Not already a member?
Join our community and
- Rate & review pubs
- Upload pictures
- Add events
JOIN for free NOW
Chat about:
Beer of the Week (w/e 27th April 2025) with Thuck Phat
on the Pub Forum
Detail Pages
Ring O Bells, Bath
Bath
BA2 4JT
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 7 of 10) see review guidelines
Will Larter left this review about Ring O Bells
A recent addition to the Good Beer Guide, but even more recently - there was work going on as I passed the pub this morning, and a notice apologising because the kitchen was not in action - it seems to have changed hands with a concomitant makeover and change of emphasis. There are still five hand pumps, but only Bass and Otter available. My two Bass drinking friends were not impressed, but we had just come from the Star Inn where it's as good as it gets. My half of Otter Ale was about NBSS 3, so pretty good really. Our visit coincided with an evening rush, and the staff were no doubt under a bit of pressure. Enough of allowances: not on my list for a revisit, but it's only five minutes from the station, so never say never.
On 5th November 2024
- rating: 5
[User has posted 4273 recommendations about 3935 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Quinno _ left this review about Ring O Bells
Long, low ceilinged and fairly modernised interior with some traditional touches via the flagstone floor, chunky wood tables and pew seating. Some modern repro breweriana on display. Four cask on the go; TTL, Otter, one I forgot to note, and of course I went straight for the Bass and was rewarded with an excellent pint (NBSS 4). Surprisingly busy for a Tuesday evening with a bustling atmosphere. Close to the station and a good discovery, I’ll be back for the Bass and train station convenience. GBG'23 listed and rightfully so. 7.5
On 26th April 2023
- rating: 8
[User has posted 5552 recommendations about 5533 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
E TA left this review about Ring O Bells
Much as described by Blackthorn, below, this modernised high street pub is still very much a food-led establishment, though it may have mellowed since the previous review. The signage is very contemporary, but at the end of the day its’s still just a pub. It feels a bit odd entering the rear garden by going upstairs, but otherwise it’s a comfortable arrangement. It was busy with diners, mainly tourists, plus a coven of ladies wot lunch hogging the bar and knocking back cheap wine. I quite liked the ambiance and the décor, which was helped by a few framed signed rugby shirts, and the pub was very dog-friendly. The staff let it down a bit – the barman was rude and surly, but efficient nonetheless. Ales on were Pride, Gem and Exeter Avocet. I went for the Avocet and found it in good condition, though a bit over-chilled. Worth making the effort to find, and I’d like to come back and eat here some time.
On 6th December 2022
- rating: 7
[User has posted 3516 recommendations about 3480 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Blackthorn _ left this review about Ring O Bells
I daresay at one time this may have been a traditional high street boozer, but these days it’s much more of a bistro/restaurant than your typical pub. All tables except a very small circular one squashed in the back were laid up for food on a recent Saturday evening visit, and all were fully occupied. There were however a few high chairs up at the bar, and these too were fully utilised by punters who were just after a drink.
It’s got a contemporary appearance, with a great flagstone floor, some exposed stone walling and plasterwork elsewhere with cream paintwork with some pale green detailing. A number of pieces of artwork adorned the walls, much of it for sale if you’ve got a spare £300 knocking around. There is also a function room upstairs which appeared to be booked out to a private party. A notice advertised Sunday jazz nights, which I guess may also be in the function room. Staff all seemed friendly and helpful.
As befits it’s restaurant aspirations, the menu was very much of the gastro-pub variety with most of the mains around the £15 mark or more. My Lamb Shank in a rich sauce and herby mash was a very pleasant dish, but by the time I’d added a side order of veg it had breached the £20 barrier, so I’d expect it to be good. A Shropshire Blue Cheese & Raisin tart was an unusual starter, and also very pleasant so I’d certainly recommend it food wise, but it’s no good if you’re expecting “pub grub”, and in any case you’d be unlikely to get a table if you hadn’t booked. A number of punters were turned away whilst we were there. Having said that, there was a tapas menu chalked up on a board next to the bar, so that may be another option if you’re not after a full blown meal.
The solitary beer on tap was Moles Best, and the only cider Black Rat. This is a tricky one to mark. What it does, it does well, and I’d happily return. But it’s not really a pub in the strictest sense of the word, and this is, after all, a pub review website. Nonetheless, I enjoyed it so will mark it accordingly. Just bear in mind my comments if you’re after more of a proper “pub”.
On 19th March 2012
- rating: 8
[User has posted 2060 recommendations about 1962 pubs]