The Hare and Hounds — Restaurant in Bath

Wildness. Get there and am immediately asked if we've booked, I say no and they let us know that it's only breakfast food in that case. Implying that because we hadn't booked, we weren't allowed to have normal cooked food.(?) turns out this isn't the case. After clarifying with someone else, they let us know that it's actually just that some of their chefs called in sick so the two they had back there were only prepping for the evening. Which is fair enough, I completely understand that people get sick and sometimes you have to work with what you've got.

But we're literally one of like 5 people there. It doesn't feel that much of a stretch to just serve a super limited cooked menu just as an option. Regardless. This wasn't conveyed in any way before we arrived since for whatever reason there's no relevant social media for the company, at least as far as I could find. Doesn't seem that hard to, at the very least, leave a chalkboard outside saying this.

Whatevs. Another thing that's quite odd is the terrace. I get that it's not optimal weather right now. But it's perfectly warm enough outside to still sit and have a drink. What's not so fun is the second you step on there, you have deep regret for never learning to ice skate. The decking is so slick. Which is odd considering the main demographic at the time of our visit would be the most to suffer from a fall. I'm not pearl clutching, I don't think that every human is a gangly baby completely unable to walk. It's just exceptionally slick. I will be expensing the hours I worked there (not rlly) as I seemed to be the only person interested in putting out a "wet floor" sign that had been stuffed beside a plant pot.

Look, chances are that if you visit, your experience will be much greater. It's a fantastic location with a lovely view. Unfortunately we had a bad experience, and YMMV, but you only really get once chance when you're a pub on the side of the road. Just hold yourself to a higher standard. And for the loveeeee of god. Get a grip implementing this American tipping culture with a "discretionary" service charge of 10%. Just pay your staff a liveable wage and stop preying on the social pressure to get customers to foot...

One of the Worst Hospitality Experiences I’ve Ever Had – Avoid.

I’ve been coming to this pub for over 20 years, even after moving away from Bath — it was always a favourite. Sadly, that legacy came crashing down after one of the rudest and most arrogant staff encounters I’ve ever had.

We had booked well in advance for Bath Half Marathon weekend — two weeks ahead, confirmed in writing by email. Yet when we turned up, we were informed the booking had been cancelled. No apology. No explanation. Just flat-out dismissal from a woman who seemed to take pride in being unpleasant.

She told us — with staggering smugness — that they “often cancel bookings the day before” when they “know their numbers.” As if this is normal practice? Spoiler: it’s not. That’s not how any remotely professional or respectful establishment operates.

But it didn’t stop there. She went on to boast about the pub being some sort of fine dining powerhouse, making it sound like we were lucky to even step foot inside. Reality check: it’s a nice enough pub, but nothing more than a slightly above-average spot. The delusion was strong.

When we expressed our shock, she offered us a “solution”: we could sit outside in 4-degree weather and have a pizza. We asked if there were heaters. Her excuse? “The storm blew them over.” Not exactly the service you’d expect from what she seemed to think was the best restaurant in Bath.

While we were outside (freezing, understandably deciding not to stay), one of our group overheard her mocking us to another staff member, laughing that we were delusional for showing up and saying we’d never get a table. That kind of behaviour goes beyond bad service — it’s just nasty.

Frankly, this woman did the pub a serious disservice. Her attitude, her arrogance, and her complete lack of basic hospitality skills are a stain on what was once a beloved local spot. If the management has any concern for the future of this place, they should seriously reconsider who they put front of house.

There are dozens of wonderful, welcoming places to eat and drink in Bath. I strongly advise you choose any of them...

As an avid food lover and a frequent diner, I recently had the pleasure of experiencing an exquisite 3-course evening meal at Hare and Hounds, a restaurant nestled in the heart of Bath. The Hare and Hounds exuded a cosy and inviting atmosphere, blending rustic charm with contemporary elegance. The dim lighting and tasteful decor created a relaxed ambiance, perfect for a sophisticated evening meal. The terrace offered magnificent views of the landscape, offering a soothing vibe as one enjoys their meal. The attentive and knowledgeable staff were quick to offer a warm welcome, ensuring a seamless dining experience from start to finish. For my appetizer, I chose buttermilk chicken wings. The dish arrived beautifully presented, with the chicken being crispy on the outside and fleshy on the inside. It was a delightful start to the meal, and the balance of flavours was simply impeccable. I opted for the beer battered fish and chips. The presentation was a feast for the eyes, and the flavors did not disappoint. The fish was cooked to perfection, boasting crispy skin and juicy inside. The tartare sauce complemented the fish flavour, and the accompanying minted crushed peas were vibrant. To conclude this memorable meal, I indulged in the dark chocolate brownie with a scoop of salted caramel ice cream. The combination of rich chocolate, sweet and salty caramel, and the smooth vanilla ice cream was pure bliss. It was a fitting finale to an exceptional culinary experience. Overall Impression: Hare and Hounds in Bath proved to be a true gem, offering a memorable evening meal that exceeded all expectations. From the impeccable service to the meticulously crafted dishes, every aspect of the dining experience was superb. Whether you're seeking a romantic dinner for two or a special celebration, Hare and Hounds is a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts. I left with a satisfied palate, fond memories, and a desire to return for another remarkable...