The Black Fox, Bath

This is almost a wedge-shaped pub that is much larger inside than it initially appears, even managing to have accommodation. There is a small reception desk at the end of the bar. The ground floor interior has a light and airy feel to it, whilst a broad staircase leads down to a subterranean room with plenty more seating. The toilets were also down here and were immaculately clean. A couple of handpulls can be found on the bar. One was dispensing Electric Bear Two Halves One Glass, with the other dispensing Bristol Cider Company Rhuby. There was also a good selection of local craft beers. I liked this place much more than I thought I would. The beer and cider were both very enjoyable indeed.

Modernised place (was a Hobgoblin until a few years ago), stripped-back - bland light colours with both sanded floors and tables. Downstairs area unexplored, though I doubt more than a couple of people were present as there were only five upstairs to start with. Specialist gin is the big shifter here and to be fair it's presented well. Two pumps with a single cask, Bath Gem, which was as was to be anticipated (NBSS 2.5) served up by the local version of Gavin & Stacey’s ‘Ness. Nothing to entice me back.

Refurbished and renamed since my previous review, this now has a slightly more gastropub feel to it perhaps, although whether that is the style of food, I’m not sure as I didn’t inspect the menu. Certainly it’s a bit of a change from it’s rather rough and ready Hobgoblin days. It’s not a particularly large pub, but is split over two floors with a prominent central staircase leading down to a basement room. Decor wise it consists of sanded wooden boards on the floor and much white paintwork on both the ceiling and walls giving it a light and airy feel. The bar counter is situated at the rear of the pub, and above this was a blackboard detailing a selection of cocktails and speciality gins. A few bookshelves lined the walls as well as some colourful artwork and a couple of clocks. Lighting was exposed filament light bulbs as of course is de rigour in any pub renovation these days, and there were also a few barrels dotted around for vertical drinking. The style downstairs was broadly similar, alo0ng with some old pub signs on the wall and a rolled-up projector screen, so presumably some sporting fixtures are screened. Beers on tap were Bath Ales’ Gem and 365 from the New Bristol Brewery. Ciders meanwhile were Thatcher’s Gold and North Street. Overall, quite an improvement, and worth checking out.

Hugely improved since previous visits, below, and its Hobgoblin days well behind it. The décor is a refreshed pale blue on the lapboarded walls, while the old wooden floor continues to add a bit of character. We were greeted by a convivial spaniel, while the barman was busy being patient and polite to foreign tourists. Food was gastro-style, but not hugely expensive compared to other pubs in this part of town, apart from the speciality snacks. Two ales on, Bath Gem and Electric Bear’s Glitch, both in really good condition. There were also 3 ciders and a craft lager. A revitalised pub which would now make a good inclusion on a crawl.

Official site of The Black Fox - www.blackfoxbath.com

Official site of The Black Fox - www.blackfoxbath.com