This bar is often referred to as Belvedere Wine Vaults but it doesn't look like there's much wine to drink here. Maybe that’s the reason why the sign outside now simply states 'Belvedere Bar'.

The Venue
This bar has a contemporary but comfortable design. It has a mix of baby blue walls and beige and white 1970s wallpaper. There are woven straw chairs, square metal tables, modern art pieces on the walls and a couch in the room at the other side of the bar.

There is also a small garden a few steps down. Belvedere Bar looks nice and relaxing but getting there can be rather challenging as it sits right at the very top of a hill.

The People
During the day there seem to be a number of older people slowly drinking beer. The place is really quiet and the customers are either coming in alone or in couples. Belvedere is also a guest house and some of the residents pop in for a drink. Although nothing much happens during the day, there's more action once night falls and the younger people appear. However, Belvedere lost quite a few customers to the nearby Grappa Bar when it started renovating its wine cellar. In a way, it is a good thing as the place is quiet enough to have a good conversation.

The Food
The food is a bit of a mystery. It doesn't look like a food sort of pub but they do have a menu and currently it's pub grub orientated with many homemade and local ingredients and a few tapas dishes (three dishes for £9 or four at £12). There is also a bistro menu appearing at times, with quite creative fusion dishes, mixing Continental and British traditions (£4 for a starter, £8 to 11 for a main course).

The Sunday roast is a particular treat since it's served very late between 2pm and 7pm. The selection is very good and you can pick between two traditional roast dinners and the weekly specials. These include roast sirloin of beef, roast breast of chicken (both £8), a mix of the two (£9) and the vegetarian bake (£8) all served with homemade Yorkshire pudding, herb stuffing, roast potatoes and parsnips, freshly cooked seasonal vegetables and gravy. Otherwise, you can get a homemade fisherman or beef and ale pie (£8) with all the trimmings. A few desserts (£3 to 4) will fill you completely.

The Drink
The drink selection is also a riddle. There's no wine list in sight anywhere, and the bar doesn't seem to own one. Most of the people are drinking beer and it looks like Belvedere has lots its wine cellar (they should be renovating it at the moment). It is a pity because at one time you could sample more than 40 wines. However, the selection of flavoured vodka is still in place and you can pick from the exotic bison grass, chilli, melon, mandarin pepper and another 20 or so flavours. Otherwise, go with the flow and just order a beer. You can get bottles of Peroni, Corona and Leffe or draughts of Bath Ales Gem, Traditional Butcombe Bitter, Becks, Fosters and Guinness. Prices are about average with a pint just above or below £3.

The Last Word
Belvedere is a nice and bright venue but, despite the pleasant decor, it lacks a bit of verve. It could do with a bit more energy and excitement. We can just hope that this bar goes back to its vibrant origins, reintroducing the wine list and a more consistent menu, hopefully in the near future.

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