The Sam Weller's, Bath

Sounds like either an upmarket bar or Britpop Dad hangout…but in reality, it's a standard boozer (WhatPub tells me the name is a character in Pickwick Papers, shows what I know). L shaped main bar with a room behind with the lights turned off. Quite nicely maintained; wood floor, rugs, magnolia walls, cast iron pillars with dark blue wood trim and plush red velveteen banquettes. Four sticks with two cask, Butcombe and Hop Union Moose River, the latter of which was pretty good (NBSS 3.5). Almost empty when nearby outlets were thriving - mind you, the main bar fly probably puts people off. Odd one, I liked the place and the beer was good but the vibe was off. I’d give it another go. 6.5

Signs outside proclaiming that this is a ‘proper boozer’ are not unreasonable.  The interior has been carved out of the old buildings to form a reasonable sized bar at the front and a smaller, cosier room at the back.  The architecture was worthy of note, if only for its practicality rather than beauty – iron columns supporting beams where the earlier supporting walls had been.  There were a couple of tables and chairs on the pavement outside, but these were unoccupied and not terribly inviting.  The welcome was genuine, the atmosphere was convivial, and dogs were welcomed.  The background music was enjoyable, for a change.  We didn’t try the food so can’t comment on it, but the process didn’t look excessive given the location.   Ales on were Purity Ubu and Oakham Citra, both in good condition.  A pleasant surprise, worth a visit and inclusion in a crawl.