TGtB Meets...Sub13 - Bath Life Awards Special

We've been chatting to Sub 13 following their victory at The Bath Life Awards - where they scooped Best Cocktail bar in Bath!

Congratulations on your win! Tell us a little bit about your business?

Alex Miller: Our aim since we opened Sub 13 in 2004 has been to serve top quality cocktails, with great service, in a bar that is as good at being a serious destination for drinking as well as it is for partying. My co-founder Dan Perry and I wanted to bring a little bit of London style to the Bath scene, and ten years on I think our mission has been really successful. Despite so many new cocktail destinations having opened since then, we’re still seen by many as the original and best!

Tim Whelehan: We're also really lucky to have a fantastic outdoor space, home to our champagne terrace created three years ago in association with champagne house Perrier-Jouët. I'm always surprised that people love to be outside even in December, although the heaters definitely help with that!

What does winning this award mean for you and your company?

TW: In a year when we celebrated our tenth birthday and record-breaking sales, it really was the icing on the cake!

AM: I agree and it’s also great to see all the effort and love I've put in over the years being recognised. And the congratulations we’ve received from so many people has been amazing. The spin-offs in terms of publicity are really important too; we noticed a difference last year and so are hoping for more of the same this year too.

How are you planning to celebrate your victory?

AM: Well, we’ve already agreed to sponsor the champagne reception again next year! We're also planning a nice celebration at The Fox at Broughton Gifford – a fellow winner!

TW: Yeah, not least because we want to get some tips on how to emulate their award hat trick next year...!

Business is clearly booming, why do you think so many people visit Bath?

AM: I think the opening of the Thermae Spa has had a noticeable effect on the level of tourism in the city, especially from hen parties, who also bring us a lot of business particularly at weekends.

TW: We also have so many great restaurants and bars in the city that it has become the go-to destination for a good night out in the south west. And crucially one without the hassle and unpleasantness associated with nightlife in some other parts of the UK.

What's your favourite thing about Bath and why?

TW: I love how you can find great shops, pubs and restaurants in one area. And of course you’ve got the countryside on your doorstep.

AM: I think for me it’s all about how diverse the people you meet are. They’re from so many different walks of life and doing interesting and creative things. It means there’s always someone new and intriguing to meet.