The Architect

The Architect encompasses part of the ground floor and basement of The Empire Hotel in Bath. This beautiful Grade 2 listed building was designed by the Bath City Architect Major Charles Edward Davis for the hotelier Alfred Holland and built from Bath Stone, on the site of the Athenaeum in 1901. It was described by Sir Nikolaus Pevsner as a ‘monstrosity and an unbelievable piece of pompous architecture’ – we rather like it and wanted to celebrate the boldness of its design by naming it in Major Charles Edward Davis’ honour – but that would have been rather a mouthful, so we will all know who we mean with a simple ‘the Architect’!

It is situated on Orange Grove, overlooking Pulteney Bridge with a small terrace that looks out onto the Abbey. You will find a bar stocked to the brim with wines, spirits and local ales as you enter through the grand entrance and then a large high-ceilinged room full of booths to nestle into and a mixture of sized tables for large or intimate visits. There is also a more private table if you’d like a special occasion away from the hubbub.