets a warm, welcoming spirit. Their menu of classic British dishes, from perfectly cooked fish and chips to a superb Sunday roast, is crafted from fresh, local ingredients and offers excellent options for all dietary needs. The bar is a true treasure trove, boasting a fantastic range of Bath Ales, local ciders, and an impressive selection of gins and whiskies, all served by a friendly team that knows their stuff. With dog friendly policies, plenty of space for groups upstairs, and a fully air conditioned interior, it’s the ideal spot for a relaxed meal or a leisurely pint.
Photo by Anthony Parkes — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


5. The Architect
The Empire, Orange Grove, Bath BA1 1LP, UK
Housed within a grand Grade 2 listed building overlooking Pulteney Bridge, The Architect is a wonderfully bold pub that celebrates its striking design. The bar is stocked with an excellent selection of local ales, wines, and cocktails, while the menu shines with fresh, modern British dishes including standout gluten free options like fish and chips and a vegetarian pie. With a sun trap terrace, cozy booths, and a genuinely warm welcome for dogs and groups, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxed meal or a celebratory gathering.
Photo by Hugh Llewelyn from Keynsham, UK — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


6. The Chequers
50 Rivers St, Bath BA1 2QA, UK
For a truly special evening in the Georgian heart of the city, The Chequers is an absolute gem, offering a stunning menu of classic British cuisine alongside traditional ales, a vibrant wine list, and chic cocktails. This long-standing local meeting point is perfect for groups and welcomes dogs, with a cosy bar for a chat or a comfortable corner for a leisurely meal. While it sits at a higher price point, the exceptional food and expertly crafted drinks make every visit a memorable treat, whether you're settling in for a gorgeous Sunday roast or enjoying a sophisticated dinner.
Photo by Beata Cosgrove Photography — CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons


7. The Hare and Hounds
Lansdown Rd, Bath BA1 5TJ, UK
Perched high on Lansdown Hill with sweeping views over the Charlcombe Valley, The Hare and Hounds is a stunning stone pub that feels a world away from the bustle below. The menu is packed with mouth watering pub classics and reimagined favourites, all perfectly paired with award winning ales, hand selected wines, and expertly crafted cocktails. With a sprawling beer garden, a crackling open fire, and a warm welcome for dogs and groups alike, it’s the ideal spot for a leisurely lunch, a celebratory gathering, or a pint with a picture perfect view.
Photo by Bill Boaden — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


8. The Pig & Fiddle, Bath
2 Saracen St, Bath BA1 5BR, UK
Right on Saracen Street, The Pig & Fiddle is an iconic local that’s been given a brilliant new look, serving up hearty seasonal dishes and legendary Sunday roasts alongside award winning Butcombe craft ales, wines, and cocktails. With a fantastic courtyard beer garden for al fresco drinking and big screens showing all the live sports, it’s the perfect spot for groups and their four legged friends to gather, whether you're catching a game or tucking into a banging bar snack. This dog friendly hub is a must visit for a proper pint and a Piggy twist on the classics.
Photo by JThomas — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


9. The Crystal Palace, Bath
10-11 Abbey Grn, Bath BA1 1NW, UK
Right on Abbey Green, The Crystal Palace is a true gem of a Fuller's pub, serving up classic English dishes and daily specials in a beautifully modern setting. With a fantastic range of cask ales, wines, and cocktails, plus a lovely outdoor patio with heaters, it’s the perfect spot for groups and their four-legged friends to gather. Whether you're after a relaxed lunch or a lively evening, this welcoming spot offers great value and a genuinely enjoyable experience.
Photo by JThomas — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


10. The Huntsman, Bath
1 Terrace Walk, N Parade, Bath BA1 1LJ, UK
Behind the oldest façade in the city lies The Huntsman, a Fuller's pub where Georgian elegance meets contemporary comfort for some of the finest food and drink around. Their bar is brilliantly stocked with cask ales, craft beers, wines, and cocktails, while the menu shines with seasonal dishes and refined pub classics that absolutely hit the spot. With a beautiful outdoor terrace, live music, and a genuinely warm welcome for dogs and groups, it’s the perfect spot for everything from a relaxed lunch to an unforgettable celebration.
Photo by Lewis Clarke — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons




