While other pubs either shut, get taken over by faceless chains or become snooty gastropubs/restaurants the King William has retained some of the old-fashioned values of the great British boozer. Sure it's a gastropub, but you're just as welcome to have a pint as you are a slap-up meal.

The Venue
From the outside you wouldn't guess this street-corner boozer was a gastropub but once you walk into the King William the penny drops. Its rustic charm is of the sort that only good money and a sense of style can achieve. There are heavy old-fashioned floral curtains, mirrors of all shapes and sizes hung in a higgledy-piggledy fashion and beige and burdgundy make up most of the colour scheme. The upstairs dining room is bright and the place looks comfy, sort of like an old-fashioned boozer but with a refreshingly young look.

The People
As with all gastropubs the King William attracts foodies of all ages. Families out for a top-notch celebratory meal mix with young couples who can still treat themselves because they don't yet have children or a mortgage to worry about. It has a relaxing feel to it, they play all sorts of music and there's even a regular book club. Despite its gastropub makeover the King William has kept its 'local' feel and you don't have to be booked in for a meal to enjoy a jar at the bar, unlike some other gastropubs.

The Food
The King William sources its produce from the best local suppliers. Meat comes from Larkhall Butchers, fish comes from Wings of Cornwall and seasonal vegetables are provided by Tony's of Larkhall. Dishes from the dining room menu include mullet with watercress, pickled rhubarb and syrup, and soused mackerel with roast beetroot and horseradish mayo.

Desserts are just as appealing and you'll have a hard time picking between rhubarb trifle with hazelnut crumble, steamed lemon sponge with custard and chilled chocolate pot with Ivy Farm cream.

It costs £24 for two courses or £29 for three courses, or you can opt for the bar menu which is served at lunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and during the evenings from Monday to Saturday. Meals include roast butternut squash and mushrooms (£8), beef burger, bacon, apple cheese and chips (£9) and beer battered hake with chips and tartar sauce (£12).

The Drink
King William provides the best of both worlds. They have a locally sourced ale selection and an excellent wine list. On draught you can get Red Stag Ale, Dark And Handsome, Amstel, Leffe, Stamford Press, Nastro Azzurro and the usual Fosters, Guinness and family.

Their wine selection is varied and the list gives lengthy descriptions and meal recommendations. Prices are not out of the ordinary at £12 to £25 (although there are peaks at £65) or £3 to £4.10 for small glass and £4 to £5.50 for a large one. The wines are imported from the classic countries but there is an attempt to avoid a classic menu of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Shiraz e Pinot Noir. Champagnes include Deville Carte Noir (£25) and they also stock sherries (£2.60 to £3.90), dessert wines and ports to round off your meal - try the Churchill port (£2.60) with your crumble.

The Last Word
Brilliant food, excellent wine and even some atmosphere. If it were any closer to the centre of Bath there'd be a queue outside the door. Thankfully, you can just walk in and enjoy it.

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