Whether you’re after a quiet date night spot or somewhere for a boozy bottomless brunch, there’s a fantastic selection of classy cocktail joints among the bars of Bath. Here’s an introduction to some of the best, featuring local gin-makers, artisan Champagne cocktails, and more.  

The Hideout

Recognised as one of the top 50 cocktail bars in the UK, The Hideout is tucked away next to Bath's scenic North Parade, just a stone's throw from Bath Abbey. Take your pick from their menu of signature serves or classic cocktails, or ask them to talk you through their collection of over 300(!) whiskies.

Image - The Hideout 

Circo Bar

Sink into a Chesterfield sofa or comfy armchair at this intimate cellar bar and lounge. Loved by discerning drinkers, Circo’s back bar is among the most extensive in the city and their expert mixologists are known for creating award-winning cocktails.

Image - Circo Bar

The Ivy Bath Brasserie

Visit The Ivy Bath Brasserie on Milsom Street for cocktails among Art Deco interiors, high ceilings and chandeliers. They love to elevate traditional cocktails with inventive and seasonal twists on ingredients, like the summery mango colada and an espresso martini sweetened up with salted caramel liqueur. When the sun is shining, seek out a table in the secret garden-style terrace.

• Top Places for Alcohol-Free Tipples in Bath

Image - The Ivy Bath Brasserie

The Botanist

Based in an impressive former church known as The Octagon (you’ll see why as soon as you step inside), The Botanist is themed as a ‘secret garden of food and drink’, with a plant in every corner. Find classic cocktails with a botanical twist here, from an apple-flavoured English mojito to a yuzu and cherry cosmo. They also do a delicious bottomless brunch, or more experimental cocktails in their underground apothecary bar, Beanth Bar in Bath.

Image - The Botanist

Robun

This stylish Japanese restaurant has an extensive list of sake, Japanese whisky and signature cocktails to pair with your food. A fan of fruitier drinks? Opt for the Last Call with lemon vodka, sake, kiwi cordial, green tea and yuzushu. A popular choice is the Robun Sour with Roku Gin, Chartreuse, mango, lemon, bitters and foam.

Image - Robun

The Bath Distillery Gin Bar

Taste cocktails mixed with the Bath Gin Company’s gin at their showcase bar. The floral, tangy citrus flavour of the gin is created through a blend of 11 botanicals including bitter orange, kaffir lime and coriander. This is perfectly paired with other ingredients to create amazing concoctions and the bartenders will even suggest drinks that suit your palate.

Image - Bath DistilleryGin Bar

Comptoir+Cuisine

Head downstairs at this French-inspired concept store and bistro and you’ll find a cosy and sophisticated Champagne bar. Try cocktails crafted using artisan grower Champagne alongside incredible cheese and charcuterie boards – ask the knowledgeable team for food and drink pairing suggestions. If you prefer a fizz-free tipple, classic cocktails including negronis and espresso martinis are also on the menu.

Sub 13

Spread over three floors of a Georgian townhouse on George Street, a warren of rooms makes up bar and club Sub 13. A favourite hangout for parties and hen dos, the bartenders here can share their mixology skills with you in group cocktail classes, plus there’s also a VIP lounge and regular two-for-one and Happy Hour offers. Enjoy your cocktails alfresco in the terrace garden, which is decorated with twinkly fairy lights and kept warm by heaters.

Image - Green Park Brasserie

Restaurants with great cocktails

Enjoy some classic cocktails on the terrace at Green Park Brasserie, where you can also enjoy free live jazz four nights each week.

If you're a fan of South American cuisine, Edesia do a range of classic and twist cocktails to compliment their dishes, with their Happy Hour allowing you to enjoy 2 for 1 cocktails from 5-9pm Monday to Friday.

Pair your Indian small plates with some Hendricks Gin teapot cocktails at Bandook Indian Kitchen.

Image - Green Park Brasserie

The Bath Townhouse by Coppa Club prides itself on elegant cocktails to match their grand surroundings, with an ever-changing menu of specials.

Just outside the city, you can sip on some cocktails inspired by nature, whether you opt for the homemade syrups and shrubs from The Kitchen Garden at THE PIG near Bath, or the seasonal cocktails from Cloisters Restaurant at Bailbrook House.

Image - The Bath Townhouse - Coppa Club

  

For Somewhere Familiar...

In addition to a wealth of independent bars, Bath is also home to classic favourites.Caribbean restaurant Turtle Bay has a cracking cocktail menu with regular two-for-one offers. There’s a heavy rum influence, as you might expect, and Reggae-inspired names also pop up on the drinks list – you might find yourself ordering a Funky Kingston or a Marley Mojito.

The Cosy Club is one of the most eclectic in the city, dressed in quirky and decadent décor. The Teatime Tipple offer makes it a go-to for weekday drinks – enjoy any two cocktails for £10.95 when you visit Sunday to Thursday between 4-8pm.

Las Iguanas has a tempting list of cocktails to go with their Mexican, Brazilian and Chilean tapas and main dishes. It’s always happy hour here, with two-for-one on a selection of cocktails all day, every day.

Image - Henrietta Bar

Hotel Bars for Cocktails in Bath

Here for the night? There’s a host of Bath hotels with great cocktail bars...

• Montagu's Mews at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa – an extensive range of glamorous cocktails, alongside fine Champagnes and wines from their award-winning cellar
• Emma's Bar at DoubleTree by Hilton Bath – the place to unwind with a thirst-quenching cocktail, featuring a Secret Garden area overlooking the River Avon
• Valentine's Bar at Homewood – comfortable and casual, with soft sofas, cosy corners and some trademark statement artwork
• The Gainsborough Bath Spa – ideal for a refreshing drink, pre-dinner cocktail or after-dinner liqueur
• Bar 15 at No.15 by GuestHouse, Bath – a cocktail bar mixing new drinks and classics, within a hotel located on the grandest street in Bath, Great Pulteney
• The Henrietta Bar at The Roseate Villa – talented mixologists delivering a mix of iconic cocktails with twists, like the Villa Zest and the Henrietta Spice
• ArtBar at Abbey Hotel – a vibrant social space, known for its changing, expertly curated art exhibitions sitting alongside creative cocktails

Image - Montagu's Mews

Read more:

• Beer Gardens in Bath
• Top gin bars
• Outdoor Dining