Hidden away in the heart of Bath, The Dark Horse invites guests into its historic Georgian basement. The bar comprises a series of small rooms and vaults, each designed to offer a distinct ambiance. From the bright, bustling bar room to the intimate, dimly-lit vaults with Chesterfield sofas, The Dark Horse is filled with curiosities, art, and treasures which make it seem homely.

The design of the bar itself is a reflection of this concept. Owner-operated and largely built by hand, The Dark Horse exudes a personal touch. The bar top is a striking feature, made from Iroko wood from a local timber merchant – a West African hardwood which is extremely durable and water resistant – and adorned with an enormous cast iron eagle found in a nearby reclamation yard, adding to the bar’s sense of character and history. Each table, booth, and piece of furniture is handcrafted from the same timber, tying the space together with a cohesive, lived-in aesthetic that feels welcoming and familiar.

The attention to detail doesn’t stop with the forward-facing elements and the bar itself was built for speed and comfortable working with minimal impact on the staff. By creating a ‘passhole’ from the kitchen through to the bar and utilising rear-loading fridges – it means no one other than the bartenders need to step behind the bar – replenishments are made seamlessly, which in turn makes for speedy delivery of drinks. An unnoticed element that really elevates service. 

In addition to its carefully-crafted environment, The Dark Horse places a strong emphasis on locally sourced, fresh ingredients. The cocktail menu, which changes quarterly with the seasons, reflects the bounty of the surrounding fields and hedgerows of Bath and Bristol. All syrups, cordials, and shrubs are made on-site, often using produce from the market stall just outside the front door. This dedication to fresh, local ingredients means the drinks are not only tasty but also sustainable and relevant to the season. 

The drinks themselves are rooted in simplicity, with a deep respect for classic cocktails. The focus is on creating flavorful, unfussy drinks that allow the quality of the ingredients to shine. The Dark Horse’s Pina Colada, made with a salted coconut sorbet, is a regular highlight for guests to look out for. The bar stocks around 300 products, each chosen for its individual merit, quality, and ethical standing. This dedication extends to the beer and wine offerings, which are strictly local, cycling through West Country beers and championing English wines.

Music plays an integral role in shaping the atmosphere at The Dark Horse. The hour-long modular playlists are created over months in the owner’s home studio – with finishing touches for each one from Massive Attack’s Stew Jackson. These one hour blocks are each mixed, chopped, and edited to have a beginning and end that can butt up against any other. These are then stitched together to create playlists appropriate to the opening hours, day of the week, expected levels of business and time of year – essentially a pre-recorded DJ set every night that can adapt to the ebb and flow of the evening. There’s more – these are then played through a high-definition Naim sound system which is connected by metres and metres of cabling built into the bars walls and ceiling – making this a music lover’s dream. 

At its core, The Dark Horse is dedicated to providing a warm, memorable experience for each guest. Whether offering personalised recommendations, acting as a concierge for visitors, or allowing guests to enjoy their evening with minimal interruption, the team’s goal is simple: to ensure everyone has a lovely time while in their care.