There’s plenty to discover during a cottage break in Bath. Not only do you have the beautiful Cotswolds right on your doorstep, but you can also spend many a happy day exploring everything this historic city has to offer. As well as the wonderful Georgian architecture and boutique shops, Bath is a paradise for food-lovers. With everything from cosy pubs and cafes to michelin-starred restaurants to pick from, there’s something to whet any appetite.
We’ve picked ten of our favourite spots for delicious food and drink in Bath. Why not see how many you can tick off your list during your next break!
The Scallop Shell
This charming spot was nominated as the Independent Fish and Chip Restaurant of the Year during the 2016 National Fish & Chip Awards, and it’s easy to see why it’s such a firm favourite! The fish is beautifully fresh, including delicious Cornish mussels and some of the best haddock around. Everything (even the chips!) is cooked that day, and the team is dedicated to serving local produce and sustainable fish and seafood, exclusively from UK waters. The Scallop Shell is open for lunch and dinner six days a week, and lunch only on Sundays.
Book a table
Corkage
Corkage is a lovely wine bar and a fantastic choice for those wishing to try a new tipple while on holiday. There are actually two bars to choose from in Bath - one on Chapel Row and one on Walcot. Both bars have a regularly changing menu, and the 50ml tasting samples mean it’s easy to try a range of different options! If you need something to soak up all those glasses of wine, they also serve a selection of small but delicious plates, such as crab on toast. Booking is essential.
Book a table
Woods
Woods is a firm favourite with the locals of Bath, having served a delicious selection of British food with a french twist since 1979. The restaurant’s historical touches and warm, friendly atmosphere means it’s a wonderful choice for a light lunch or cosy dinner with the family. On a hot day, you can even pop in for a cooling ice cream!
View website
The Dark Horse
If you’re looking for something a little bit different to round off your evening, The Dark Horse might be just the thing. It’s an atmospheric cocktail bar where everything, from the drinks to the art on the walls, has been sourced from West Country producers. This includes English wines, beers from the South-West and fruit and herbs from the area surrounding Bath. The cocktail menu changes regularly, depending on the season and what’s available, meaning you can visit several times and still not try everything on offer!
Book a table
Same Same but Different
Another charmingly retro cafe, this is a great option for a friendly, reasonably-priced meal with the family. The menu is ever-changing and uses only local Bath-based suppliers, meaning there’s always something new on offer. From a complete English breakfast (just the thing to set you up for a day of exploring) to artisan sandwiches and a large selection of tapas, this good-value, family-run gem is a pleasant place to while away an hour or two. Booking is required for dinner, but you can just pop in for breakfast and lunch.
Book a table
The Pump Room
This iconic restaurant is part of Bath’s famous Roman Baths, and is a must-visit for an afternoon tea. With buttery scones, thick clotted cream and delicious jams, you’re bound to eat more than your fair share! They also have a wonderful lunch and breakfast menu, which you can enjoy while drinking in the breathtaking period surroundings. It’s also worth sampling the famous hot spa water in the fountain - containing 43 minerals, it has quite an unusual taste! Once you’re done, why not pop into the Baths themselves for a relaxing soak?
Book a table
Sally Lunn’s
Another of Bath’s historic eateries is the famous Sally Lunn’s, which has been serving hungry visitors for centuries. In fact, the kitchen museum means you can view the actual kitchen where Sally Lunn created the first Bath Bunn (a traditional glazed bread made with a hint of sugar and sultanas, served with jam)! This authentic eating house still serves these tasty treats today, along with a lovely afternoon tea and a selection of hearty meals throughout the day - why not try a Trencher dinner? These were served prior to the invention of plates, when a type of bread was used to hold the food (although if you decide to visit today, you will get a plate as well!)
Book a table
The Green Rocket
For our vegetarian and vegan guests, the award-winning Green Rocket is a fantastic choice. Choose from a selection of meat-free meals, set in a warm and informal setting. Make sure to visit for a delicious breakfast, lunch and coffee. They also serve a dinner menu between Wednesday and Saturday. Alternatively, why not pop in and help yourself to some of their takeaway options, then treat yourself to a picnic in nearby Parade Gardens?
View website
The Raven
If a cosy local pub is more your cup of tea (or pint of ale), then The Raven is a fantastic choice. Located on a quiet, cobbled streets, this family-friendly pub prides itself on it’s welcoming, traditional feel and historical location. They don’t take reservations, but if you pop in they’ll do their very best to squeeze you in! Make sure to treat yourself to one of the award-winning Pieminster Pies, along with a pint of their very own dark ale.
View website
Olive Tree
The Olive Tree is Bath’s only Michelin-starred restaurant; an honour that it holds in addition to it’s 3AA Rosettes. The wonderful, innovative food (which includes two tasting menus) combines classic flavours with modern techniques, while using local produce to provide diners with a truly unique experience. It also has an award-winning wine list, perfectly paired to your food. Compared to many Michelin-starred restaurants, the Olive Tree is also rather reasonably priced, meaning it’s a wonderful choice for treating yourself or marking a special occasion during your holiday. Booking is essential.
Book a table
Even with our collection of lovely self-catering cottages in the Cotswolds, there’s something special about treating yourself to a delicious meal out during your holiday. Whether you’re getting ready for a busy day exploring, or sharing a romantic evening with someone special, Bath is full of places which are sure to tickle your tastebuds.
Book your holiday in Bath today.