The large Metropolitan is a quiet and friendly haven where you can sip your beer in peace for hours on end. And when you get hungry, there are loads of food deals to keep the wolf from the door.

The Venue
The decor is a mix of different inspirations and there's a bit of everything here, from lots of wood on the walls, to nautical elements, old prints, copper dippers hanging from the ceiling, and old lanterns. It’s actually quite interesting to spend your time looking around and guessing what some of the old objects were used for.

The furnishing is what you would expect of a seemingly old-timer pub like this one and its the usual mix wooden chairs and tables with metal legs and worn upholstery.

The People
The Metropolitan is still central but it is away from the tourist circuit. Here you will meet only real Bathonians. The crowd is mixed but quiet, and there are people of all ages often walking in alone for a pint before heading home. There’s also small groups keeping to themselves and being anything but loud. The place is often quite empty so expect to get your private quiet corner and either read, or talk with a friend. Some pop music in the background tries to liven up the place, but is not very successful.

The Food
This is as cheap as it gets and it caters to all sorts of tastes. Go for the curry club and pint of Fosters (£5.50) if Indian food is your thing, or opt for the bargain two course meals at a mere £4.50 (available noon to 5pm, Monday to Friday) including scampi, 4oz gammon steak, bangers and mash, veggie bake and desserts. The Sunday roast is only £5.25 and the mains, mostly pub grub, are £4.10 to £6.

The menu is long and includes starters (£2.50 to £3.15), sandwiches, baguettes (£3 to £3.75) and desserts. Within the latter, the Chocolate Junkyard (£3), the Mega Chocolate or the Neapolitan Sundae can easily substitute a meal.

Prices are higher for large meals, and options include the 16oz rump steak which is £8.75, the large fish and chips for £7.75, two chicken breasts and bacon melt for £8.75 and the burger stack (16oz!) which is also £8.75.

If a smaller portion is what you are looking for, though, the regular dishes coming from the grill are cheap at £5.25 to £6.50 and the beef or chicken burger is only £4.25 to £5.25. The light bites (£3.35 to £3.75) include 4oz gammon or rump steak, ale pie and smaller portions of the main courses.

The Drink
Beer is never particularly cheap in Bath and while The Metropolitan has managed to keep food costs to a minimum, a pint of Fosters costs £2.90. The selection is quite standard, with Kronenbourg, Corona, Holsten, Budweiser and Bulmers as the highlights. The usual list of spirits, liqueurs and the odd bottle of house wine are your other options, but most people opt for a pint.

The Last Word
It may not have a strong personality or designer looks, but The Metropolitan still has cheap food to drawn you in. And, on top of that, it’s different from the nearby Wetherspoons as you won't struggle to find a table.