Whether you're the world's biggest gin fan or you're still unsure about the stuff, the Canary Gin Bar is an absolute must when in Bath for libations.
The ground floor offers 200+ gins and the Cocktails of Gin Austen menu (oh, yes, you read that right - it's "gin's transatlantic journey to New York"; it's "gin of a different persuasion"; and they're all just £9). Gin is not my preferred liquor, but these extremely well crafted, balanced, flavorful drinks have me wondering if my previous feelings about gin were totally misinformed. The Big Apple (featuring Bath Gin [what they make here], hopped rhubarb Bath Gin, apple schnapps, escubac, lime juice, and tonic) is really refreshing, but it's the Little Italy that I felt the most feelings for: Bath Gin, coffee-infused campari, cocchi torino, and apricot liqueur. The presentation is straight out of a magazine, the ingredients are all delicious, and it packs a serious wallop. "In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you." Is that too much for a drink or a bar? Ahhhh, you'll see what I mean when you check it out.
Upstairs, The Distiller's Bar, has more gins and cocktails but I never made it up there. I liked to tuck into the downstairs right when they opened with a good book and a good cocktail and people watch. The owner was frequently (always?) there bringing the merriment, too, so the atmosphere always felt quite cheery and welcoming! read more