This late night bar is the best-looking in Bath. It's edgy, quirky and fun, and there are only a few places that can rival The Common Room when night falls.

The Venue
Feeling of deja vu? The Common Room has used the same interior decorator as Grappa Bar. Actually, the two venues are sisters so it is no surprise that the uber-cool design of one is present in the other. The brick walls of this multi-floor bar are partially covered in flamboyant black and white floral wallpaper.

There are light boxes covered with colourful slides to add a modern-art edge to the rooms. Horns and other antique touches complement the quirky effect. The inspiration behind it is a well-thought out medley of past and present eccentricity (visit the bathrooms to discover just how eccentric).

Bath doesn't shine when it comes to decor (unless it's architecture of the past centuries we are talking about) but The Common Room is a welcome exception.

The People
Another surprising aspect of The Common Room is that, despite its popularity, at 9pm on Friday it can still be completely empty. The place gets busy later on and if it's action you desire show up after 10pm. It stays open until 2am anyway.

The crowd is young and could not be otherwise in a place that is so arty and creative. It is loved by most, but its target market are characters more edgy than the average twentysomething. Vintage dresses and cool fashion ensembles abound, however, jeans and sneakers are more than welcome and the place is far from unfriendly. On the contrary, the bar staff are very smiley and willing to please. There is also a cute mini disco ball at the very back, near the DJ booth. Since there is almost no furniture here, you can dance a little when the DJ is on duty.

The Drink
Cocktails? Oh yes! And they are pretty good. The selection is limited and the prices are London standard (£6), but if a beer doesn’t do it for you, you can indulge in a classic Martini, Cosmopolitan, Cuba Libre, White Russian and a Classic, Orange or Pineapple Daiquiri.

Wine is the second elegant choice. They don't offer many bottles and your options are limited to three whites, as many reds and one rose. Prices, though, are good if you consider that the look and opening hours of The Common Room could mean small fortunes are charged for any drink. A bottle is £14 to 16, a large glass is between £5 and £5.50 and a small one is priced at £4 to £4.50.

Finally, there is beer. It is most people’s drink of choice but be aware that we are definitely above Bath standards as far as the prices are concerned. You can choose between draughts of Baltika, Kronenberg and Kronenberg Blanc or bottles of Peroni, Budvar, Corona Extra, Bath Ales Gem, plus all the usual Guinness, Fosters and family. A draught will cost you £3.30 to £4 while the bottles are £3.30 to £3.50 – it’s London prices again.

To complete their drink menu, The Common Room offers a good list of whiskies, bourbons and rums which you can sample straight or in one of their shooters (£2.50 to £3).

The Last Word
Some drinks can be slightly expensive but you will be happy to pay for the privilege of spending the night in such a cool and lively bar. Bath does not offer any better.

venue information venue map view bath review user reviews (1)