Do you love a dirty martini or a classic margarita? Find out the top places for a night out in Bath with our guide for the discerning drinker
Circo Bar and Lounge
The Halcyon, 2-3 South Parade, Bath
Known for its signature cocktails and extensive wine list, Circo Bar and Lounge opened following a £1m refurbishment in 2011. With a focus on luxury and a design-led interior, the Grade I listed Georgian town house includes a four room vaulted cellar, complete with Chesterfield bed. The bar produces its own bitters, infusion, juices and purees in addition to its impressive back bar selection. However, if that isn’t enough to tempt you, the award-winning mixologists hold popular cocktail making classes most days of the week.
@Circobarbath www.circobar.co.uk
Opium Bar
The Vaults, Spring Gardens Road, Bath
A quirky cocktail experience, Opium is tucked away in the Vaults under Grove Street. The interior, a combination of periods from Victoriana to Bohemian Louis IV, is described by a Tripadvisor review as ‘Hidden, intimate, quirky’ with a ‘a fin-de-siècle Parisien’ feel. With a selection of classic cocktails and modern ‘house’ varieties, in addition to a hand-picked wine list and selection of world beers; you’ll be spoilt for choice.
The Montagu
The Royal Crescent Hotel, 15 Crescent Lane, Bath
Head to Bath’s iconic Royal Crescent for a five-star treat at the hotel’s Montagu bar. Sip a Riviera Fizz or Lemon Drop Martini from the creative cocktail menu, or select one of the fine champagnes or wines from the award-winning cellar.
@royalcrescent www.royalcrescent.co.uk
The Canary Gin and Wine Bar
2/3 Queen Street, Bath
Spread over two floors, the Canary Gin and Wine Bar is the go-to destination in Bath for gin lovers. Home of the Bath Gin Company, established in March 2014. The recipe for the eponymous spirit was developed in Bath and derives from the combination of Kaffir lime leaf, wormwood and liquorice. This ‘gin of a different persuasion’ is used to create The Canary’s signature cocktails. Start in ground floor Gin Bar before heading upstairs to the Martini bar to sip on a concoction by master mixolologist Tom Pople. Never fear if gin is not your tipple, the well stocked bars have alternative spirits, wines and beers to sip on.
@CanaryGinBar www.thebathgincompany.co.uk
Sub 13
4 Edgar Buildings, George Street, Bath
Extensive cocktail menu aside, this handsomely decorated haunt is well-worth a visit. Sip something sparkling in the Perrier-Jouët Champagne Lounge, designed by Shaun Clarkson (of Harvey Nichols and OXO tower fame), hang out in the main bar and sample cocktails muddled with home made infusions, or sit out in the garden to watch the world go by. Due to the high volume of stag and hen parties that descend on Bath, its nice to know that ‘No trashy fancy dress/ glitter / inflatables’ is part of Sub 13’s dress code.
Yammo!
66 Walcot Street, Bath
They may be known best as a Neapolitan street food kitchen and pizzeria, but Yammo! also make a mean cocktail. They are about to launch the ‘Aperitivo hour’ with the start of Spring, which will be 6pm-7pm - customers can head there for after-work cocktails and enjoy a complimentary bar buffet of stuzzichini (Italian Tapas) with their drink. This popular daily social event in Italy is comparible to after-work drinks in the UK. The Sgroppino (that’s vodka, lemon sorbet, prosecco and fresh mint, if you didn’t know) will make a refreshing start to an evening spent sampling their Italian inspired concoctions.
@YammoItaliano www.yammo.co.uk
Cosy Club
Unit R4, SouthGate Place, Bath
Don’t be fooled by Cosy Club Bath’s bijou entrance - climb the stairs to access the bar complete with terrace seating overlooking Southgate Place. The Art Deco-inspired snug and roomy bar area is dominated by a gin-palace-style bar and laid-back atmosphere. A tempting array of cocktails fill the menu – try one of the apple and blackberry martinis.
@CosyClubBath www.cosyclub.co.uk
Casa Iguanas
38 Monmouth Street, Bath
Aiming to bring downtown Rio to Bath, the menu at Casa Iguanas Cocktail Bar
and Cachaçaria focuses on Brazil’s favourite spirit cachaça. With a selection of Caipirinhas to choose from and a lively atmosphere, this bar is perfect for catching up with friends at the end of a long week.
@casaiguanasbath www.iguanas.co.uk Where is your favourite cocktail bar? Tweet us @SomersetLife
