The Crystal Palace, Bath — Restaurant in Bath

Just the worst.

Covid times are over and they still insist on greeting you at the door, then taking you to a table. Not a pub, but a restaurant masquerading as a pub. And a tourist trap one at that. Today, I walked in, began looking for a table and the door witch rudely asked just what I thought I was doing and insisted I waited at the entrance to "be shown a table." I retorted, "I thought this was a pub" and walked out.

A pub, or public house, means you walk in freely, sit, or stand, wherever you want. It also means you order at the bar. A pub is not table service. A pub is not rudely questioning a customer as they walk in as per the above. A pub is not wait-staff. A pub is a pub. This is not a pub.

I've given this place a few chances now, but they've no idea. The Crystal Palace is not a pub, but a soulless characterless gastropub catering to the nondiscerning tourist hords.

If you're a tourist to the UK, or Bath, and looking for a genuine pub, go to The Old Green Tree, The Star, the Assembly Inn, The Ram, The Salamander, or the Coeur De Lion. These are actual pubs. Take my word for it as someone who has been to over 1000 London pubs.

On other visits, while Covid restrictions were still in place, we witnessed elderly guests being told to use the app to order by a peroxide-haired young waiter who rudely and quite poorly didn't A) adapt to his audience (they were old and, if he only listened, he would have heard them say they didn't have smart phones), nor B) be a human and just take their order... It took a South African young waiter to see what was happening and go and help them, accommodating to their needs by taking their order manually. There have been other things too.

So all things weighed up - today's unpleasantness, observed incidents, and the complete lack of public house conventions, norms and routines, I say - avoid. I certainly won't be supporting them with my money any more. The real pubs of Bath will benefit...

This place used to be so good, I would get a train from Bristol there at least once a month, just to have lunch! Recently I visited bath again, and recommended this place to my family I was with. Sadly, the quality of the food and other little details have fallen far short of what I had become accustomed to.

Two of our party had a starter course each, and the other, a sandwich, as we were going out for dinner later that evening.

The sandwich was very overpriced, and the bread a little stale. Further, it didn't even have any butter on the bread.

The starters were equally as poor. Overpriced and very poor quality. The quality was similar to that of a young student, away from home for the first time, and throwing something together.

Further, one of our party had their food brought out, whilst myself and the other person had to wait over five minutes for our basic starters. I had to ask if our food was coming out soon. Another issue was that even the salt grinder on the table was empty. I took another salt grinder form another table, and that was empty also, then a third one, which the same result! It demonstrates a lack of care and attention. I've small details like this should form part of a procedure to check, prior to opening.

We left feeling disappointed, and I'll quite simply not return again.

Note: Clear Polices, Procedures and staff training are the key to a successful business. Attention to detail!! I do hope...

Palace, Bath – Where History Meets Hops 👑🍻 #BathBevs #PintWithAView #CrystalCool

Tucked away just a pint’s throw from the Abbey, The Crystal Palace is where Georgian grandeur meets laid-back cool — and honestly, it’s a bit of a local gem. Architecturally, it’s everything you’d expect from Bath: historic, honey-stoned and effortlessly elegant. But don’t be fooled — this place is no museum piece. It’s got bags of character, a buzzing atmosphere, and a beer garden that deserves its own round of applause. 🌿🍺

This is the spot for a Bev with a bit of Bath flair. Whether you’re people-watching over a pint or soaking up the sunshine in the courtyard with a cheeky G&T, it’s got that unbeatable mix of style and substance. Think Jane Austen meets Camden Town – with cider on tap and a sausage roll on the side. 🎩✨🎧

The staff? Friendly, switched-on, and clearly love where they work – and you can see why. It’s the kind of place where locals mingle with visitors, and everyone feels like they’ve just found their new favourite haunt.

Perfect for a sunny afternoon stop-off or a pre-theatre tipple, The Crystal Palace blends Bath’s rich past with a totally modern vibe. Cool without trying too hard. Historic without being stuffy.

Raise a glass to the past – and the next round. 🍻 #HistoricAndHip #BathPubs #BeerGardenGoals #PalaceOfPints...