The Volunteer Rifleman's Arms, Bath

This traditional small single room pub is tucked away in a side street in the centre of town. As the name suggests, there are plenty of military themes throughout the pub by way of pictures, cigarette cards and posters all mixed in with sporting memorabilia and signed sports shirts (this is apparently a Bath rugby stronghold). There are also Theatre posters down the stairs to the loos. It was pretty quiet for our early evening visit with just a few fairly young locals congregating around the bar who were quite chatty and, whilst not unfriendly, I did feel a hint of feeling like I was invading their territory. The pub was pretty good for ales although I only noted Exmoor Gold and Cotswold Spring Honey Bear however this wa our penultimate stop after a lengthy day so notes and memories are a bit faded but I wouldn’t have any problems in popping back on a future visit to fill in the blanks.

Hidden away down a narrow alleyway in the centre of the city is The Volunteer Rifleman’s Arms, a smallish traditionally furnished L shaped bar that features a lot of RAF memorabilia. On my recent early evening visit, the pub was virtually empty and a French gentleman, who appeared to be the landlord / tenant was engaged in a full and frank discussion with one of his bar staff. Whilst their difference of opinion never really threatened to turn ugly, it did, unfortunately, dominate the pub and lead the overall atmosphere. I didn’t feel inclined to linger too long and, after downing a good pint of Butcombe, I was on my way. I seem to recall there were 3 other beers on – details not recorded. I do hope there’s a more convivial atmosphere if you decide to call in.

One to rival The Couer de Lion in the smallest pub in Bath stakes. A friendly welcome from the jovial landlord who was exchanging constant banter with the customers. As the pub name suggests, a bit of a military theme, collections of army and tank cigarette cards, fighter aircraft pictures etc. Poppies sold on the bar. Plenty of Bath Rugby stuff too including a framed signed shirt. I noticed an England signed shirt too. A carpeted room, just four tables with bench seats and small stools plus a few occupied bar stools although the customers moved aside to allow a view of the beer pumps. Weymouth Durdle Door, Cotleigh Golden Seahawk, Poppy Otter and the rebadged Volunteer Rifleman's Arms Pantie Dropper (something from Bath Ales I believe). Very enjoyable.

Another of Bath's small pubs, this one has some outside seating and an upstairs bistro. There's a military theme to the décor and a large Abbey Ales mirror that dominates one wall. Some small pubs can be a bit intimidating for a stranger walking in but we were welcomed in this one and space was made for us at the bar. Good selection of ales which were supplemented by the Bee Sting real cider, one of two or three they serve I think.

There is a selection of beers, not that good when we visited.

Perfectly situated in the centre of town, this tiny pub offers a friendly atmosphere, good beer and food. Just Great!