The Hop Pole

Opposite the Royal Victoria Park and just off the canal path, this is a great spot for quaffing summer ales. One of just ten pubs belonging to Bath Ales, a fresh young micro-brewery, the beers rejoice in names such as Gem, Spa, Wild Hare and Barnstormer. Described as a country pub in the heart of a city, The Hop Pole has a stripped-down, stylish interior, and the lovingly restored, spacious beer garden to the rear is complete with patio heaters and pétanque pitch. The atmospheric old skittle alley has been transformed into a large restaurant, which can accommodate coach parties if pre-booked. Home-cooked food ranges from imaginative bar snacks and sandwiches through to full meals. Children are served smaller portions from the main menu. You could start with pork and foie gras sausage roll with piccalilli before moving on to a slowly braised chuck and shin steak stew, mash and onion gravy, or basil risotto and buffalo mozzarella. Monday night is quiz night.