Ian Waller and his family enjoy a Sunday lunch at a very family friendly Bath pub
There’s something reassuring about a pub that understands families aren’t all looking for the same thing. Some want a relaxed Sunday roast, some want a riverside drink in the sunshine, some need a menu flexible enough for teenagers with changing tastes and others simply want somewhere welcoming after a walk or bike ride.
That’s exactly where The Locksbrook Inn gets it right.
Set right beside the canal path and river in Bath, the spacious pub has a lively but relaxed atmosphere that makes it especially appealing for family outings. On sunny weekends the outdoor seating fills quickly with groups of all ages enjoying drinks by the water, while inside there’s a choice of traditional tables and comfortable booths that work well for families wanting a quieter meal. Dogs are welcome too, making it an easy stop-off during a family walk along the canal.
Around us there were several other families enjoying Sunday lunch with children of all ages, while outside a larger group gathered in the sunshine celebrating a birthday. It all added to the warm, sociable atmosphere that makes the pub feel welcoming rather than formal or rushed.
From the moment we arrived, the welcome was genuinely friendly. Service can make or break a family meal and the standout during our visit was waiter Sam, who struck exactly the right balance between attentive and relaxed. He knew the menu inside out, happily talked through options and was very accommodating when we asked about adapting dishes to suit individual preferences.
That flexibility matters more than ever when dining out as a family, particularly with teenagers in tow. Throughout our visit the waiting staff were excellent — efficient, calm and cheerful despite it being both extremely busy and one of the hottest days of the year so far.
The Sunday menu offers plenty of variety, with families able to choose between traditional roasts, hand-stretched pizzas and a selection of small plates and pub favourites. During our visit, my daughter and I both opted for the West Country beef striploin roast, while my wife chose the roasted belly of pork with crackling — something different from the sort of Sunday lunch we would usually cook at home.
The roast options also included roast chicken breast and a baked butternut squash, lentil and almond Wellington for plant-based diners. Each roast arrived generously plated with seasonal vegetables, rosemary roasted potatoes, Yorkshire pudding and rich gravy, with optional extras including cauliflower cheese, pigs in blankets and additional roast potatoes for anyone wanting the full traditional experience.
Portion sizes were certainly generous. None of us quite managed to clear our plates — although admittedly that may have had something to do with the fact we were already saving room for pudding.
The pub’s pizzas also have a particularly strong reputation locally and there are some tempting midweek offers for families looking for a more affordable treat. Tuesdays and Wednesdays bring 25% off pizzas, while children can eat free on Fridays and Saturdays. The pub also runs ‘Dough It Yourself’ pizza parties for children, giving young pizza fans the chance to get hands-on and create their own pizzas — another thoughtful family-focused touch.
There’s also clear thought behind the drinks menu. Rather than offering the usual limited soft drink choices, the Locksbrook Inn serves a range of refreshing alcohol-free cocktails including a Vanilla Cherryade and a Raspberry & Mint Iced Tea, both of which felt ideal for a warm afternoon beside the water.
Desserts provided a proper traditional pub finish to the meal. I went for the dark chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream and pistachio, while my daughter happily kept things simple with a couple of scoops of chocolate ice cream. My wife rounded things off with a speciality coffee instead.
Other dessert choices included rhubarb and apple crumble, Biscoff cheesecake, sticky toffee pudding and a tropical coconut and passionfruit cake, alongside a selection of Cornish ice creams and sorbets.
Beyond the food, this feels like a genuine community pub rather than simply somewhere to eat. Sam explained that there’s a weekly quiz night alongside the intriguingly named ‘Singaroke’ — karaoke backed by a live musician — adding to the sense that there is always something happening here.
For families looking for a relaxed Sunday setting with friendly service, plenty of space and one of Bath’s best waterside locations, the Locksbrook Inn remains an easy place to spend a few enjoyable hours together.
