Ludo, Bath

A new, purpose built Bath Ales pub in a new square immediately adjacent to both the train station and bus station making it very handy for thirsty travellers waiting for their ride home. It follows similar Graze outlets in Bristol and Cirencester and is a bit of a departure from the company’s more traditional pubs with the emphasis much more on food, and meat in particular as the name suggests. The carnivorous theme also extends to large white models of farm animals on the terrace that runs alongside the platform and several livestock pictures on the walls inside, as well as a large picture of a cow showing the different cuts of meat on the front of the menu and a pantry next to the kitchen where various hams are hanging. First impressions are not great with the entrance being up a rather soulless flight of steps and along characterless corridors that look as though they’re not properly finished yet. There was nothing missing, but it seemed as though they’d yet to have a good clean since the builders had left. Once inside the pub proper though it’s a different story. It’s a long single room with large windows all along each side giving good views over Brunel Square on one side and the railway lines on the other. The overall ambience is fairly utilitarian with an open roof space as seems to be the vogue in many places these days with the air conditioning ducting, cable trays, etc. clearly visible, although there were at least some wooden slats down the centre of the ceiling to soften it a little. There is more wood elsewhere, with slatted wall panels at one end, wood strip on the floor and a large oval wooden bar counter in the centre of the room. A number of large globe lamps provided the lighting. Seating was a mixture of long benches perpendicular to the windows, and conventional tables and chairs elsewhere. There were also a few bar stools at the far end, although unusually these looked in to the open kitchen rather than the bar counter. Perhaps you can sit here and watch your food being prepared before moving to a table to eat it. Another point of interest was the four brewing vessels located on the front wall, and these also have bar stools around the perimeter. I understand there are plans to run a micro-brewery on-site, although I’m not sure if this has happened yet. The menu consisted primarily of steaks and other meat dishes such as Barnsley chops and a Steak & Bath Ale pudding with bone marrow gravy. Even the starters were very meat focused and included devilled kidneys on toast or seared ox tongue, although there were a small number of both fish and vegetarian options. Our starter of a mixed charcuterie board was disappointing, with just two meats included, a salami and something which may have been steak tartare which was somewhat tough and chewy. We’ve had similar dishes elsewhere and have had a much better selection of meats as well as some cheeses. Main courses were better, but nothing outstanding. A Smoked Haddock Kedgeree seemed expensive at £13.95 and was ok but not especially tasty. Similarly Mrs. B’s faggots were apparently lacking in any texture being made with a very fine, almost pureed mince. Staff were all friendly and helpful, although the table service for drinks was very slow. To be fair though, the waitress apologised for this even though we hadn’t mentioned it and knocked the price of the drinks off the bill. Considering Mrs. B. had a £7 glass of wine (that was also un-chilled) that was a bit of a result. Beers on tap were all from the Bath Ales stable with their Gem, Spa, Barnsey and Dark Side. The solitary cider was also their own Bounders. All in all this is a handy spot for grabbing a pint whilst waiting for the train, but the food was a little disappointing and the beer choice is somewhat limited. Personally I prefer their more traditional pubs.