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