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, Bath’s only beach bar, and more.  

Image - The Ivy Bath Brasserie

The Ivy Bath Brasserie

Visit The Ivy Bath Brasserie on Milsom Street for cocktails among Art Deco interiors, high ceilings and chandeliers. This year, you’re invited to join them for a Summer of Love, sampling the new 1960s-inspired cocktail list and a menu of summery dishes and afternoon teas. When the sun is shining, seek out a table in the secret garden-style terrace.

Image - Circo Bar

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.

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 - The Botanist

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.

Image - Canary Gin Bar

Canary Gin Bar

Taste cocktails mixed with the Bath Gin Company’s gin at the Canary, 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.

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...

• 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
• Valentines 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
• The Montagu Bar at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa – an extensive range of glamorous cocktails, alongside fine Champagnes and wines from their award-winning cellar
• 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

Check out Beer Gardens in Bath, or Outdoor Dining options.