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Beer of the Week (w/e 17th March 2024) with Mobyduck on the Pub Forum

Ludo, Bath

Pub added by Blackthorn _
9 Brunel Square
Bath
BA1 1SX
Phone: 01225429392

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Reviews (Current Rating Average: of 10) Add Review see review guidelines


Quinno _ left this review about Ludo

One I’ve been meaning to do for a long time as it was a modern Bath Ales opener and a last hurrah before the end and their takeover by St Austell. Is visible from the train when it pulls into the platform so it’s well-known by sight. Located up a couple of flights of stairs (which I guess helps to keep out the incapable). Enter to a large and very impressive new build with light wood, plate glass and an island bar. Upmarket hipster feel, so of its time. Six handpumps at either end of the oval bar though just the three cask on; Tribute, Bath Gem and St Austell Anthem, the latter of which was a bit tired and pump flabby (NBSS 2) served-up by a disinterested barman. None of the other dozen or so punters were on the cask and it’s basically a lager drinkers eatery now. Once was enough. 5.5

Addendum: three weeks later they closed!!

On 27th April 2023 - rating: 6
[User has posted 5030 recommendations about 5013 pubs]


Please Note: This review is over a year old.


E TA left this review about Graze

A modern bar and restaurant as described by others, below. I wasn’t sure what to expect when climbing the stairs to get to the top floor where the bar is, but it was worth the climb. A pleasant place to sit, friendly staff, and the food, while not cheap, was actually reasonable value for the area. Ales on were St Austell’s Anthem and Bath Gem, both in very good condition. Probably the best pub in the proximity of the railway station, and its easy access from the platform makes it a good place to start a crawl.

On 15th December 2022 - rating: 6
[User has posted 3268 recommendations about 3233 pubs]


Please Note: This review is over a year old.


Graham Coombs left this review about Graze

Exactly as described in previous reviews. Quite a nice feel for a modern bar and incredibly handy for the station. Bath Gem and Prophecy on pump. The micro-brewery is now installed but not obviously functioning.

On 23rd August 2021 - rating: 7
[User has posted 3296 recommendations about 3233 pubs]


Please Note: This review is over a year old.


Rex Rattus left this review about Graze

This ultra modern bar, right next to Bath Spa Station and showcasing Bath Brewery ales, is reached up a lot of stairs from street level or by a lift just inside the entranceway. It’s so near the platforms that it had a strong ale on called Platform 3. I went for the tried and tested Bath Gem which was in fine nick and very welcome after a horrendous train journey to Bath. I didn’t look at a menu but food is clearly an important player here as a number of tables on the left were laid for diners. The very modern bar counter has some drinking areas surrounding it, as well as a fair bit of outside seating, including some on a balcony cum terrace overlooking the main road.

This bar has none of what I would call original pub character being only a couple of years or so old, but is jolly handy for Bath Spa Station.

On 29th 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 Graze

Modern bar / restaurant housed in the fully-glazed first floor area of a new building featuring some railway-style vaults at street level (and thus doing a reasonable job to stay in keeping with the adjacent Bath Spa station). Very food led, with most tables around the large island bar being set aside for dining. Narrow terrace on the city centre side behind the compact micro-brewery setup, and a less enticing view of the platforms from the other. A total of five Bath Ales beers available from the four banks of three handpumps, including a decent pint of Festivity Porter (£3.85). All things considered, not a bad spot to wait for a train.

On 1st February 2014 - rating: 7
[User has posted 8039 recommendations about 8039 pubs]


Please Note: This review is over a year old.


Blackthorn _ left this review about Graze

A new, purpose built Bath Ales pub in a new square immediately adjacent to both the train station and bus station making it very handy for thirsty travellers waiting for their ride home. It follows similar Graze outlets in Bristol and Cirencester and is a bit of a departure from the company’s more traditional pubs with the emphasis much more on food, and meat in particular as the name suggests. The carnivorous theme also extends to large white models of farm animals on the terrace that runs alongside the platform and several livestock pictures on the walls inside, as well as a large picture of a cow showing the different cuts of meat on the front of the menu and a pantry next to the kitchen where various hams are hanging.

First impressions are not great with the entrance being up a rather soulless flight of steps and along characterless corridors that look as though they’re not properly finished yet. There was nothing missing, but it seemed as though they’d yet to have a good clean since the builders had left. Once inside the pub proper though it’s a different story. It’s a long single room with large windows all along each side giving good views over Brunel Square on one side and the railway lines on the other. The overall ambience is fairly utilitarian with an open roof space as seems to be the vogue in many places these days with the air conditioning ducting, cable trays, etc. clearly visible, although there were at least some wooden slats down the centre of the ceiling to soften it a little. There is more wood elsewhere, with slatted wall panels at one end, wood strip on the floor and a large oval wooden bar counter in the centre of the room. A number of large globe lamps provided the lighting.

Seating was a mixture of long benches perpendicular to the windows, and conventional tables and chairs elsewhere. There were also a few bar stools at the far end, although unusually these looked in to the open kitchen rather than the bar counter. Perhaps you can sit here and watch your food being prepared before moving to a table to eat it. Another point of interest was the four brewing vessels located on the front wall, and these also have bar stools around the perimeter. I understand there are plans to run a micro-brewery on-site, although I’m not sure if this has happened yet.

The menu consisted primarily of steaks and other meat dishes such as Barnsley chops and a Steak & Bath Ale pudding with bone marrow gravy. Even the starters were very meat focused and included devilled kidneys on toast or seared ox tongue, although there were a small number of both fish and vegetarian options. Our starter of a mixed charcuterie board was disappointing, with just two meats included, a salami and something which may have been steak tartare which was somewhat tough and chewy. We’ve had similar dishes elsewhere and have had a much better selection of meats as well as some cheeses. Main courses were better, but nothing outstanding. A Smoked Haddock Kedgeree seemed expensive at £13.95 and was ok but not especially tasty. Similarly Mrs. B’s faggots were apparently lacking in any texture being made with a very fine, almost pureed mince.

Staff were all friendly and helpful, although the table service for drinks was very slow. To be fair though, the waitress apologised for this even though we hadn’t mentioned it and knocked the price of the drinks off the bill. Considering Mrs. B. had a £7 glass of wine (that was also un-chilled) that was a bit of a result. Beers on tap were all from the Bath Ales stable with their Gem, Spa, Barnsey and Dark Side. The solitary cider was also their own Bounders. All in all this is a handy spot for grabbing a pint whilst waiting for the train, but the food was a little disappointing and the beer choice is somewhat limited. Personally I prefer their more traditional pubs.

On 7th January 2013 - rating: 6
[User has posted 1937 recommendations about 1850 pubs]