The Volunteer Rifleman's Arms, Bath

Cosy pub located along an alleyway in the centre of Bath. This was the busiest of the pubs we visited in the town and had the best atmosphere too. 4 handpulls were all clipped when we arrived, but the landlord quickly informed us that he only had Otter Amber on. He suggested we should go to the Raven if we didn't like the choice! So, Otter Amber it was and in fairness it was a decent drink. Locals were crowded on stools around the bar, all engaging in banter with the landlord and with other customers. There are no more than around 4 or 5 other tables in what is a very confined space. Luckily for us, one guy was about to leave and offered us his table. There is also a small outdoor seating area in the alley at the front. A friendly place offering a warm welcome, as long as you don't mind the banter. Not a place you'd necessarily come for the ales, but nevertheless one to consider on any crawl of the town centre.

Alleyway pub. Just as I remembered upon entering, perhaps bar a lick of paint. It’s a small and traditional boozer, probably would struggle with more than 25 people in. Crimson and cream colours, an aged green and gold pub carpet, with the walls covered in framed stuff - WWII and 60s - alongside MoR classics booming out. Not the best welcome – the barman was engrossed in his phone and the lushes sat at the bar being less than helpful rousing his attention. When we finally got acquainted he was friendly and apologetic though seemed stupefied by me wanting a half which I suppose reflects the usual clientele. Three cask over four sticks - London Pride, Butcombe Original and Exmoor Gold (so a fixed line-up, as ETA had the same in August last year). The latter was fine (NBSS 3). Despite the less-than-effusive welcome I quite enjoyed myself. It's an honest boozer, not too many of those in BA1. Worth putting on the crawl list. Feb 2011 A lucky dip pub that surprised us by sporting four interesting ales. However my first choice was bad but it was replaced without fuss for an Exmoor Gold, the condition of which was fair. Atmosphere was very local with one or two earthy characters in attendance. Not necessarily one I’d rush back to but it was OK in context. Rated 6

As mentioned below, this traditional old town pub is friendly, welcoming and largely free of nonsense. There was a good local feel and some robust banter to enjoy, and the rock music on the hifi was not intrusive. Ales on were Pride, Exmoor Gold, Landlord and Butcombe Original, all in great condition. Definitely worth including in a crawl or just popping in for a pint or two.

This is a small, narrow fronted pub down a small passageway in the centre of town. In the main bar area downstairs there are a few settles and some standard tables and chairs; the walls to dado level are painted crimson; and the walls are covered with aviation themed and mainly WWII prints and memorabilia. There are a few homely touches like plants on the tables and magazines available for customers to read. There’s a dining room upstairs, although I didn’t have cause to visit it, and one or two benches outside at the front. There were three ales on – Bass; Abbey Bellringer; and Mole’s Jailer’s Daughter. I didn’t see a menu, but I suspect we were in there too late in the afternoon for lunch. This is a nice enough little pub. It’s certainly not a destination venue, but worth dropping in for a swift one if you happen to spot it down the alleyway.

Compact side-street pub with an upstairs dining room (not visited) plus a couple of patio tables on the front pavement. Traditional furniture and decor (mostly with a military theme). Customers appeared to be split about 50:50 between regulars on the bar stools and visitors at the tables (although most of these seemed to be on a return visit, given the banter going on). Four beers on handpump - TT Landlord, Butcombe Bitter, St Austell HSD and the 'house' Best Bitter (which may be made by Moles, £3.30). Overall, looks an inviting place when you walk past, and certainly worth popping in.