Bath's best pubs range from the heritage Star Inn, where the ale still comes from a jug, to the community-owned Bell Inn with its famous live music, and gastropubs like the Marlborough Tavern and the view-blessed Hare and Hounds. Here are eight worth seeking out, all confirmed open for 2026, with what each is known for.
Bath keeps its Georgian character in its pubs, so this leans towards the ones with real history or a genuine local following. Areas and specialities below.
1. The Star Inn
Photo: starinnhighlittleton.com
The Vineyards, Paragon. A Grade II-listed heritage ale house and the home pub of Abbey Ales, where some beer is still served by gravity from a jug. No gimmicks, just a proper old Bath pub.
2. The Bell Inn
Walcot Street. Community-owned by hundreds of member-owners, and legendary for live jazz, blues and vinyl DJ sets, with pizza and a covered garden. The most characterful night out in Bath.
3. The Raven
Queen Street. A multi-floor pub renovated in 2023, famous for its pies and a rotating range of local real ales. The pick for a hearty lunch and a good pint.
4. The Old Green Tree
Green Street. A tiny, wood-panelled 18th-century pub, all character and cask ale. Note it serves drinks only, no food, but for atmosphere it's hard to beat.
5. The Salamander
John Street. A traditional central pub with Bath Ales links, doing pub classics and a well-regarded Sunday roast (book ahead, the kitchen closes early on Sundays).
6. The Garrick's Head
St John's Place, beside the Theatre Royal. A gastropub built for pre-theatre dining, with a terrace and the same owners as the King William. Handy and reliably good.
7. The Marlborough Tavern
Photo: marlborough-tavern.com
Marlborough Buildings, by Royal Victoria Park. A 200-year-old gastropub with a creative, changing menu, strong veg and vegan options and celebrated roasts. Bath's best-known food pub.
8. The Hare and Hounds
Lansdown Road, above the city. A country-view gastropub with a terrace and panoramic views over Bath and the countryside. Worth the trip up the hill for the outlook alone.
The honest alternative
If you just want a quick pint in the centre, the Star, the Old Green Tree and the Raven are all within a short walk of the Abbey. Save the climb to the Hare and Hounds for a clear day when the view earns it, and head to the Bell when there's music on. For food-led spots and afternoon tea, see where to eat and drink in Bath.
FAQs
What are the best pubs in Bath?
For heritage, the Star Inn (with ale from a jug) and the Old Green Tree; for live music, the community-owned Bell Inn on Walcot Street; for food, the Marlborough Tavern and the Raven; and for a view, the Hare and Hounds up Lansdown. All are confirmed open for 2026.
Which Bath pub has live music?
The Bell Inn on Walcot Street, which is community-owned and known for regular live jazz, blues and vinyl DJ sets. It also does pizza and has a covered garden.
Which Bath pub is best for a real ale?
The Star Inn on the Vineyards, home of Abbey Ales and a Grade II-listed heritage pub where some beer is served by gravity from a jug. The Old Green Tree and the Raven are also strong for cask ale.
Do Bath pubs serve food?
Most do, including the Marlborough Tavern, the Raven, the Salamander and the Garrick's Head. The main exception on this list is the Old Green Tree, which serves drinks only.