Roman Bath, York

A peculiar pub which feels as though it was tarted up for tourists many moons ago but has now reverted to a locals' pub with a band of regulars. The interior is a strange mix of Roman, 1930s, 1950s and 1990s, with the Roman Bathhouse wall friezes still prominent (there is a museum in the cellar below, with admission charge). Food is mentioned in a couple of places online but was noticeable by its absence on a weekday lunchtime - perhaps it is only at certain times. Two handpumps offered TT Landlord and Boltmaker, in tolerable if not brilliant condition, otherwise just standard keg. Adequate, but there are much better pubs nearby.

Facebook page of Roman Bath - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of Roman Bath - www.facebook.com

Sitting above a Roman bathhouse opened as a museum is the aptly named Roman Bath. The interior is a single room with a small bar area in the left rear corner. Seating is found throughout and all of the tables were full with diners during my recent lunchtime Saturday visit. The location of this pub dictates that it is a popular tourist destination so the food is traditional northern pub grub. I must say that I was surprised at the liberal use of gravy in the north. In fact this pub was the location that I watched a local inhabitant pour gravy over their buttered beef baguette before eating it with a knife and fork… What... The … F..!!? I had a look in the menu but I couldn’t find the sloppy brown baguette meal, but I did note that all of the mains were priced under a tenner. I found the staff to all be very friendly and they all seemed too happy in their work. The bar is stocked with standard draught and the two hand pumps were drawing John Smiths and Theakston’s Old Peculiar. During my visit there was some low background music playing and I noted that regular live music is held at the weekends. I didn’t see any televisions so there is no live sport aired. Out the back is a beer yard that houses some outside seating. Although I will not be rushing back to this pub for a beer, I would consider revisiting if I happen to be in the area whilst hankering after a soggy brown gravy roll.