Coeur de Lion, Bath

A lovely little pub (Bath’s smallest) which has changed little – if at all – since my last visit 12 years previous and is still run by Abbey Brewery. No space in the cosy bijou bar area so we managed to nab a table outside. Four cask on, we tried the Bass (NBSS 3), Abbey Bell Ringer (4) and the Goffs Porter (2 – past its best). It’s a solid pub that’s always worth checking-out when in the city. The Abbey Ales shop is next door. GBG’22 listed. 7.5 June 2010 A very small and cosy pub down an alleyway. There’s a fabulous stained glass Devenish Brewery window at the front and a carpeted and comfy interior with red and dark varnished wood being the predominant shades. Four ales plus a cider (Hells Bells) available with Abbey predominating as I understand they have now acquired the licence. My Crouch Vale Gold was excellent. Some nice outside seating is available for summer months. Seemed to be quite big on the rugby. I had a fun time in here and would happily pop back, making sure to time my visit outside of peak hours. Rated 7

Classic Bath alley pub that seems to operate as a de facto tap for the Abbey Ales Brewery. A sign outside proclaims it to be the smallest pub in Bath, which may well be the case if you ignore the first floor overspill area, as it otherwise comprises a compact carpeted ground floor room with the bar to the rear and limited seating around the perimeter. The bar has a dark wood counter and high matching bar back with some great etched glass mirrors bearing the pub’s name. These mirrors echo the front leaded windows, which have similar etched glass work denoting the Public bar and an old brewery name, all surrounded by a decorative floral design. A stone fireplace to one side has a stove in the hearth for colder days and a large Abbey Ales mirror above. Lincrusta walls are covered with blackboards listing beer and food options, drawing of local landmarks, bespoke brewery mirrors and a framed pub t-shirt. Also worth looking out for are the amazing Coeur de Lion etched glass panel at the end of the bar, and the staircase to the dining room and toilets, which is liberally flanked by countless photos and paintings. Limited bench seating is also available out in the alleyway. The Abbey Ales gift shop is in the unit next to this pub and three of their ales dominated the bar - Bath Star Ale, Bellringer and Best Bitter - with Draught Bass as the only other option. I tried the Star Ale, which was in great shape and served by a friendly barmaid who made idle chat with locals and strangers alike. I really liked this place and thought it was a great little pub and the ideal place for someone like Abbey Ales to showcase their beer. It’s a very small pub, so may not be great to visit at peak times, but we came late on a Sunday evening and had no trouble getting a seat. One of the picks from our weekend in Bath and somewhere I’d be very happy to return to.

A fantastic little traditional pub, a GBG regular, described by others, below and still owned by Abbey.  Ales on were Bellringer, White Friar, Oh Mr Porter and Bass, all in excellent condition.  The staff were helpful, and the precipitous stairs stopped the less desirable tourists coming up to the cosy, if somewhat dated, first floor bar.  It’s also dog-friendly, free biscuits on offer from the bar.  A great placed to hide away from the world and enjoy first class beer, and one to which I shall return.