The best all-round pub in Bath is The Salamander, tucked just off Queen Square, known for its food and a strong selection of Bath Ales. For proper cask ale in an unspoilt setting, The Old Green Tree is the one locals point to, and for the smallest, cosiest pub in the city, The Coeur de Lion is the name to know, especially in winter with a fire going.
The Salamander: the local favourite
The Salamander, at 3 John Street, BA1 2JL, is a city-centre escape just off Queen Square, popular for its food alongside a fine selection of Bath Ales. It draws a friendly, eclectic crowd from across the city rather than being a tourist stop, which is usually the clearest sign of a genuinely good local pub.
The Coeur de Lion: smallest and prettiest
The Coeur de Lion is widely reckoned to be Bath's smallest, cosiest and prettiest pub. In winter it's a favourite for anyone wanting to escape the cold with a fire and a proper pint, tucked away from the main tourist routes.
The Old Green Tree: the cask ale classic
The Old Green Tree is the pub most often named by locals for straightforward, well-kept cask ale in an old-fashioned, unspoilt setting, the kind of pub that doesn't need gimmicks because the beer and the room do the work.
Other names worth knowing
Across wider local recommendations, the names that come up most consistently include The Star Inn, one of the most traditional pubs in the city with multiple small rooms and a strong CAMRA reputation; The Richmond Arms, a well-regarded neighbourhood pub; Ring O'Bells, Hare & Hounds and The Pig and Fiddle, all popular with a younger crowd; and The Crystal Palace, a central pub with a sizeable beer garden just behind the Abbey.
Comparison at a glance
| Pub | Area | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| The Salamander | Near Queen Square | Food and Bath Ales, local crowd |
| The Old Green Tree | City centre | Classic cask ale |
| The Coeur de Lion | City centre | Smallest, cosiest, good in winter |
| The Star Inn | City centre | Traditional, CAMRA-rated |
| The Crystal Palace | Behind the Abbey | Beer garden |
Picking a pub by what you want
If you want food alongside your pint, The Salamander is the easiest central choice. If you're after a proper old-school cask ale pub with no frills, The Old Green Tree is the one to seek out. For a cold afternoon and a fire, head for The Coeur de Lion, and if you want to sit outside, The Crystal Palace's beer garden just behind the Abbey is hard to beat in summer. Most of these are a short walk from each other in the city centre, so it's easy to try more than one in an afternoon.
Food and Sunday lunch
Several of Bath's pubs also do a well-regarded Sunday roast alongside their regular menu, and pub gardens across the city are popular for a sunny afternoon pint. If you're planning a visit around food specifically, see our best restaurants in Bath and afternoon tea guides for what else is around, and our Bath on a budget guide if you're keeping costs down on a longer visit.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best pub in Bath?
The Salamander, just off Queen Square, is the most consistently recommended all-rounder, known for its food and Bath Ales. The Old Green Tree is the top pick for cask ale specifically.
Which is the smallest pub in Bath?
The Coeur de Lion is widely considered Bath's smallest and cosiest pub, and a popular spot for a fireside pint in winter.
Is there a pub in Bath with a beer garden?
The Crystal Palace, just behind Bath Abbey, has a sizeable beer garden and is a popular choice in good weather.
Which Bath pub has the strongest CAMRA reputation?
The Star Inn is one of the most traditional pubs in the city, with several small rooms and a strong reputation among cask ale enthusiasts.
Are Bath's pubs within walking distance of each other?
Yes, most of the well-known central pubs, including The Salamander, The Old Green Tree, The Coeur de Lion and The Star Inn, are within a short walk of each other and of Queen Square.
Do Bath pubs get busy at weekends?
Yes, particularly central ones like The Salamander and pubs popular with a younger crowd like Hare & Hounds and The Pig and Fiddle. Arriving earlier in the evening gives you a better chance of a seat.