Bath... Where Spa meets Bar!
Independent, creative, unique and stylish; these are just four words that have been used to describe the city of Bath. The ultimate spa break destination for thousands of years, it is the only place in the UK from which you can bathe in original roman style baths using naturally hot spa water in blissful relaxation. Bath has also been designated as a world heritage site, holding the most complete collection of Georgian architecture and some of the most iconic visitor attractions in the UK, such as the world-renowned Stonehenge! Amongst such, the city boasts numerous areas for great boutique shopping, remarkable restaurants and fabulous festivals that work alongside a fantastic nightlife. With a vast array of bars, pubs and clubs, Bath offers a great night-out, as well as a fantastic day of activities.
For those looking to head out early and enjoy some pre-drinks, or for an early finish that will result in going to bed at a reasonable hour, Bath has a number of locales that will serve your purpose. Enjoy the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere of The Garrick’s Head, a gastro-pub offering a range of local ales, Somerset ciders, fine wines and over 50 whiskeys; or indulge in the sophistication of All Bar One, where you can choose from many well chosen wines, premium beers, inventive cocktails and ‘softails’ (for the drivers or the ones that can’t keep up). For the sports fan, Belushi’s is the place to be, showing all that needs to be seen in live sport. The bar is buzzing with atmosphere and is well stocked with local ales, fine wines and spirits alongside an array of international brands. Alternatively, The Cork is also a good place to go for live sport. It also has the added bonus of being a karaoke venue! So dive into a pod and let loose on them vocal cords. Owned by 536 of its customers, fans and workers, The Bell Inn is a historic free house and music pub on the edge of Bath city centre that stocks seven real ales and two guest ales as well as regular guest ciders; enjoy live music three times a week, ranging from jazz to folk, as well as a weekly open mic night and games from table football to bar billiards for your amusement. 
If you’re planning on hitting the nightclub scene, its hard to go wrong with Bath where there are a host of national favourites and local flavours that ensure everybody is catered for. From that old favourite ‘Revolution’, the vodka bar, to local favourite ‘Second Bridge’, (a stylish, relaxed and uplifting setting complete with three bars and a DJ banging out some hard and fast tunes), Bath offers something for everyone. Get yourself over to Po Na Na, a reliable favourite amongst the city’s younger crowds where you will be treated to music of numerous genres, from dubstep to indie to punk, and a different nightly theme; or you can taste the weird and wonderful at Circo Cocktail Bar and Lounge, where you’ll taste some outrageously flavoured cocktails (in a good way), from the ‘Smartini’ (a Martini that tastes like Smarties), to the Vodka based ‘Lemon Cheesecake’ (that explains itself), whilst you enjoy some of the latest music from Bath’s best DJ’s! Dubbed to be the best nightclub in the area by many, Club XL is the biggest in the city and has a number of offerings that serve to wow any crowd. It has some fabulous drinks offers, a large dancefloor equipped with a full on light show, smoke machines, and space to really let your hair down. The club also puts on a number of weekday student nights and has become the number one hen and stag do destination in the city!
If you’re a keen gig-goer and love listening to live music, then you’ll be spoilt for choice; with a multitude of establishments available that serve to cleanse any pallet. Moles is commonly considered to be the star of Bath’s live music scene, constantly attracting great bands and artists for a packed lineup of top new talent; previous acts have included Blur, Oasis, The Killers and Mumford & Sons, each in the early stage of their career. So make a visit and you never know, you may see the next big thing! Get yourself over to Green Park Brasserie for the best live Jazz in the city, where the music is always melodic, accessible and quiet enough to permit easy conversation; or have a go yourself at one of St. James Wine Vault’s many open mic nights.
Think singer-songwriters, folk luminaries and world musicians, plus a smattering of first-rate cover bands to boot, and you’ll find Komedia; with an array of cultural offerings and a cutting edge, eclectic mix of musical talent that is sure to delight; with the likes of The Feeling, Ruby Turner, Kate Nash, and Frank Turner providing some fantastic entertainment in the past. The bar has also held host to a number of cabaret acts and stand up comedians, making it a real, well rounded venue!
By Calum Dewsbury