Art Bar @ Abbey Hotel, Bath

Abbey Hotel site - www.abbeyhotelbath.co.uk

As it’s name suggests, this is very much a hotel bar rather than your traditional pub, but if that’s what you’re after it’s a pleasant enough space, and better than many hotel bars. First impressions are good, they’ve made a real effort outside of the hotel with wicker chairs, foliage and some attractive purple up lighting illuminating the stonework. No doubt this would be a great spot to sit and watch the world go by in the warmer weather, and even on a chilly October evening there were a few hardy souls sat out there. Once inside, it’s not immediately obvious where the bar is, as the first thing that you see is the hotel reception desk. It’s actually on out the back, and whilst it’s clear that you’re in a hotel it is nonetheless a relaxing place with candles on all the tables, potted plants, artwork on the walls and a liveried barman shaking cocktails behind the bar. All the staff seemed friendly and helpful. Food is served in the recently opened “Allium Brasserie” at the front of the hotel and we were keen to try this out as it has received rave reviews in the local press. Renowned chef Chris Staines is at the helm who has held Michelin starts at other establishments in London, although that is not apparently what he aiming for here. The menu was fairly concise with about half a dozen or so choices for each course, and offered some unusual options such as a starter of Quail salad glazed with Chilli Caramel. We both thoroughly enjoyed what we had and would highly recommend it – that said, with a three course meal for two and a bottle of wine leaving little change from £100, it’s clearly a step or two above your traditional “pub grub”. But if you fancy treating yourself, give it a go. Beers on tap were a little disappointing, with just Bath’s Gem available. The solitary cider was Stowford Press. This is a tricky one to mark, yet again. Food wise, I’d give it at least a 9/10, but of course, it’s not really a “pub” in the strictest sense which is what this website is for.

Abbey Hotel site - www.abbeyhotelbath.co.uk