This red-lit, underground bar entices you down from Kingsmead Square, offering seasonal and classic cocktails in sultry surroundings. Velvet drapes, candlelit tables and vaulted nooks add drama, but the cheery and knowledgeable bar staff and transatlantic rock 'n' roll tunes lighten the atmosphere. The intimate place is a good option for couples or for friends wanting to avoid rowdy crowds.

If heaven had a bordello, it would look something like this. Descend into this subterranean bar, found near one of the best boutique hotels in Bath, and discover subdued mood lighting, crimson walls, plush leather couches and intimate nooks for cuddling with your sweetie. Next, order one of the bespoke cocktails, which are the best in the city.

It has less reviews but it did only open this year and has racked up a nice 57 'excellent' ratings. And if that isn't enough to get you excited by, well it was named NUMBER FOUR in the best new cocktail bars in the world , which isn't too shabby. But don't take our word for it...Arnasx, travelling from London, said: "Service was outstanding, warm welcoming. Unique designed with unique menu for cocktails. The person who served us gave local recommendations to suit our taste buds and it was spot on. You would never see type of cocktails anywhere else. Recommend to anyone who is up for a cheeky cocktail and enjoy unique experience.

Another of Bath’s secret little sip spots, The Dark Horse is usually by reservation only and inside the dark and mysterious bar (dominated by a rather terrifying eagle) you can sink into antique furniture and check out the locally made artwork on the walls. Head here every month to the Blackbird (private side bar) for a Whisky Social, which focuses on a different brand every time and includes a bespoke welcome cocktail, a 90-minute tutored tasting over a (shared) West Country cheese board, and discounted specially created cocktails for the remainder of the evening. Address: 7a Kingsmead Square, Bath, BA1 2AB

One of the best cocktail bars Bath has up its sleeve, The Dark Horse is a world where craftsmanship, creativity, and a deep love for the perfect drink collide. This independent, dimly lit den is a masterclass in mixology, offering an intimate escape from the bustle of Bath. Every inch of this space is steeped in passion; the interiors are a rich tapestry of locally sourced and handcrafted materials - think timber from Bath’s surrounding countryside, antique furniture from the city’s dealers, and custom-built pieces by artisan carpenter Luke Saxton.

Relaxed and atmospheric, the Dark Horse Bar has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of Bath’s finest cocktail bars, so it’s worth booking a table in advance if your heart’s set on going there. With a well-considered play list and lovely décor, the vibe is low-key and the staff are friendly yet professional. They also have an excellent knowledge of cocktails, pay great attention to detail, and champion local, raw ingredients whenever possible to create their extensive menu of cocktails, including some interesting and unusual mixes.

When owner Louis Lewis-Smith opened the Dark Horse back in 2015 he was on a mission to create a bar that was “world class” in terms of the welcome, atmosphere and quality of drinks. And that’s exactly what he and his team have done. The combination of top-class ingredients and innovative and talented mixologists has proved to be more than just a bit successful and the past few years have seen the Dark Horse team rack up a string of international “best bar” nominations and win a worldwide rep for their creative libations.

A local and seasonal ethos is the central tenet of cult Bath bar The Dark Horse. It draws a grown-up crowd with its dark basement setting, traditional styling (brawny wooden furniture, button-back sofas and rioja-coloured walls), table service and ultra-local drinks list. Alongside beers and ciders from the Southwest, and English wines and liqueurs are cocktails made with juices pressed to order and homemade syrups, cordials and bitters (often made not just with seasonal ingredients, but locally foraged ones).

Tucked away beneath Kingsmead Square, this moody, candlelit hideaway is as much about the vibe as it is about the drinks – and trust us, both are spot on. The focus here is on local ingredients and seasonal flavours, such as the Smoke Signal, Invisible Ink and Love Letter; all three having featured on their Winter 2025 menu. Voted the best bar in Bath, the Dark Horse is cosy, stylish and feels like a proper secret – even though it’s often buzzing, so we’d recommend booking ahead.

Ask anyone where to sink the best cocktails in Bath and they’ll point you in the direction of The Dark Horse (pictured top). And there’s merit to the enviable reputation of this basement bar on Kingsmead Square: it was included in Imbibe‘s top three UK bars and has featured in multiple world rankings. The cocktails, crafted by founder Louis Lewis-Smith and his team of skilled bartenders, are complex, creative and like no drink you’ve ever tasted before.

Location: 7A Kingsmead Square, Bath BA1 2AB, United Kingdom Opening hours - Mon to Thu - 5pm to 12:30am, Fri to Sat - 5pm to 2am, Sun - 4pm to 11:30pm. If you wanna go get some drinks at the end of the night, the Dark Horse should be your choice, even if it's the last one on this list of best clubs in Bath. The stylish decor and the late-night ambience of this underground cocktail club feature black leather sofas, low lighting and great drinks.

When it comes to cocktail bars, this one is a fancy (but far from pretentious) affair and easily has the best service you’ll receive in the city. With everything from the cocktail ingredients down to the very chairs you’ll be sitting on being made or sourced in the South West, this bar is a real gem. Whilst walk-ins are allowed, we recommend booking in advance and maybe even considering private hire as this spot often gets busy.

This intimate, award-winning bar is a huge part of Bath’s nightlife, especially after it was ranked fourth in the best new cocktail bars in the world in 2017. Everything about the bar is local, from the rich furnishings and comfortable interior to the locally sourced ingredients and inspirations. It’s a welcoming and relaxed, yet tasteful place to truly enjoy a drink - no fancy dress or drunken stumbling here.

Dark Horse Bar in Bath is an award-winning cocktail bar that will invite you in with it's intriguing interior and keep you there with their delicious drinks!. The charming vintage interior and quirky art details are worth a visit alone. The Dark Horse provides a cosy, intimate space that feels exclusive but welcoming, making it an ideal spot for date nights or small gatherings with friends.

If you’re looking for a cozy spot for a few classy drinks, be sure to head to The Dark Horse. Considered by many to be one of the best cocktail bars in Bath, the antique and wood-accented decor makes for an epic atmosphere. Knowledgeable and friendly staff are mixing up some inventive concoctions here, so expect to see some exciting and unique approaches to the drinks available.

Another underground bar, the Dark Horse's sultry red-hued bar takes some of its cues from a speakeasy. Since opening, it's won several awards and has become known as one of Bath's best bars – meaning it's often fully booked. It's owned by Louis Lewis-Smith, a former drinks brand ambassador, who has created a menu focusing on seasonality and ingredients from the southwest.

If you’re looking for something a little bit different to round off your evening, The Dark Horse might be just the thing. It’s an atmospheric cocktail bar where everything, from the drinks to the art on the walls, has been sourced from West Country producers. This includes English wines, beers from the South-West and fruit and herbs from the area surrounding Bath.

Ideal for a sophisticated, below-ground cocktail bar for discerning drinkers…. After a nightlife that subsisted on a string of substandard chains like Revolution and Slug and Lettuce for far too long, a decent bar was long overdue in Bath. Enter the year 2016 and entrepreneur Louis Lewis-Smith – a man on a mission to bring a world-class bar to Bath.

The Dark Horse has been voted the best bar in Bath, which means you absolutely have to give it a go. This subterranean cocktail den is the perfect spot for the discerning drinker to come and relax in style. Their seasonal menu focuses on fresh and local ingredients, and they always promise the highest level of drinks and service.

With an incredible sound system, delectable drinks, and eclectic antiques, The Dark Horse will transport you to a state of total bliss while enjoying some expertly crafted cocktails. Family-run and using locally-sourced products where possible, this bar is an absolute must for some weekend drinks!

A favourite of local chefs and civvies alike, this was nominated independent fish & chip restaurant of the year in the 2016 National Fish & Chip Awards. Come here for brilliantly fresh fish, including some of the best haddock & chips I've eaten. Look out for deliciously plump Cornish mussels too.

The Dark Horse- This covertly cozy and dimly lit cocktail bar sits below street level and has been voted top 3 in the UK by Imbibe magazine. Giving a relaxed speakeasy vibe, it shakes, stirs and pours smooth and zingy cocktails and offers a seasonal menu focusing on fresh, local ingredients.

This award-winning bar has garnered a reputation for its cocktails. The Dark Horse takes a unique approach to mixology, often using unexpected ingredients and techniques to create truly unique concoctions. Their menu changes seasonally, ensuring a fresh and exciting experience each visit.

Many of Bath's bars are underground due to the nature of the architecture (and noise regulations) but we think no one pulls off the underground speakeasy style that Dark Horse does. We tip our fedora's to their rum espresso martini.

Dark Horse is a cosy, underground bar with a relaxed feel – whether you want a classic cocktail or something more inventive the drinks are built well and perfectly balanced. 7A Kingsmead Square, Bath BA1 2AB, darkhorsebar.co.uk

Another subterranean gem in the heart of Bath is The Dark Horse Offering up a mix of classic and more experimental cocktails, this bar is a quirky, bijoux hotspot for perfect for pre-dinner drinks on your Bath hen night.

The Drawing Rooms – The drawing rooms have the most incredible decor and rooms available for up to 16 people to experience all manner of classes from cocktail making to painting, life drawing and flower crown making.

Cocktail lovers, you’re in good hands at The Dark Horse on Kingsmead Square. Welcoming and relaxed, this intimate, low-lit venue offers plenty of cosy corners to while away an evening with a cocktail or two.

A fanciful cocktail bar with a quirky and eclectic decor, utilizing local ingredients in its offerings. Reservations are recommended. 7A Kingsmead Square, Bath BA1 2AB, United Kingdom The Dark Horse

The Dark Horse is a seductive underground bar with friendly staff and a good cocktail list. The Hideout is also below ground but tiny, with a buzzy atmosphere and mostly whisky-based cocktails.

Based in Kingsmead Square, this joint is darkly lit with lamps and superb music adding to the vibe, this is the cool place to go to on a date.

If you are looking for a small, intermit and cosy cocktail bar, this is for you. This is great for a romantic date night.