The Milsom, Bath

Blackthorn _ left this review about The Milsom

A recently opened pub in an imposing building at the top of Bath’s premier shopping street, it was until recently a branch of the Loch Fyne restaurant chain, and presumably before that a bank, going on the engraving on the stonework above the door. Whilst technically it might be a pub, in as much that you can go in and having a pint of something on tap without having to eat etc., it stretches the definition rather thinly and is, in reality, more of a restaurant or cocktail bar.

It's certainly very elegant inside with a very high roof, tall alabaster columns, a panelled ceiling, ornate architrave and high arched windows. Flooring is a mixture of colourful mosaic tiling and sanded wooden boards, whilst oak wood panelling was used to segregate certain areas. The bar counter was quite impressive being also made of oak, or similar, with arches behind to match the windows, recessed lighting and carvings along the front. Seating was primarily for diners, although there were some high tables along the front by the window, a handful of stools at the bar and some small tables in a separate room by the entrance door along with a stone fireplace.

Unfortunately, there were no real ales on tap, or in fact any ales at all come to that, with the only draught options being Guiness or Estrella Galicia. Whether there were any available in bottles I’m not sure, but as far as I could make out the drinks list that we were handed consisted entirely of wines, spirits, cocktails and so on. Prices seemed a bit steep as well with a pint of the Estrella coming in at £6.50, although at least there was no service charge added on, it rather felt like the sort of place that might. I may perhaps return to try the food, but really as a pub it falls woefully short, to the point of not really being a pub at all.

On 6^th August 2023 - rating: 4
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