The Bell, Bath

We visit this pub about once a year and have had a decent pint each time. Unusual sprawling pub that gets busy when live music is on. Its the only place I know that has a coin operated laundry inside next to the toilets. Usuallly visit this and the Star up the hill o the same visit.

Very large one roomed pub that majors on being a music venue, mainly jazz. It looks a bit run down from the outside and nothing much changes inside. It looks a little neglected rather dirty. There’s a bit of effort going on with hop vines on the ceiling and flowers on each of the tables, which means that the place smells pleasant. There’s a bar billiards table to the rear which unusual these days. 8 handpumps on the bar with the beer being as listed below along with the odd changing guest. I had a pint of the Stonehenge Eye-Opener which was on instead of the Danish Dynamite. It was OK but not quite as good as I had expected for a GBG regular. Not a must visit pub but if you’re going to the nearby Star then call in for one.

Reasonable Bellringer ale but the staff and their attitudes have been of concern on many of my visits.

Just around the corner from the Star Inn on Walcot St is The Bell, an old looking pub both inside and out with loads of character. It manages to combine the old with the modern quite well as they have internet access plus WiFi availability. The pub is well know for it's live music, predominantly Jazz, which features two or three times a week. They have a large range of real ales, specialising in those from local brewers, and service is efficient and friendly. Worth a visit.

A very old pub with a tradition for live music. A bohemien atmosphere and clientel. Very relaxed and easy going. A good selection of real ales and good espresso. Pleasently out of step with your run of the mill pub.