Opium Bar
Opium Bar
4.5
5:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Monday
5:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Tuesday
5:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Wednesday
5:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Thursday
5:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Friday
5:00 PM - 2:00 AM
Saturday
5:00 PM - 2:00 AM
About
A vintage and curious cocktail bar found in some of Bath's unique vaults; we're in the heart of this World Heritage City. A quirky and delightful secret for the lucky few that venture to find it, Opium is tucked away under the landmark Pulteney Bridge much like the old Laudanum and Opiate dens of the Victorian era. The bar is stocked with a wide range of international beers and spirits and staffed by bartenders who can mix and concoct these ingredients into the most wondrous (and affordable) cocktails you've ever indulged in. It's easy to imagine yourself in the company of Sherlock Holmes, H.G Wells, Janis Joplin or William Burroughs as you sip your perfectly made cocktail. Check out the secret room for parties. To appreciate the beauty of the place, have a virtual tour on our website.
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- Claire K1 contributionFab venue in Central BathWe hired the secret room for my husband's 50th. Fantastic location, quirky and comfortable space with delicious cocktails reasonably priced. Our cocktail server was amazing whizzing out big orders at speed and humouring our singing on the karaoke system. We had an awesome time and it was great to have such a special private space in Central Bath. Highly recommended.Visited November 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 28 November 2023
- Ffi8 contributionsVibeyGreat vibes in this bar, loved all the decor. Secret karaoke room was actually amazing and so fun too. And had our own bartender with the karaoke room who made the loveliest cocktails. Had an amazing night, would definitely recommend to everyoneVisited December 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 3 December 2023
- Collette G3 contributionsCocktails and karaokeAnother fabulous night had in the ‘secret room’. It’s such a good venue for a large group of friends. It even has its own bar. The karaoke is such fun and the mojitos are the best in town. The staff were lovely, as usual. Opium never disappoints.Visited December 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 13 December 2023
- 55Julian55Saltash, United Kingdom74 contributionsCool vibes and PROPER cocktailsPopped in here with my wife for a late night drink. What a treat! Funky subterranean, quirkily decorated bar. Friendly staff and cocktails that taste like a cocktail should, not the watered down versions we have become used to in many places. We loved it!Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 January 2024
- RichardBalsall Common, United Kingdom64 contributionsQuirky venue with great choice of classic and unique cocktails.Visited Opium for pre-dinner cocktails on a recent visit to Bath. The cocktail bar is located in quirky vaults and caters for both classic and unique themed cocktails. We arrived at 17:30 and were first in the bar but it filled up really quickly so would recommend not leaving it too late to arrive as tables are allocated on a first come first serve basis. Cocktails were fantastic and well priced so would definitely go again!Hi Northstar, Were glad you enjoyed your visit to our bar. We hope to see you back soon! Thanks DannyWritten 20 March 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 January 2024
- Peak-District-Ian171 contributionsCool, quirky bar, great cocktailsCool, quirky little place underneath Pulteney bridge. Nice friendly staff, delicious cocktails. Arrived at 5pm and it started filling soon after. Should imagine it's great fun for a night with friends.Hi Ian, Thankyou for your kind review. We hope to see you back soon! DannyWritten 20 March 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 12 March 2024
- moondaisyyBath, United Kingdom26 contributionsCool hidden bar with inventive cocktailsI love the atmosphere in this bar, it's got really interesting decorations and is underground! Not too many seats so try to arrive early. The cocktails are great, a mix of classics and originals - and I haven't had one that I didn't love. Staff are also nice and friendly. Overall, a great find!Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 17 June 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
304 reviews
Excellent
230
Very good
49
Average
9
Poor
3
Terrible
13
Ashleigh J
London, UK359 contributions
Nov 2020
This is a really quirky bar, no piece of furniture is the same!
We really enjoyed our drinks which were presented well.
However we felt the ambience was a bit flat, there is only music in the first room as you walk in so the other parts of the bar is just everyone talking.
Also I think where it’s located underground it’s a bit damp/mildewed so they have incense burning to mask it which is an acquired smell (not for me🙈).
Also no phone signal down there so wifi would be nice ( not the end of the world but was waiting on an important message so had to keep popping up out)
Had to share our table with another couple (obviously didn’t want to say no but probably not ideal during the current times)
We really enjoyed our drinks which were presented well.
However we felt the ambience was a bit flat, there is only music in the first room as you walk in so the other parts of the bar is just everyone talking.
Also I think where it’s located underground it’s a bit damp/mildewed so they have incense burning to mask it which is an acquired smell (not for me🙈).
Also no phone signal down there so wifi would be nice ( not the end of the world but was waiting on an important message so had to keep popping up out)
Had to share our table with another couple (obviously didn’t want to say no but probably not ideal during the current times)
Written 1 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah
1 contribution
Aug 2022 • Friends
We hired out the smaller room for a hen party. The room itself was lovely, albeit too hot even with several fans placed around the room.
Now.. where do I begin.
It became apparent very quickly that the bar staff were on drugs or drunk or both. There were 2 men behind the bar who began arguing with each other after a glass was broken (by one of them) very soon into our booking. The more senior bartender then proceeded to spill numerous drinks (on people), argue with the other bar tender, brake glasses behind the bar, and argue with the customers. At one point he demanded that we show him all of our videos we had been taking as “he is the license holder and therefore has to sign off everything” (this is simply just not true but shows his arrogance and grandiose behaviour perfectly). He got so wound up and angry (over seemingly nothing) that he walked into the other side of the bar with other customers and demanded that they all leave and started arguing with them (it was not time for the bar to close). He then stormed around shouting that he was quitting his job as he had had enough.
We had done nothing wrong at all and had just been having a good time singing karaoke. It was a great shame as we were there for a hen party and it did put a dampener on our weekend.
The senior bartender was totally unprofessional and likely on drugs or alcohol or both. None of us will ever be returning and will advise others not to either.
Now.. where do I begin.
It became apparent very quickly that the bar staff were on drugs or drunk or both. There were 2 men behind the bar who began arguing with each other after a glass was broken (by one of them) very soon into our booking. The more senior bartender then proceeded to spill numerous drinks (on people), argue with the other bar tender, brake glasses behind the bar, and argue with the customers. At one point he demanded that we show him all of our videos we had been taking as “he is the license holder and therefore has to sign off everything” (this is simply just not true but shows his arrogance and grandiose behaviour perfectly). He got so wound up and angry (over seemingly nothing) that he walked into the other side of the bar with other customers and demanded that they all leave and started arguing with them (it was not time for the bar to close). He then stormed around shouting that he was quitting his job as he had had enough.
We had done nothing wrong at all and had just been having a good time singing karaoke. It was a great shame as we were there for a hen party and it did put a dampener on our weekend.
The senior bartender was totally unprofessional and likely on drugs or alcohol or both. None of us will ever be returning and will advise others not to either.
Written 2 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Sara
As the owner of Opium Bar, I always try to make sure the experience our clients feel is exceptional and hence always try to motivate my team to do their best.
I am still on my annual leave outside UK and on Sunday morning was called by one of my team, asking me to check the footage on our security systems as there had been a problem the night before.
What I saw disgusted me that a member of my team whom was in charge of my bar had acted so appallingly and out of place, and started to close the bar at 11:15 rather than the normal 12 thereby ruining the experience for the people who were there at the time.
I have never seen a person so out of control and feel really bad for what you experienced that night. I really do not know what had come over him, to act so terribly. Unfortunately the rest of the team, were also subject to the same abuse and were scared themselves,
I assure you that I dealt with the matter and the person in question is no longer employed by us or associated with Opium Bars.
Unfortunately there was no way I could contact the people who were there at the time, and I was hoping for someone to contact me in order to put the matter right and I thank you for giving me the chance.
I have now put measures in to prevent such an incident happening again.
Had I been in the country myself, I would have been able to deal with it immediately as I live round the corner.
I apologise on behalf of Opium Bar , to you and your friends and rest of my team profusely and urge anyone who had been effected on the night, to contact me on
booking@opiumbars,co,uk
For me to apologies personally and make good the damage caused.
please may I once again extend my sincere apologies and if you are in Bath again I will be pleased to welcome you by offering something on the house, to sweeten the bitter taste ,one individual caused so many.
Many thanks
Fari
Written 3 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Pingra
5 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
Attend for a birthday with a group of around 15. Hired out the private room for 2 hours at a cost of £120, was told we’d need to leave 15 minutes before the end of the allocated time. The staff did agree for us to stay until the end after some discussion. Karaoke machine was a disappointment, didn’t work for most of the time. We then went next door into the main bar where we were constantly told to sit down (some of the party were sitting, some standing as you would expect in a bar). Staff not friendly. We promptly left. For a bar that is empty on a Friday night don’t seem to accommodate larger groups well, which makes no sense when spending money in the establishment, and the staff give the vibe they don’t want to be there. We are locals and won’t be returning. Shame as has the potential to be a great venue.
Written 17 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Reviewer
We have had the Karaoke room, which is mostly fully booked month in advance, for a long time and rarely have had bad reviews.
The equipment is changed regularly to make sure it gives the best experience , from the titles on the machine, or streamed from the cloud or your phones , and easy to use.
We have been dealing with large groups since opening and know how to manage large groups and hence why we have the Secret room which is a private room with all facilities and capable of housing large groups ,on booking system and do not take booking for the main bar in Opium, to make sure the smaller groups can have a good experience too , since our experience in the past has shown some groups to be a bit too noisy for the rest of clients visiting us.
In Secret room the clients can be as roudy as they wish but in Opium bar we expect them to respect other clients , which is in line with any other place you visit in Bath who would not let large groups in.
I am still very sorry for the bad experience you had and if you decide to visit our bar again, if you could contact me in advance , I can make sure your experience to be a very positive one.
Thanks
Fari
fari.nejad@mail.com
Written 24 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Julie C
14 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
Little difficult to find but was worth making the effort to do so. Very quirky bar offering a large and different range of cocktails all very reasonably priced. Excellent customer service with friendly staff. Definitely a place to visit when I’m Barh.
Written 4 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sandieTS
Easingwold, UK129 contributions
Aug 2021 • Friends
Wow! What a wonderful quirky bar this is! Subterranean setting within the cellars under Pultney Bridge. Each room is different filled with an eclectic mix of treasures which should work together except they do.
Being slightly older (61 yr old school friends) one always wonders if we’ll be made welcome in trendy bars (I’m aware that use of the word ‘trendy’ indicates my age) however the wonderful bar staff here were really friendly and their passion for their products was palpable and helped create a great atmosphere.
Then there’s the cocktails themselves, oh my days, they were all amazing, wonderfully mixed and beautifully presented.
My favourite Bar in Bath, if not England.
Being slightly older (61 yr old school friends) one always wonders if we’ll be made welcome in trendy bars (I’m aware that use of the word ‘trendy’ indicates my age) however the wonderful bar staff here were really friendly and their passion for their products was palpable and helped create a great atmosphere.
Then there’s the cocktails themselves, oh my days, they were all amazing, wonderfully mixed and beautifully presented.
My favourite Bar in Bath, if not England.
Written 11 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roch
15 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
Matt was an amazing Cocktail maker and we were so happy to have him lead our session. He had so many amazing facts about alcohol and what spirits went best with what. He was very knowledgeable and made our session so much fun. Skyie was lovely as well she kept us entertained and was very chatty which made our experience even MORE enjoyable
Written 27 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathy S
14 contributions
Oct 2021
This has to be the most beautiful bar in Bath. It feels, looks and smells like an opium den.
The music is oldskool hip hop, the drinks are exquisite yet affordable, there are interesting paintings covering every inch of the walls. If Byron or Wilde were alive and living in Bath, they'd be regulars.
The music is oldskool hip hop, the drinks are exquisite yet affordable, there are interesting paintings covering every inch of the walls. If Byron or Wilde were alive and living in Bath, they'd be regulars.
Written 7 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amber H
Huntingdon, UK9 contributions
Aug 2021
Kyle was the best private bar staff member ever!! We hired the secret room for karaoke and with a private bar staff member on Wednesday night in Bath for a hen party, from start to finish we had the best night ever. Kyle made sure to suggest such lovely cocktails and even give the Bride to be a free shot and cocktail! The karaoke machine was so cool and so easy to use, we didn't stop laughing and singing the whole night. We may have even got Kyle to join in at one point! Thanks so much for the best night ever, such a cool bar with the best vibe! Definitely not one to miss.
Written 14 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sambuca S
24 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
AMAZING. This has to be the quirkiest bar we have ever been to. Drinks amazing, staff amazing, decor amazing. My wife and I (both in our 50's) had the pleasure to meet the owner, an absolute diamond guy. Nothing was too much trouble for the bar manager "Ali" again, another diamond guy. We were privileged to be given a guided tour of the secret room and the history of the well.....yes it has a 20ft well. Incense filled the air with soft relaxing music. Whether your 18 or 80 you have to visit this amazing bar. 👏 thank you for making our trip to Bath memorable
Written 10 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard
Balsall Common, UK64 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Visited Opium for pre-dinner cocktails on a recent visit to Bath. The cocktail bar is located in quirky vaults and caters for both classic and unique themed cocktails.
We arrived at 17:30 and were first in the bar but it filled up really quickly so would recommend not leaving it too late to arrive as tables are allocated on a first come first serve basis.
Cocktails were fantastic and well priced so would definitely go again!
We arrived at 17:30 and were first in the bar but it filled up really quickly so would recommend not leaving it too late to arrive as tables are allocated on a first come first serve basis.
Cocktails were fantastic and well priced so would definitely go again!
Written 30 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Would you recommend booking a table for a Saturday night? Does it get busy here or too loud?
Written 18 June 2018
Hey! It's more of a drink bar - I don't think they offer any food there actually. It does get a bit busy in the eve on Friday and Saturday but the music is not unbearably too loud - a lot of seating space and more chilled out I'd say. Also two for one cocktails until 9!
Written 21 June 2018
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