The Ale House, Bath

A pub with a past

The building went up around 1816, when York Street was cut through the old city and the assembly rooms known as Lindsey's Rooms, designed by John Wood the Elder in 1730, were demolished. It forms a matching pair with the building opposite to frame the entrance to the street. Inside, the street-level bar is recognised as a pub interior of special national historic interest, with a carved and mirrored bar back, a late Victorian counter, dado panelling and an original off-sales hatch.

What to drink

This is a cask ale pub with Cask Marque accreditation, typically offering three changing beers that may include local names such as Bath Gem and Wadworth 6X. It was once a cider house too. The bar is intimate, with seating on three sides, wooden floors and a real fire, and there are a few benches on the pavement for warmer days.

Downstairs and nearby

Stone steps lead down to the cellar, a run of barrel-vaulted rooms that has hosted a magic show on weekend evenings. Its position makes it an easy stop after the Roman Baths or Bath Abbey, both a couple of minutes' walk away, and Bath Spa station is roughly 370 metres to the south.

Highlights

• Grade II listed building of about 1816
• Nationally important historic pub interior with Victorian bar fittings
• Three changing cask ales, Cask Marque accredited
• Barrel-vaulted cellar bar
• Steps from Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths

Good to know

• Toilets are down stone steps in the basement
• About 370m from Bath Spa station
• Small bar with a real fire and a few pavement benches

Frequently asked questions