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Disappointment of the week with Real Ale Ray
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The Volunteer Rifleman's Arms, Bath
Bath
BA1 1BH
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 6½ of 10) see review guidelines
Blue Scrumpy left this review about The Volunteer Rifleman's Arms
Cosy pub located along an alleyway in the centre of Bath. This was the busiest of the pubs we visited in the town and had the best atmosphere too. 4 handpulls were all clipped when we arrived, but the landlord quickly informed us that he only had Otter Amber on. He suggested we should go to the Raven if we didn't like the choice! So, Otter Amber it was and in fairness it was a decent drink.
Locals were crowded on stools around the bar, all engaging in banter with the landlord and with other customers. There are no more than around 4 or 5 other tables in what is a very confined space. Luckily for us, one guy was about to leave and offered us his table. There is also a small outdoor seating area in the alley at the front.
A friendly place offering a warm welcome, as long as you don't mind the banter. Not a place you'd necessarily come for the ales, but nevertheless one to consider on any crawl of the town centre.
On 26th August 2023
- rating: 6
[User has posted 2452 recommendations about 2451 pubs]
Quinno _ left this review about The Volunteer Rifleman's Arms
Alleyway pub. Just as I remembered upon entering, perhaps bar a lick of paint. It’s a small and traditional boozer, probably would struggle with more than 25 people in. Crimson and cream colours, an aged green and gold pub carpet, with the walls covered in framed stuff - WWII and 60s - alongside MoR classics booming out. Not the best welcome – the barman was engrossed in his phone and the lushes sat at the bar being less than helpful rousing his attention. When we finally got acquainted he was friendly and apologetic though seemed stupefied by me wanting a half which I suppose reflects the usual clientele. Three cask over four sticks - London Pride, Butcombe Original and Exmoor Gold (so a fixed line-up, as ETA had the same in August last year). The latter was fine (NBSS 3). Despite the less-than-effusive welcome I quite enjoyed myself. It's an honest boozer, not too many of those in BA1. Worth putting on the crawl list.
Feb 2011
A lucky dip pub that surprised us by sporting four interesting ales. However my first choice was bad but it was replaced without fuss for an Exmoor Gold, the condition of which was fair. Atmosphere was very local with one or two earthy characters in attendance. Not necessarily one I’d rush back to but it was OK in context. Rated 6
On 15th August 2023
- rating: 7
[User has posted 5072 recommendations about 5055 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
E TA left this review about Volunteer Riflemans Arms
As mentioned below, this traditional old town pub is friendly, welcoming and largely free of nonsense. There was a good local feel and some robust banter to enjoy, and the rock music on the hifi was not intrusive. Ales on were Pride, Exmoor Gold, Landlord and Butcombe Original, all in great condition. Definitely worth including in a crawl or just popping in for a pint or two.
On 19th August 2022
- rating: 7
[User has posted 3280 recommendations about 3245 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Blackthorn _ left this review about Volunteer Riflemans Arms
A tiny pub tucked down one of Bath’s picturesque side streets but only a stone’s throw from the main shopping area, it’s a traditional, single room pub with a few outside tables in the pedestrianized alleyway at the front.
Décor wise it’s perhaps a little down at heel, but certainly nothing that a lick of paint and a new carpet wouldn’t put right. There is red painted wood panelling on the lower part of the walls with cream plasterwork above and wooden pews around the perimeter. The walls are liberally adorned with military posters and photographs, as well as a few brewery mirrors and a couple of Bath rugby shirts. A plasma was up above the door, but this was not in use on our visit and there were some plastic pot plants on the tables. Food is offered only between 12:00 – 4:00pm.
Beers on a recent visit were Butcombe, London Pride and the local Bellringer whilst a fourth pump appeared to have run out. Ciders were well represented with Blackthorn, Ashton Press, Black Rat and Moles West Country Gold.
On 18th September 2015
- rating: 7
[User has posted 1947 recommendations about 1860 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Rex Rattus left this review about Volunteer Riflemans Arms
This is a small, narrow fronted pub down a small passageway in the centre of town. In the main bar area downstairs there are a few settles and some standard tables and chairs; the walls to dado level are painted crimson; and the walls are covered with aviation themed and mainly WWII prints and memorabilia. There are a few homely touches like plants on the tables and magazines available for customers to read. There’s a dining room upstairs, although I didn’t have cause to visit it, and one or two benches outside at the front.
There were three ales on – Bass; Abbey Bellringer; and Mole’s Jailer’s Daughter. I didn’t see a menu, but I suspect we were in there too late in the afternoon for lunch. This is a nice enough little pub. It’s certainly not a destination venue, but worth dropping in for a swift one if you happen to spot it down the alleyway.
On 30th July 2014
- rating: 6
[User has posted 2606 recommendations about 2520 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Just a quick pint, then I'm off left this review about Volunteer Riflemans Arms
Compact side-street pub with an upstairs dining room (not visited) plus a couple of patio tables on the front pavement. Traditional furniture and decor (mostly with a military theme). Customers appeared to be split about 50:50 between regulars on the bar stools and visitors at the tables (although most of these seemed to be on a return visit, given the banter going on). Four beers on handpump - TT Landlord, Butcombe Bitter, St Austell HSD and the 'house' Best Bitter (which may be made by Moles, £3.30). Overall, looks an inviting place when you walk past, and certainly worth popping in.
On 1st February 2014
- rating: 7
[User has posted 8086 recommendations about 8086 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
BobOs . left this review about Volunteer Riflemans Arms
Good small back-street pub with a military theme, friendly staff and well kept ales. Good place for a break in the middle of the morning shopping session (if you can get away with it!). Above average.
On 16th July 2011
- rating: 6
[User has posted 370 recommendations about 355 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Roger Button left this review about Volunteer Riflemans Arms
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.
On 9th March 2011
- rating: 6
[User has posted 1239 recommendations about 1233 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Quinno _ left this review about Volunteer Riflemans Arms
A lucky dip pub that surprised us by sporting four interesting ales. However my first choice was bad but it was replaced without fuss for an Exmoor Gold, the condition of which was fair. Atmosphere was very local with one or two earthy characters in attendance. Not necessarily one I’d rush back to but it was OK in context.
On 6th February 2011
- rating: 6
[User has posted 5072 recommendations about 5055 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
John Bonser left this review about Volunteer Riflemans Arms
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.
On 26th November 2010
- rating: 5
[User has posted 560 recommendations about 560 pubs]