Nightlife & Entertainment in Bath

Ambling around this ornate Georgian city in the day, you'd be forgiven for thinking the nightlife will be sleepy and quiet. But hidden among the genteel townhouses, terraces, and winding streets, you’ll discover a thriving nightlife suited to all tastes. There are bouncing clubs and buzzing pubs, as well as arthouse cinemas and theatres to while away the evenings in.

 

Pubs

 

If you fancy unwinding with a drink - whether it’s an artisan gin cocktail or a pint of hearty, local brew - Bath’s pubs and bars have you covered. For a classic inn-style setting, check out one of Bath’s many real ale pubs, and immerse yourself in the welcoming, community atmosphere. Alternatively, don your stylish threads and explore Bath’s high-end bar scene.

 

 

Spread across a 4-storey Georgian townhouse, The Porter perfectly blends relaxation with sophistication. The high ceilings and tall windows make for an airy atmosphere, while the candlelight and muted decor give a mellow vibe. Chat with friends in the first-floor lounge bar, or listen to the live jazz music in the late-night basement bar.

 

15A George Street, Bath BA1 2EN.  

 

The Bell Inn

 

The Bell is one of Bath’s alternative hubs - a community-run pub with a huge, covered outdoor seating area, and a roomy, red-lit interior. On weekends, don’t be surprised to find a DJ spinning some bouncing tunes in the main bar, while there’s also week-round live folk and country music.

 

103 Walcot Street, Bath BA1 5BW.  

 

Clubs

 

Bath is a university city, meaning that there’s a strong but compact clubbing scene. Whether you’re after a night of retro 90s hits, head-spinning hip hop or thumping techno, Bath’s youthful, neon-washed clubs have theme-nights that offer something for everyone. The Second Bridge

 

The Second Bridge is one of Bath’s most popular clubs. Don’t let the unassuming facade put you off - behind the townhouse’s single big black door you’ll discover rooms reverberating with thumping music, 3 illuminated bars, and plenty of sleek leather seating to cosy up in.

 

10 Manvers Street, Bath BA1 1PQ.  

 

Cinemas

 

Whether you want to catch the latest blockbuster or get inspired with an indie film, there's no shortage of places to catch a flick. The central cinema complex comes complete with bars, restaurants, and cafes, and you’ll find alternative picture shows nearby, housed in atmospheric old buildings.

 

 

This alternative cinema provides the perfect escape from the sticky floors and endless queues of the multiplexes. You'll be able to catch the latest indie flick, historic classic, or fascinating foreign film, and enjoy the plush red seating, welcoming staff, and quaint confectionary stand which sells beers, wines, and of course, sweet and salty popcorn.

 

St Michaels Place, Bath BA1 1SG.  

 

Theatres

 

Bath has no shortage of high culture, and that goes for its nightlife, too. With 2 main theatres, and a smattering of small, community-run spaces spread throughout the city, Bath boasts a thriving drama scene, putting on everything from Royal Shakespeare Company shows to independent productions.

 

 

One of the oldest theatres in Britain, the Theatre Royal encompasses a number of buildings including the Egg, which puts on entertaining and cultural shows for kids, and the Ustinov, which showcases jaw-dropping contemporary and alternative theatre. The red-gold interiors, high-stacked seating, and shimmering chandeliers of the main building make for a magical experience, only matched by the mix of stellar shows on offer.

 

Saw Close, Bath BA1 1ET.