The Crystal Palace, Bath

You'll find yourself on one of Bath's most civilised squares, where the Georgian terraces create this almost village-like calm that feels miles away from the madness around the Abbey. The Crystal Palace has that rare quality of being genuinely local—regulars prop up the bar, groups cluster around tables with pints, and there's actual conversation happening rather than everyone staring at their phones. The interior has proper character, all traditional wood and ale-house charm, and they take their beer seriously here, rotating local brews and keeping a solid selection of real ales on tap. Food is unpretentious but done properly—expect classics that won't disappoint, priced fairly enough that you don't feel robbed when you're paying London money in Bath.