The Yard, Bath

A slightly alternative pub just a couple of minutes stroll away from the centre, but nonetheless a decent enough place. At the front is a small courtyard which you have to walk through to get to the bar, and behind this a pool room. The bar itself looks to be stuck in a bit of a time warp, and probably hasn’t changed much since the 70’s. Certainly the curtains look to be at least 30 years old! It’s clearly a bit of a music venue with various posters on the window advertising up and coming bands as well as numerous instruments adorning the interior – several violins and a large bass drum hanging from the ceiling, trumpets and an accordion above the bar, etc. The band/stage area is at the rear of the pub, along with a dart board. At the front is an old TV in one corner, a disused fireplace and a fruit machine adjacent to it. There are numerous photographs, old beer posters, etc. on the walls and interestingly a Jack Daniels pane of glass in the entrance door which I’ve not seen anywhere else. There was also a very retro computer game which must also be from the 70’s, although whether this was still working I’m not sure. There was a good mixture of age ranges present, and punters and landlady all seemed friendly enough. There was a very basic bar snack menu offered on lunchtimes only – a few omelettes, baguettes, and several variations on chips and beans – Cheesy Chips & Bacon; Double egg, chips & beans; Cheesy Chips, beans & bread etc. Beers on tap were Courage Best and London Pride. There was also a pump clip for Otter Ale although it appeared that this had run out. Ciders were Blackthorn, Strongbow & Thatcher’s Gold.