The Charlcombe Inn, Bath

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E TA left this review about The Charlcombe Inn

Originally The Blathwayt Arms, the name was changed a couple of years ago, according to one of the locals, to disassociate the pub from the Blathwayt family who were involved in the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. Whether that’s true or not, the name change coincided with a makeover including what feels like a corporate blue paint job, to make the pub more open, airy and welcoming. It’s on a large, open site next to the main road into Bath from the North, near the racecourse. There is a large car park and a garden with a children’s play area. Inside, there is a single large L-shaped bar with a stone chimney containing a small woodburner at the long end. The shorter end is a slightly lower level and has church pews and dining tables. The food is faux restaurant style, with some strange ‘specials’ (deep-fried spaghetti Bolognese?) and was a bit pricey for the area, but that’s not surprising given the location. Four handpumps on the bar – one was dry but clipped Tribute, two more were unclipped, leaving a fourth dispensing Butcombe Original which was in average condition. There was no real local atmosphere, the staff were functional rather than welcoming, and it’s probably better suited to race-goers or passing families than drinkers.

On 23^rd February 2023 - rating: 6
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