Bath is a city brimming with bars catering to every taste—from lively student haunts and tourist hotspots to specialized gin and whisky bars, plus exclusive underground venues. With such a competitive landscape, what makes a bar truly stand out? Surprisingly, my favourite spot, Kingsmead Street Bottle, excels not through gimmicks but by offering a genuinely welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.
Popular mostly with undergraduates and twenty-somethings, this local favourite boasts a whimsical, casual vibe. Drinks are served in glasses adorned with the pub’s signature bear doodle, a Nintendo Wii awaits downstairs for some friendly competition, and regular pub quizzes add to the convivial spirit.
Kingsmead Street Bottle operates on a card-only policy—something to remember before visiting. Renowned for its diverse and quirky selection of IPAs, the bar also offers a wider range of wines, ciders, and liquors.
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On my visit, I started with a single shot of amaretto mixed with cola (£6.50). The blend of sweet marzipan and almond flavours with the fizzy cola was smooth and enjoyable. Craving more of the Italian liqueur, I followed up with a double shot amaretto and cola (£8.50), which had a stronger kick.
This prompted a spirited discussion among friends: while my partner advised against drinking amaretto neat due to its strength, our Italian companion revealed that it’s customary back home to drink it straight. In honour of tradition, I bravely sampled a straight shot (£4.50). As someone who typically enjoys cider and rarely drinks neat spirits, this was an eye-opening experience—initially sweet, followed by a pleasantly bitter aftertaste—capturing a perfect balance, much like life itself.
In addition to drinks, Kingsmead Street Bottle recently expanded its menu to include food options ideal for late-night cravings: toasties, nachos, and cheesy garlic bread priced around £5.50. The food lives up to the bar’s quality; the sourdough toasties arrive perfectly crisp with generous cheddar topping, and the garlic bread is rich and satisfying. Unfortunately, takeaway options aren’t currently available, so be prepared to finish your order on-site—a potential area for improvement.
Overall, Kingsmead Street Bottle shines as a friendly, laidback venue that embodies the best qualities of Bath’s vibrant bar culture. With welcoming vibes and thoughtful offerings, it truly earns its spot among the city’s top drinking destinations.
The bar is open seven days a week, from 2 pm to 10 pm Monday to Wednesday, 2 pm to 11 pm on Thursday, and midday to 11 pm on Friday and Saturday.