The Dark Horse: Bath’s Intimate Cocktail Haven
Discover Bath’s moody, intimate cocktail bar with inventive drinks, warm service, and a hidden underground charm.
Nestled below street level in Kingsmead Square, The Dark Horse is a stylish, moody cocktail bar in Bath known for its inventive drinks, warm ambiance, and expert staff. This intimate venue offers a unique blend of classic and creative cocktails crafted with local spirits, set within a cozy, boudoir-inspired interior that invites relaxed socializing and memorable evenings.
A brief summary to The Dark Horse
- 7A Kingsmead Square, Bath, BA1 2AB, GB
- +441225302820
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 5 pm-12:30 am
- Tuesday 5 pm-12:30 am
- Wednesday 5 pm-12:30 am
- Thursday 5 pm-12:30 am
- Friday 5 pm-2 am
- Saturday 4 pm-2 am
- Sunday 4 pm-11:30 pm
Local tips
- Book a table in advance, especially on weekends, to secure a spot in this popular intimate bar.
- Try signature cocktails like the Infinite Daiquiri or ask bartenders for personalized recommendations.
- Arrive early to enjoy cucumber water and soak in the moody, boudoir-style ambiance before your drinks.
- Be prepared for moderately priced drinks that reflect the quality and creativity of the cocktails.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
The Dark Horse location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Dark Horse
A Hidden Gem in Bath’s Historic Heart
Tucked away beneath street level in the atmospheric Kingsmead Square, The Dark Horse presents itself as a secretive yet welcoming retreat from the bustle of Bath. Its discreet entrance, marked only by a subtle doorway and steps leading down, sets the tone for an exclusive experience reminiscent of a speakeasy. This underground location enhances the bar’s intimate vibe, creating a cozy enclave that feels both special and timeless.Distinctive Ambiance and Interior Character
Inside, the decor is a carefully curated mix of moody, warm tones and quirky details that evoke a boudoir-style lounge. Dim lighting bathes the space in reds and oranges, while plush seating and small, separate rooms offer privacy and comfort. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between sophistication and relaxed informality, making it ideal for both quiet conversations and lively gatherings. The bar’s design invites guests to linger and savor the experience.Craftsmanship in Every Cocktail
The Dark Horse is celebrated for its inventive cocktail menu, which showcases a thoughtful use of local spirits and seasonal ingredients. Signature drinks like the “Infinite Daiquiri” have earned acclaim for their complexity and balance, combining smooth textures with nuanced flavors such as vanilla, caramel, and herbal bitters. The bartenders are highly knowledgeable and attentive, often happy to tailor drinks off-menu to suit individual tastes, ensuring a personalized and memorable visit.Service That Elevates the Experience
The staff at The Dark Horse are frequently praised for their friendliness, professionalism, and genuine passion for mixology. From the warm welcome at the door to the attentive care throughout the evening, their service enhances the bar’s inviting atmosphere. Guests often receive thoughtful touches like cucumber water upon arrival, setting a tone of hospitality. The team’s expertise and enthusiasm contribute significantly to the bar’s reputation as one of Bath’s finest.Local Recognition and Cultural Significance
Despite opening recently, The Dark Horse has quickly established itself as a standout venue in Bath’s nightlife scene. It has earned accolades including a top ranking among new cocktail bars worldwide, reflecting its innovative approach and quality. The bar’s commitment to championing local ingredients and spirits also connects it deeply to Bath’s cultural fabric, making it a destination for both locals and visitors seeking authentic, high-quality cocktails.Considerations for Visitors
Due to its popularity and limited size, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially on weekends. The bar’s layout, with some restrictions on seating in quieter moments, aims to maintain a lively yet intimate atmosphere. Prices are moderate to premium, reflecting the quality of ingredients and craftsmanship. The Dark Horse’s late opening hours, until 2 am on weekends, make it a perfect spot for night owls looking to enjoy expertly made cocktails in a unique setting.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Part of the mediaeval wall of the City of Bath
0.2 km
Explore a rare surviving fragment of Bath’s medieval city walls, a stone sentinel guarding centuries of history at 13 Trim Street.
The Pump Room Restaurant
0.2 km
Experience exquisite British and European cuisine in a historic setting at The Pump Room Restaurant, a must-visit gem in Bath.
Archway
0.2 km
Discover Bath’s elegant Victorian Archway, a historic stone bridge carrying spa waters across York Street in the city’s UNESCO heritage heart.
Green Park Station
0.3 km
Historic railway station turned vibrant market hub offering fresh local produce, unique crafts, lively eateries, and cultural events in Bath.
Bath Quays Waterside
0.3 km
A vibrant, sustainable waterside regeneration reconnecting Bath’s city centre with its historic river heritage and green public spaces.
Parte de la muralla medieval de la ciudad de Bath
0.3 km
Explore a rare surviving fragment of Bath’s medieval city wall, a gateway to the city’s rich Roman and medieval heritage.
Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House & Museum
0.3 km
Experience the rich history and delectable flavors at Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House & Museum in Bath, where tradition meets taste.
The EASTGATE
0.4 km
Explore The EASTGATE, a captivating historical landmark in Bath, showcasing stunning Georgian architecture and rich cultural heritage.
Monks Mill
0.4 km
Discover Monks Mill, a rare medieval watermill ruin nestled in Bath’s picturesque Parade Gardens, echoing centuries of monastic industry and wool trade heritage.
North Parade Bridge
0.5 km
Explore the breathtaking North Parade Bridge in Bath, a historic architectural marvel offering stunning views of the River Avon and serene surroundings.
National Trust - Bath Assembly Rooms
0.6 km
Discover the timeless beauty and historical significance of the Bath Assembly Rooms, a stunning example of Georgian architecture and social culture.
Bath Pavilion
0.7 km
Experience elegance and versatility at Bath Pavilion, the premier function room facility in the heart of Bath, perfect for weddings and conferences.
Museum of Bath Architecture
0.7 km
Explore Bath’s architectural evolution from medieval roots to Georgian grandeur in a compact, richly detailed museum setting.
No. 1 Royal Crescent
0.7 km
Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Georgian architecture and history at No. 1 Royal Crescent, a heritage museum in the heart of Bath.
The Royal Crescent
0.7 km
Georgian perfection in stone: 150 metres of architectural harmony overlooking Bath's parkland landscape.
Unmissable attractions to see
Theatre Royal, Bath
0.1 km
Discover Bath’s historic Theatre Royal, a stunning Georgian theatre blending rich heritage with vibrant contemporary performances.
The Cross Bath
0.1 km
Experience the timeless healing waters of Bath’s historic Cross Bath, a Georgian thermal spa steeped in ancient legend and royal tradition.
Hetling Pump Room
0.1 km
Discover Bath’s historic spa heritage at the elegant Hetling Pump Room, a gateway to the city’s mineral waters and medical past.
Thermae Bath Spa
0.1 km
Experience Britain’s only natural thermal spa with stunning rooftop pools, historic waters, and luxurious wellness treatments in the heart of Bath.
Ginger Bird Explores
0.1 km
Discover Bath’s rich history and vibrant food scene on intimate walking tours led by a passionate local guide.
Beauford Square
0.2 km
A tranquil Georgian square in Bath blending historic charm with architectural resilience and social history.
Fudge Kitchen Ltd - Bath
0.2 km
Discover Bath’s artisan fudge haven where tradition, creativity, and quirky charm blend into every creamy bite.
Pigeon Park
0.2 km
A small, formal garden on Bath’s Lower Borough Walls, offering a peaceful green pause in the city centre, with a quiet atmosphere and the Road Peace Monument.
Hen Weekends in Bath
0.2 km
Celebrate your hen weekend in style at Beau Nash House, Bath’s vibrant venue blending historic charm with lively entertainment.
The Raven
0.2 km
A cozy multi-floor Bath pub famed for unique pies, local ales, and a warm, friendly atmosphere steeped in British tradition.
Bath Walking Tours
0.2 km
Explore Bath’s rich history and stunning architecture on expert-led walking tours from Abbey Courtyard.
The Roman Baths
0.2 km
Step into ancient history at The Roman Baths, where steaming hot springs and Roman ruins reveal 2,000 years of Bath’s heritage.
Bath's Historic Venues
0.2 km
Experience elegant Georgian dining and historic charm with live classical music overlooking Bath’s iconic Roman Baths.
Chapel Arts Centre
0.2 km
A vibrant, intimate arts hub in Bath offering diverse live performances and a welcoming café within a historic setting.
Bath World Heritage Centre
0.2 km
Discover Bath’s rich heritage and UNESCO status through interactive exhibits, expert guidance, and immersive walking trails at the city’s cultural hub.
Essential places to dine
Thai Balcony Restaurant
0.1 km
Authentic Thai dining with a charming balcony view in the heart of Bath’s vibrant Seven Dials district.
Las Iguanas - Bath
0.1 km
Experience bold Latin American flavors and vibrant cocktails in the heart of Bath’s lively Seven Dials district.
Bar + Block Steakhouse Bath
0.1 km
Experience expertly hand-cut steaks and vibrant British flavors in the heart of Bath at Bar + Block Steakhouse.
Amarone Restaurant
0.1 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine and elegant ambiance in the heart of historic Bath at Amarone Restaurant.
Raphael Restaurant
0.2 km
A relaxed, wine-focused restaurant in a Georgian townhouse, serving modern British dishes with seasonal, local ingredients in the heart of Bath.
Pintxo de Bath
0.2 km
Authentic Basque tapas and sherry bar in Bath’s theatre district with a sunny garden and vibrant Spanish flavors.
Corkage Bath
0.2 km
Award-winning wine bar and restaurant serving creative Mediterranean small plates in a charming Bath city-centre setting.
Noya's Kitchen
0.2 km
Experience authentic Vietnamese home cooking in a charming Grade II listed Georgian setting in the heart of Bath.
Boho Marché
0.2 km
Experience vibrant Moroccan-Mediterranean fusion cuisine in Bath’s eclectic Boho Marché, where bold flavors meet whimsical décor.
Green Park Brasserie
0.2 km
Historic railway charm meets live jazz and seasonal local cuisine in Bath’s vibrant Green Park Brasserie.
Ole Tapas
0.3 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and vibrant Mediterranean flavors in the heart of Bath’s historic city centre.
Bill's Bath Restaurant
0.3 km
A vibrant British restaurant in central Bath, perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner near the Theatre Royal and Bath Abbey.
La Terra
0.3 km
Contemporary Italian fine dining rooted in family tradition, impeccable sourcing, and warm hospitality in Bath's city centre.
The Salamander - A Great British Pub.
0.3 km
Intimate Georgian pub serving locally sourced British classics and Bath Ales in Bath's historic city centre.
Jars Meze
0.3 km
Authentic Greek meze and Mediterranean warmth in Bath's most intimate family-run taverna.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Roman baths shop
0.2 km
Discover unique Roman-inspired gifts and souvenirs in the heart of Bath’s historic city center.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.2 km
Discover playful Scandinavian design and affordable creative gifts at Flying Tiger Copenhagen in Bath’s vibrant Union Street.
Jacks of Bath
0.2 km
Discover authentic Bath souvenirs in a charming boutique nestled in the historic Abbey Churchyard, perfect for unique gifts and keepsakes.
The Silver Shop Of Bath
0.2 km
Discover Bath’s longest-established silver jewellery shop, offering unique gifts and expert craftsmanship in a charming historic setting.
Jigsaw
0.2 km
Elegant ladies’ fashion and accessories boutique offering refined style and attentive service in the heart of Bath’s historic Old Bond Street.
Beats Of Bath
0.2 km
Discover unique gifts and artisan treasures in the heart of Bath’s historic Cheap Street at Beats Of Bath.
Bluebells of Bath
0.3 km
Discover unique gifts and stylish home decor at Bluebells of Bath, a charming independent shop in the heart of historic Bath.
Fancy That of London
0.3 km
Charming Bath gift shop in historic Abbey Chambers offering Bath-themed treasures and warm, personal service near Bath Abbey.
The Bath Independent Market
0.3 km
Discover Bath’s vibrant independent makers beneath the iconic glass roof of Green Park Station every Sunday.
Pinkart
0.3 km
Discover unique handcrafted gifts and local artistry at Pinkart, a charming boutique nestled in the heart of historic Bath.
Firefly Vintage Bath
0.3 km
Discover unique vintage gems and timeless style at Firefly Vintage Bath, a cozy boutique for curated vintage clothing in the heart of Bath.
Hauslife
0.3 km
Discover unique artisan homewares and gifts in a warm, inviting boutique nestled in Bath’s historic Abbeygate Street.
Vintage Abs Bath
0.3 km
Discover authentic vintage clothing and accessories in Bath’s charming Upper Borough Walls at Vintage Abs, a haven for fashion lovers.
Bath Retro Store
0.3 km
Discover quirky gifts and nostalgic treasures in Bath Retro Store, a charming independent shop nestled in historic Abbey Green.
Anthropologie
0.3 km
Discover Anthropologie Bath: vibrant women's fashion and unique home décor in a stylish boutique at the heart of historic New Bond Street.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Dark Horse
0.0 km
Discover Bath’s moody, intimate cocktail bar with inventive drinks, warm service, and a hidden underground charm.
Vino Vino
0.1 km
Sophisticated yet relaxed wine and cocktail bar in Bath with artisan sharing plates and a vibrant al fresco terrace.
The Grapes
0.1 km
A historic Bath pub blending traditional charm with lively music, craft ales, and a welcoming atmosphere in the city’s heart.
Fidel Rum Bar
0.2 km
Discover Bath’s cozy rum sanctuary with expert cocktails, a global rum collection, and a warm, inviting atmosphere at Fidel Rum Bar.
The Bath Distillery Gin Bar
0.2 km
Discover Bath’s historic gin revival in a vibrant Georgian bar with exclusive small-batch gins and expertly crafted cocktails.
Coeur De Lion
0.3 km
Discover Bath’s smallest pub, Coeur De Lion, where cozy charm meets local ales and simple, tasty fare in a welcoming atmosphere.
All Bar One Bath
0.3 km
A stylish and spacious wine bar on Bath’s historic High Street, blending modern comfort with vibrant city energy.
The Botanist Bath
0.3 km
A botanical haven in Bath blending historic charm, seasonal menus, award-winning cocktails, and live music across three vibrant floors.
Hall & Woodhouse Bath
0.3 km
Historic multi-floor pub and restaurant in Bath offering classic ales, diverse menu, and rooftop city views.
The Old Green Tree
0.3 km
A cozy and historic Bath pub with quality ales, warm wood interiors, and a welcoming, timeless atmosphere.
The Hideout
0.3 km
Discover Bath’s hip-hop inspired whisky bar nestled in a historic cellar, blending quirky charm with expertly crafted cocktails and a welcoming vibe.
Belushi's Bath
0.3 km
A lively sports bar and live music venue in Bath offering great food, cocktails, and an energetic atmosphere near the city’s historic heart.
Sleight Magic Bar
0.4 km
Discover Bath’s only magic bar, where captivating close-up illusions meet expertly crafted cocktails in a vaulted cellar setting.
ArtBar
0.4 km
A stylish cocktail bar and art gallery in Bath’s historic Abbey Hotel, blending creative ambiance with refined drinks and local charm.
Juno Bar and Kitchen
0.4 km
Lively central Bath bar serving craft beers, bold burgers, inventive cocktails, and a buzzing social scene with pool and music.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Komedia
0.1 km
Bath’s vibrant community-owned venue offering comedy, live music, cabaret, and more in a beautifully restored historic cinema.
Sub 13
0.4 km
Bath’s award-winning cocktail bar and nightclub offering masterclasses, vibrant nightlife, and a heated terrace in a stylish three-floor venue.
Labyrinth Bar & Nightclub
0.5 km
Experience Bath’s vibrant nightlife at Labyrinth Bar & Nightclub with four unique rooms, eclectic music, and a lively social atmosphere.
Zero / Zero
0.5 km
Experience Bath’s vibrant nightlife at Zero / Zero, a cozy nightclub and cocktail lounge with a lively atmosphere and late-night beats.
Second Bridge
0.5 km
A lively nightclub in Bath offering cocktails, shisha, and a buzzing beer garden for vibrant nightlife experiences.
Lomah
0.6 km
Experience Bath’s industrial-chic nightlife at Lomah, a stylish underground club with hip hop beats and a laidback vibe for 21+ guests.
The Tub
2.5 km
A vibrant student nightclub on University of Bath campus, perfect for dancing, socializing, and late-night fun in a lively, welcoming atmosphere.
Motion
16.6 km
Bristol’s iconic warehouse nightclub, Motion, pulses with underground beats and community spirit, celebrating decades of electronic music culture.
Dare to Club
16.7 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant, inclusive nightlife at Dare to Club, where diverse music and welcoming vibes create unforgettable nights.
The Loco Klub
17.0 km
An atmospheric subterranean arts venue in Brunel’s Temple Meads arches, where tunnels, brick vaults and intimate soundscapes host club nights, theatre and live music.
Thekla
17.7 km
A converted cargo ship transformed into Bristol’s compact, industrial live-music venue and late-night club, famed for close-up shows and throbbing club nights.
Popworld - Bristol
18.0 km
Dance to 90s and 00s pop anthems under neon lights at Bristol's ultimate nostalgic nightclub, where cheesy hits and POPTAIL cocktails fuel epic nights out.
Forró Bristol
18.0 km
Ignite your night with Brazilian forró rhythms: partner dances, live bands, and sweaty joy in Bristol's beating heart.
PRYZM
18.1 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant nightlife at PRYZM, a multi-room club with themed music floors, student deals, and a lively party atmosphere.
Lakota
18.1 km
Bristol's gritty heartbeat: underground raves, thunderous bass, and nights that blur into dawn at this St Paul's legend.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Bohemian Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Nightlife
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Adult Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
