The Dark Horse is a cocktail bar in Crescent, Bath. Rated 4.7 stars from 957 Google reviews. Known for inventive cocktail menu and attentive, knowledgeable staff. Best for groups and date nights. Price range: $$.
Rankings updated April 2026
The Dark Horse
Across 957 Google reviews, 95% gave four or five stars.
Back to CrescentQuick Verdict
A distinctive basement cocktail bar where inventive drinks, cosy atmosphere, and genuinely welcoming staff create an experience that feels like discovering a secret exclusive club.
You want inventive cocktails in an intimate, cosy basement setting with staff who genuinely make you feel welcome.
About The Dark Horse
The Dark Horse is a basement cocktail bar tucked beneath Bath's Crescent, where dark moody décor and carefully crafted drinks create an intimate, exclusive atmosphere. Reviewers consistently praise the inventive and original cocktail menu—ranging from reimagined classics like a sherbet-topped Piña Colada to bespoke creations—prepared with meticulous care by knowledgeable staff. The space itself feels like a hidden gem, with quirky rooms and ambient lighting that sets a cosy, romantic tone without overwhelming noise. Service stands out across reviews: staff are described as attentive, personable, and genuinely welcoming, balancing professionalism with warmth. The bar accommodates groups, couples, and special events with equal aplomb, and the team's flexibility—extending bookings when guests run late, offering food extensions—signals genuine hospitality. Free Wi-Fi and full table service make it accessible for longer stays. At 4.7★ across 946 reviews with 85.6% five-star ratings, The Dark Horse ranks among Bath's most consistent cocktail destinations, competing directly with Raphael Restaurant and Olé Tapas on drink quality while maintaining its own distinctive underground character.
The Dark Horse earns its romantic reputation through both atmosphere and a serious wines and cocktails — the kind of place where a dinner for two tends to extend well past dessert.
What Stands Out
Inventive cocktail menu
Reviewers highlight 'really inventive and original menu', bespoke creations, and unique reimagined classics like sherbet-topped Piña Colada, with care evident in every preparation.
Attentive, knowledgeable staff
Consistently praised across reviews as 'amazing', 'polite', 'approachable', and 'genuinely wanting guests to feel welcome', with staff offering thoughtful drink recommendations and flexible service.
Distinctive cosy atmosphere
Dark moody décor, ambient lighting, and quirky basement rooms create a 'secret exclusive club' vibe that feels both intimate and trendy, with music at a considerate volume.
What Customers Say
Quirky cocktail bar that felt like a hidden gem! Service was very personable and attentive but not too in your face. We loved the decor and atmosphere - felt like a secret exclusive club inside.
The ambience of this bar is very special, cozy and the music was not too loud. The drinks were rich and full bodied. Staff attentive and helpful
One of the best cocktails bars I've visited. Really inventive and original menu - a must visit when in Bath.
Real quotes from Google Reviews
In Their Own Words
Review highlights surfaced by Google, in the language they were written
“Drinks, service, music, decor, vibe, all top notch.”
“Classy and friendly staff, offering a great selection of cocktails.”
“The atmosphere was really cool - dark and dingy cocktail bar.”Practical Information
Contact
Common Questions
How consistently good is The Dark Horse?
Across 957 Google reviews, 95% of visitors gave four or five stars — placing The Dark Horse among Crescent's most reliably rated cocktail bars.
Is The Dark Horse good for a date night?
Yes — The Dark Horse is rated as a Romantic setting by its regulars on Google, with a strong wine list and cocktail programme. Reservations are recommended, particularly for evenings.
Do you need to book The Dark Horse in advance?
Booking ahead is recommended for meals — The Dark Horse is a popular choice in Crescent and tends to fill quickly, particularly at weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Dark Horse
Booking is recommended, especially at peak times. The bar accepts reservations and has proven flexible with timing—staff will extend slots if guests run late. Walk-ins are welcome subject to availability.
The menu features inventive, original cocktails alongside classics available on request. Drinks are carefully prepared with quality ingredients. Expect bespoke options and reimagined classics like sherbet-topped Piña Colada.
Yes. The bar accommodates groups of all sizes, from intimate pairs to larger social occasions and private events. Staff are experienced at managing group dynamics and creating a welcoming environment.
Dark, moody, and cosy—think underground speakeasy. The basement location feels like a hidden gem with quirky rooms, ambient lighting, and music at a considerate volume. Romantic and trendy.
Yes. The Dark Horse is marked as LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safespace, with staff consistently described as welcoming and inclusive.
Yes. The bar serves food at the bar and table service. Staff can accommodate food requests and may extend dining time if needed.
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Rankings are recalculated monthly from live Google Business Profile data. Our Hot Score weighs review velocity (new text reviews in 90 days), recency (how fresh), baseline rating, and Google Business Profile completeness. No editorial picks, no paid placements — just what the data says this month.
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