The Bell, Bath

I have been visiting The Bell for many years now; it serves a good selection of ales and other drinks. The regular live music, open fire and garden are all great and the atmosphere is cosy and laid back. I have had many a good night there over the years. The ONLY downside is the attitude of some of the bar staff. Some of the younger staff members are almost consistently rude, arrogant, and inept and slow, even at quiet times. There is almost never a smile; in fact you are luckily if one word is uttered in your direction for the entire transaction. Any attempt to communicate on your part may well result in blank stares, awkward silences and possibly contempt. There is an attitude that they will serve you in their own sweet time, usually after they have poured themselves a drink and had a bit of a gossip with their fellow bar staff. One time I had my change literally thrown at me by a member of staff, seemingly for the heinous crime of daring to, very politely, order a drink. It's a real shame that The Bell can't sort this out because other than that it is a really great pub. My pals and I continue to frequent the place, regardless of the staff, who I refuse to let stand in the way of a good time in a good pub, although they've given it a bloody good try bless 'em!

21 Dec 2009 01:58