The Bath Townhouse - 18-19 Old Bond Street, Bath, BA1 1BP - 01225 435398 Last week we were invited to eat at the newly opened Bath Townhouse, part of the Coppa Club group, and their second opening in the South West (the other is is Bristol). Based in the old Gap building, we were really interested to see how they had restored the building. All the original Art Deco features have been retained and sympathetically restored, including fireplaces and the grand staircase, making for a classy eating and drinking space. To start, we ordered the Crispy Fried Squid (£8.50), and the Buttermilk Fried Chicken (£7). Both arrived promptly, were piping hot and really tasty. Decent sized portions, and lovely fresh flavours. For our main courses we chose the Roasted Halibut Fillet (£24) served with chickpea and harissa stew with a mint and yoghurt sauce. This was fresh, light and really tasty, and the Dry Aged 7oz Fillet Steak (£31.50), served with a portobello mushroom and skinny fries, with a selection of sauces to add if you wish. The steak was perfectly cooked and tender, no complaints from either of us. Although full, we could not resist the dessert menu, and went for the Sticky Toffee Pudding (£8.50) and the Basque Cheesecake (£8). Both did not disappoint, but be warned, the honeycomb on the sticky toffee pudding is not for anyone with dentures!
We popped upstairs for a look around after our meal and it's really lovely up there. Private dining areas, and a chilled cocktail bar offer a more relaxed vibe if you are not looking to dine or want a lighter meal. In summary, we really enjoyed our visit to The Bath Townhouse, and would not hesitate to recommend it. Think vibes along the lines of the Ivy, and you will be in the right place. Service was spot on, thanks to Barnaby for looking after us so well, and we will definitely be back!
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Bradford on Avon Massage, 17 Market Street, Bradford on Avon, BA151LL - bradfordonavonmassage@gmail.com www.bradfordonavonmassage.co.uk This week I visited Bradford on Avon Massage for a gifted Holistic Massage with Lindsay. She has just opened a new therapy room on Market Street, just a 10 minute drive from Bath. Parking was easy, just at the bottom of the road (and far cheaper than Bath), and just a stroll across the bridge up to the studio.
Lindsay was very welcoming, she talked me through the type of treatment I would be having, and how it is bespoke based on my mood, health and general feeling of well being etc. We talked through any ailments or pains, and how I would like to feel after the session. She put me at ease immediately as she was professional and knowledgeable but also warm and reassuring. Once on the massage table the treatment began - gorgeous warm towels enveloping your body and the aches and stresses of everyday life just melting away. Lovely relaxing ambient music and gorgeous aromas of rose and lavender accompanied my treatment, and I'm pretty sure I dozed for a short time as I was so relaxed! At the end of the hour long massage, I was left to rest with a warming eye mask, and it was a struggle to come back to reality! I would thorougly recommend Lindsay, she was able to pinpoint all my tension spots and knead away all the knots and aches perfectly. The holistic treatment I received is £60 for an hour. You can find out more about the other treatments offered on the website - www.bradfordonavonmassage.co.uk I would suggest combining a massage with a gentle stroll around town and some lunch as there are so many lovely shops and eateries in BoA - it's definately worth a visit and is just as pretty as Bath! 18 York St, Bath BA1 1NG - 01225 308529 Last week we were invited to try the newly opened Casa de Tapas in the centre of town. Perfectly located, just off Bog Island and quite literally 30 seconds from the Roman Baths and Pulteney Weir, we were excited to try some tapas in Bath! Located in the old Cafe Retro building, a fantastic transformation has taken place, and it feels like you are entering a tapas bar in Barcelona. We sat upstairs, at a prime window seat with views over Bog Island - we were there for a couple of hours and it's the perfect people watching spot! A warm welcome from Alexis the manager made us feel really welcome and relaxed, and we gratefully accepted his food and drink recommendations. Where to start with the food - a fantastic menu with so much choice! Nibbles, grazing, hearty dishes, comfort food, sweet treats.... so much to choose from, there is something for everyone here. I'm just going to post some pictures now and then tell you what we had as it was so good.... We sampled... - Jamon Iberico Gran Reserva (£8), gorgeously soft ham with tiny crunchy breadsticks, a generous portion and good for sharing. - Pan de la Casa con Alioli y Sal de Roca (£4) - super soft warm bread with a pot of alioli and salt, perfect for scooping up the sauce from the meatballs or prawns. - Ensalada de Tomate con Aceitunas (£6.50), fresh rainbow coloured tomatoes and olives with watercress and olive oil - Croquetas de Setas (£6), delightfully crisp mushroom croquettes, smooth and rich and beautifully presented - Paella de Pollo (£7), classic Spanish chicken paella with green beans and saffron - a decent sized portion - Croquetas de Chorizo y Jamon Serrano (£6.50), creamy and crispy chorizo croquettes - yum! - Gambas con Pimenton y Ajillo (£8.50), garlic and chilli marintated prawns - a firm favourite and perfect for scooping the butter with the house bread.... - Pulpo con Patatas y Pimenton (£8.50), slow cooked octopus with fresh potatoes and smoked paprika. Our other favourite dish, super tender octopus served with potatoes... perfect. - Mejillones al Vino Blanco (£8.50), mussels steamed and served in a white wine and cream sauce. This was really nice, I am not a fan of mussels and we didn't order this but it arrived at our table, and we actually really enjoyed it (we got this instead of the patas bravas that we ordered I think). In summary - a fantastic selection of dishes and so much choice and variety that all tastes are catered for. For dessert we opted for the Churros - yes (£6) and the Tarte de Queso con Fresa - Spanish style burnt cheesecake served with homemade strawberry jam. Both were utterly delicious and a lovely end to the meal. We loved our evening at Casa de Tapas.... the staff really care about the customer experience, and the food is top notch. It's so lovely to find a slice of Spain in the centre of Bath, and we can't wait to return!
Last night we were invited to sample the supper menu at the Bath Arms Inn at Longleat. A short 30 minute drive out of Bath (during rush hour and with Cleveland Bridge closed), it's the perfect bolt hole to escape city life. Down some twisting tree lined lanes, we pulled up outside the prettiest village pub and headed in. Full of charm with all the old features still in place, yet tastefully decorated and restored, we headed to our table in the dining room. The menu offered a wide selection of dishes to cater for all tastes, with "pub" options as well as a la carte. To start we chose the Burrata (£9.50) and the Fishcake (£8.50). The burrata was deliciously soft and creamy, and was served with glazed apricots, Dorset charcuterie, pumpkin seeds and a garlic crumb. The sweetness of the apricot cut through the richness of the cheese perfectly, and the crispy meat and seeds added an extra flavour dimension and texture. Very light and satisfying. The fishcake was flavoured with lemon and herbs (delicious) and a chilli and lime dressing that added a lovely heat and zing. The crisp shaved fennel and samphire finished the dish off perfectly. To follow we ordered Cider Battered Fish and Chips (£15.50) and the Pork Tenderloin (£19). Lightly salted crisp fries were perfect with the fish, which was in a deliciously airy crunchy batter. The fish was moist and flavoursome, and the tartare and mushy peas a perfect accompaniment. The pork was tender and juicy, served on a bed a carrot puree, with a rich and tasty chorizo and black pudding croquette. The orange and saffron braised fennel was a nice surprise as fennel can often be overpowering, but this was spot on and worked well. For dessert we chose the Peanut Butter Cheesecake (£8.50) and the Lemon Curd Tart (7.50). Both were really pretty and beautifully presented. The deconstructed cheesecake was a taste sensation, rich peanut buttery white chocolate served on a thin biscuit base, with fresh raspberries and a zippy raspberry sorbet. The tart was light and delivered a fabulous lemon hit, served with marscapone ice cream, mascerated strawberries and a gorgeous brandy snap. The powdered lemon sprinkled on the plate was truly delicious. The setting for our meal was really impressive, there was a nice atmosphere, and the staff were very attentive. it was clear they all enjoy their jobs and care about the customer. Alice looked after us for the evening and she was professional, knowledgeable and very efficient. After our meal we had a little look around. The outside covered seating area is impressive. When the chilly weather sets in the sides can be drawn down so there is the option to sit outside if you want to. Brianna showed us one of the bedrooms which was really cute - beautifully decorated and cosy with a view over Longleat Forest.
If you are a Bathonian, visiting Bath, or wanting to stay near Longleat then we highly recommend The Bath Arms Inn. We really enjoyed our meal and will be back soon! 11 Cleveland Place West, Bath BA1 5DG - 01225 313747 - www.thecurfewbath.co.uk On Sunday we were invited to sample the new Sunday Lunch menu at the Curfew pub. Just a ten minute stroll from our house, this was a perfect way to start our lazy Sunday. The menu goes live from this Sunday, the 19th September and we would suggest you book as the food was really good! We sat upstairs in the tastefully refurbished dining room, lovely and bright with large windows and a cooling breeze - a lovely spot to relax. We opted for the Whitebait with dill mayonaise (£5.95) which was a generous portion. Piping hot and crisp, these were delicious. The Breaded wedges of brie with sweet chilli dip (£6.25) were oozy (is that a word) and creamy - a real treat to start the meal. For the main course, my husband chose the Sunday Best (£15.95) - Chicken, Beef and Pork, and I went for the Pork (£13.95). Both were served with roast potatoes, honey roasted parsnips, seasonal veg, stuffing, Yorkshire puddings and a delicious red wine gravy. The meat was tender and moist on both dishes, crispy roast potatoes (nothing worse than a soggy roastie), piping hot veg, and most importantly - a jug of extra gravy! I adore lashings of gravy so this made my day! Although the dessert menu was extremely tempting, we were just too full to do it justice, so on this occasion we had to pass. We did see them however, and they looked very good!
In summary, we had a really impressive meal at the Curfew. Roast dinner out always makes me nervous as my husband cooks the perfect roast, but I have to say, this was spot on. Really good value for money, the portions are large, and everything was tasty and well presented. The staff were efficient, polite and we felt looked after, which is always nice. I would feel confident recommending to eat here, and as I said at the start of this review, you might well need to book a table as I think the Curfew's roast will be very popular! 3-7 Milsom Place, Bath BA1 - 01225 300600 - www.bandookkitchen.com This week we were invited to visit Bandook in Milson Place for an Indian street food feast. A wet evening, we arrived between showers and were so pleased to see there was outside covered seating, so we could sit out and keep dry and cool. We were welcomed by Joanna the manager who talked us through the menu, and we chose some cocktails whilst we looked at the extensive range of dishes on offer. On Joanna's advice, we went for the chef's selection of dishes to showcase the menu. The cocktail menu is really varied and covers all tastes, offering a 2 for 1 at £8.50 which is a great price for the centre of Bath. Our first two dishes came out and were so pretty as you can see. The Kale Pakora Chaat (£6.50) was delicious, crunchy fried kale, served with onion, tomato, chickpeas, vermicelli and a mint glaze. We were so pleased to see the Pani Puri (£4.50) which we loved from our Mint Room visit, puffed semolina shells served with jal jeera water. You pour it into the shells and eat in one go! Next up was the Crispy Chilli Squid (£7.50) nicely spicy with fresh chillis and onions - really tasty and the Bombay Prawns (£8.50) were really good, king prawns marinated in caraway, peanuts, sesame and tomato salsa, sprinkled with coconut. Really juicy and flavoursome, we liked these a lot! Next on the showcase was Keema Pav (£6.00) soft buttered brioche buns with curried minced lamb - these were so moreish and a firm favourite from our evening. The Delhiwale's Pocket Kebab (£8.50) was another tasty treat, layered paratha (so good) stuffed with chicken and spicy veg. The highlight of the evening for us was the Taco Dosa (£12.50) South Indian pancakes made using fermented butter from ponni rice & black lentils served with drumstick sambar and the most delicious tomato chutney. Ours came with chettinad pulled duck, which was so tender and full of flavour - one we will be ordering next time we visit for sure. Our last selection of dishes did not disappoint. We were very full at this point but still had to try all these amazing mains that came out. Railway Lamb Curry (£14.50) an authentic lamb curry full of flavour, not too hot was super tasty and the Keralan Moilee (£11.00) a gently spiced coconut milk sauce with aubergines was an interesting combination of flavours and textures. We had sides of Kurkurit Bhini (£5.00) crunchy fried okra which was a real surprise as neither of us like okra but this was delicious. Pilau Rice (£3.00) and a Bread Basket (£5.50) with roti, naan and a garlic naan were also fantastic. We were way too full to try desserts, so we will have those next time we visit. We do plan on returning as paying customers as the flavours and range of dishes were so good. Joanna was charming and really took the time to chat with customers (including us) to make sure they (and us) had a great dining experience. Service was quick and efficient and lots of walk in's were accommodated whilst we were there.
Located in the centre of town, it's a great place to meet with friends and family for an informal relaxed evening. In summary, we recommend Bandook - its a hidden gem that you really need to try! Longmead Gospel Hall, Lower Bristol Road, Bath BA2 3EB - 01225 446656 - www.themintroom.co.uk Last week we were lucky enough to be invited to the Mint Room. We've not been for years, so were really exciting to visit again. Reviews are really good, so we had high expectations. When we arrived we were greeted warmly by Adrian, who talked us through the tasting menu we would be sampling. Everything sounded delicious and we could not wait to start. The tasting menu is called "A Tour of India" and includes multiple courses and flavours for just £39 per person. This is really great value and something we would most definately do again. To go with the food we ordered the recommended Wine Flight at £21 per person. The menu takes you on a tour of the Indian continent offering flavours and spices from rich tomato meat dishes to coconut and fish dishes with gorgeous sides in between. Our first course was the Indian Street Food. Three fantastic pots of delicious flavours, and a fun start to events. Our waiter was extremely knowledgable and talked us through the dishes and how to eat them. Crunchy puffed rice with toasted nuts was like a very tasty and upmarket bombay mix. The deconstructed punjabi samosa with chickpea masala, seasonal salad and pomegranate seeds was perfection - light spicy fresh flavours with every bite. The third dish was also brilliant, crispy pastry balls with spicy chickpeas, diced potatoes, pomegranate and mint and tamarind water. You pour the shot glass into the crispy shell and eat in one mouthful - really good fun and tasty too! We had a glass of Piper-Heidsieck champagne with this course and it worked perfectly. Next up were the Rajasthani Lamb Chops. Free range Welsh lamb marinated with Kashmiri chilli, yoghurt, cloves and cardomom with a sweet potato shami (spiced sweet potato patty with ginger and green coriander chutney. The lamb (all sourced locally) was so unbelievably tender and flavoursome, the chutney just right, and the potato patty was gorgeous. We especially loved this dish, which was served with a Viognier from South Africa. Next was the Keralan Seabass Moilee, a pan fried fillet, served with a spicy creamy coconut sauce tempered with mustard seeds and red chillis. Such a rich and moorish dish - this left us craving for more. Accompanied by an Albarino, this cut through the richness of the sauce perfectly. After the fish course we had a lovely lemon sorbet to cleanse the pallet - just right. The next course was Beef Chettinad, gorgeously tender 8 hour marinated blade of beef, served in a rich spicy coconut and star anise sauce with curry leaves and spicy mash. This was utterly delicious and a firm favourite. Served with a Rioja Crianza - perfect with such a rich dish. Next up was a delightful platter board that had Dehli Old Style Butter Chicken (tandoori chicken tikka) in a lovely creamy tangy sauce. Served with Saffron rice, vegetables and fresh bread. This was more of your traditional curry, and the ultimate comfort food - we loved this! For dessert, we were invited up onto the roof terrace for a look around. It really is great up there, perfect on a hot evening. They have really decked it out nicely, with a tropical feel due to all the plants. We ate Gulab Jamun for dessert, served with chocolate mousse, and ice cream - a perfect way to end a perfect meal. Dessert wine in the form of Sauternes worked perfectly against the chocolate in the dish. In summary, we thoroughly enjoyed our meal at the Mint Room and will be recommending it to everyone we can! The Tour of India menu was a true delight, and something we would return for again and again. The restaurant was really busy, so booking is most definitely advised. The staff were all so knowledgeable, helpful and professional, which is always so nice to see - a real credit to the restaurant.
Thank you Mint Room see you soon! Francis Hotel, Queen Square Bath - 01225 473351 - www.bohomarche.com Last week we were invited to dine in Boho Marché, the restaurant in the Francis Hotel. A Moroccan inspired menu with a twist of Mediterranean, we were looking forward to seeing the decor and sampling the menu. Whilst we looked at the menu we ordered cocktails, a Rapsberry Spritz, (£9.50) and a Bloody Mary (£9) - both were delicious and arrived promptly. The decor is really beautiful with so much to see - there are lots of little booths and hidden tables for dates, as well as a private dining area for groups. For starters we ordered the Spicy Salmon Crisps Toastados (£11), which was a lovely combination of yuzu cured salmon, avocado, red onion with BBQ mayo and fresh herbs and the Five Pepper Squid (£9) served with a spicy ginger sauce. Both were really tasty and we would order them again. For the main course we went for the Fillet of Hake (£21) - pan roasted and served with confit rosemary onion, cannellini beans & ras el hanout roasted tomatoes. This was tasty but a little dry. I had a side order of Brocolli (£7.50) which came with a delicious soy and yuzu sauce, which I poured over the beans - and that was delicious. My husband chose the Ox Cheek (£22) - Slow braised and served with smoked creamy mash and red wine jus, very tender and tasty. For dessert the Sticky Toffee Pudding (£7) was my husband's choice, which he said was really good but it could have done with more ice cream as it was a very small scoop. I went for the Deep Fried Ice Cream (£6), which was gorgeously crispy with a melting vanilla middle - fantastic. In summary, we really enjoyed our meal at Boho Marché. Pricing is on the high side, but it is a hotel restaurant and it is in a very central location. There are some lovely outside seating areas for Al Fresco dining, and they are open all day for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Monday-Friday Breakfast & Brunch 9am-12pm – breakfast bookings essential All-day dining à la carte menu 12pm-10pm Saturdays & Sundays Breakfast 9am-11.30am Brunch 11.30am-4pm All-day dining à la carte menu 4pm-10pm We will be back to try the breakfast next! www.aroama.co.uk - hello@aroama.co.uk Last weekend we were delivered a fabulous feast from AROAMA Foods in Batheaston. Taking inspiration from around the world, the menu changes every week. Local independent suppliers are used wherever possible and the guys are really keen to support the local community. Free delivery within BA1 and BA2, delivery is on a Friday or Saturday. You chose your dishes from the meat or vegan menu, place the order before 10pm the previous day for next day delivery - so simple! You then reheat at home as per the supplied instructions. Our dishes were from the Turkish week, and they were a true delight. We opted for Cabbage Rolls stuffed with lamb with a tomato and pomegranate sauce as our main dish, and wow, it was so tasty. The lamb was so tender, and the tomato sauce was delicious, and there was lots of it too, which was great. For the side dishes we had Green Beans a la Turka - perfectly cooked beans in a tomato dressing with onions, Shepherds Salad, with feta, fresh tomatoes, olives, cucumber and red onion, Saffron Rice and a refreshing Carrot Salad with dill and yoghurt. Generous portions meant we feasted well on such delicious flavours. Our meal cooked in 25 minutes, which gave us time to open the wine and relax in anticipation of such a tasty looking spread. What I like really liked about our meal was that we got to try dishes and flavours we would not oridinarily have chosen. It's a great way to try new things, and we certainly loved every dish in our Turkish meal.
We are crossing our fingers for a Japanese week soon, and we will definately be ordering again - give them a try! 6 Newmarket Row, Bath BA2 4AN - 01225 460240 - www.joyarestaurant.co.uk Last week we were invited to Joya Italian Steakhouse Restaurant to sample their new menu. It was a lovely warm evening, but inside it was cool and the tables were safely spaced for social distancing. We ordered drinks whilst we perused the menu - before making our choices. To start we ordered the Calamari Fritti (£8.50) and the Panzerottini di Puglia (£7.50). The calamari was crisp, and tender with a really tasty chilli mayonnaise, and the Panzerottini (3) were golden fried pizza parcels with tomato and mozzerella filling - really tasty and very authentic. For the main course we chose the Hotstone Steak Experience Fillet Steak (£29.95) and the Ravioli Del Plin (£15.95). When you order your steak (there are 4 different cuts to chose from) you then pick your choice of butter which you use to coat the hot stone to cook your steak so it does not stick. We chose garlic and herb butter. You also pick a salt, we went for chilli, and then finally a sauce. We opted for Gorgonzola, which was rich and creamy but not too strong. We chose fries as the side dish (£3.50). When the dish is brought out, the hot volcanic stone is sizzlingly hot, you slice up your steak and cook to your liking on the stone. It was perfectly tender meat, and cooked exactly as we wanted it. If you don't want to cook it yourself, the chef will cook it for you on the grill. A great concept and totally delicious. The ravioli consisted of a riccota and spinach filling in a rich tomato sauce. They were generously filled and tasted delicious, especially with a sprinkling of freshly grated parmesan. For dessert we chose the Torta al Limone (£7.50), a lovely light lemon cake, with lemon cream and the most delicious lemon sorbet. We also chose the Torta al Chioccolato (£6.50), a rich but incredibly light chocolate fudge cake with gorgeous homemade vanilla gelato. The newly refurbished upstairs dining room has the most amazing murals on the walls, there is a real sense of theatre in there. The front upstairs dining room is cool and airy, with stunning views over Pulteney Bridge. In our opinion Joya is one of the nicest restaurants in Bath and the food is stunning. The service we received from Karina and Zuzia was second to none. Paola Hubert the chef - we also thank you for cooking us such a fabulous meal.
If you haven't been to Joya yet, you really must go - tell them we sent you! 9 Edgar Buildings, Bath BA1 2EE. 01225 920600. www.edgarsfoods.co.uk This week we have been cooking up a storm with the amazing frozen seafood from EDGARS Foods at the top of town. We popped in last week to collect a bag full of frozen goodies from Izzy and to have a look around. The store is full of very competitively priced delights, from seafood to desserts, pantry items and condiments, and a brilliant pick and mix seafood section. You can buy fish by the fillet, and price wise, it cheaper than the big supermarkets! The quality is superb, the fish sustainably sourced and responsibly harvested, and where possible wild caught and MSC certified - so you know it is of the best quality. Below are a selection of photos of the dishes my husband created using the fish from EDGARS - (he is a fabulous cook). EDGARS also offer home delivery - free until the end of June, for the wider Bath area - give them a ring to check they cover your area if you are not sure, full details are on the website. Open Mon-Sat 10am-5.30pm and Sunday 11am til 4pm.
In summary, we have been really impressed with the quality and flavour of the items we received. We will definately we going back to stock up the freezer soon! 8 Bridge St, Bath BA2 4AS. 01225 421850 www.nataco.co.uk You've probably heard of Nata & Co - their reputation around Bath for their gorgeous Pastel de Nata is legendary. However, you might not know that they have a stunning Portuguese (with a hint of Brazilian) restaurant upstairs. Recently opened, we were invited to try out the restaurant earlier this week. We were lucky enough to have timed our visit perfectly with the first sunny day in what felt likes months, so Portugese food seemed very fitting. The upstairs restaurant is a real hidden gem, tastefully decorated, elegant and with stunning views across to the Victoria Art Gallery and Pulteney Weir, it really is a fabulous location. We ordered a glass of wine each (also bottles available to order) from the extensive wine list, and were treated to a little appetiser whilst we enjoyed our drink and tried to decide what to order. To start, we chose the Croquete de Alheira & Queijo da Serra (£6.95) and the Salada de Polvo (£5.95). Both dishes were utterly delicious, the croquettes were crisp and filled with spiced sausage and melting sheeps cheese centres, a fabulous flavour combination complimented perfectly with the slightly sweet chutney. The octopus salad was so tender, light delicate flavours with a wonderful texture - a delight. For our main course we went for the Prego Bun (£11.95) - Picana thin cut 21 day aged rump steak served in a bolo do caco bun with a fried egg, garlic mayo, salad and chunky chips and the Camarao Tigre (£16.95) - a large tiger prawn served with homemade garlic butter. For sides with the prawn we chose chunky chips (£2.95) and Fried Polenta (£2.95). Both dishes were so incredibly tasty. The steak was so tender and full of flavour, it was like a refined burger, with far more style and flavour! The prawn was moist, juicy and had all the authenic Portuguese flavours that brought back memories of past holidays. The polenta was divine, and the chunky chips a real treat. We shared a dessert as we were so full, but we could not leave without trying the Pastel de Nata. It was served with a simple elegant vanilla ice cream - the perfect combination. In summary, the restaurant upstairs in Nata & Co is one of our new favourites for sure. We genuinely could not fault anything about our visit or the food. The service was impecable, Urico was charming and informative about the food, the building and the company. We really enjoyed our evening at Nata & Co and really hope that the word gets out about this hidden gem!
You can pop by or ring ahead to book a table (probably best to book for the weekend), and they serve breakfast, lunch and evening meals, open until 10pm. We will be heading back very soon! 16 Windsor Villas, Bath BA1 3DJ 01225 311525 www.indianpizzacompany.co.uk Having built a strong reputation on delivery services over the last few months, the Indian Pizza Company opened the doors on their sparkly new restaurant last night. We were lucky enough to be invited along to sample the menu, and it did not disappoint. On arrival we noted the tables were spaced well apart, and with all COVID safety measures in place, we felt very safe dining in. We were swiftly presented with the menu and a complimentary welcome drink, which was utterly delicious and comprised of a shot of gin with homemade lemon and lime, lemonade and mint. The little corn snacks were also a welcome treat. All pizzas are thin crust, stone baked hand stretched Neapolitan style, with the option of gluten free, and vegan mozzarella. Everything is cooked right infront of you and takes just minutes. I chose the New Delhi Feast (£14.95) which consisted of a tomato masala base (delicious), pepperoni, tandoori chicken, spiced Indian sausage, charred bhavnagri peppers, garlic ghee and mozzarella. The pizzas are huge, and a real feast. The flavours were spicy yet moorish, and every bite was a taste sensation offering a new flavour combination each time. My husband chose the Tamil Prawns (£13.50) which was also stunningly tasty, made up of garlic marinated prawns, green chilli, tumeric, fennel seeds with garden peas, garlic ghee and mozzarella. This pizza was less spicy than mine, with succlulent juicy prawns and a delicious light flavour. For our side we chose Masala wedges (£4), coated in IPC dressing, fresh chilli, tumeric and curry tamarind mayo. Super tasty, my only wish would have been for more of that super flavoursome mayo to dunk them in!
We brought home a few slices of each pizza as we just could not finish them - we are looking forward to having them for lunch today. Drinkswise, there are wines and Prosecco by the glass and bottle, as well as Cobra lager, alcohol free lager and soft drinks. There is outside seating as well as the indoor tables, and you can phone ahead to order and/or book. IPC is also available on Uber Eats. We highly recommend - great service, speed, and quality of food. We can't wait to go back, and will be ordering a home delivery soon too! White Hart (side gate), Widcombe Hill, Bath BA2 6AA - 07796924073 - dr.alforno@gmail.com We were very kindly invited to try a takeaway from Dr Al Forno this week. Based at the White Horse pub in Widcombe, you can either collect from the side door, or order for delivery via Uber Eats or Deliveroo. The menus are on their Instagram page, as well as the delivery apps above, and there's lots to choose from. There are two menus, cook at home, which comprises of lovely fresh pasta and sauces, or the ready cooked meals. We opted for the ready cooked, and were very pleased. To start we had the Focaccina Aglio Olio e Peperoncino, (£3.50) an individual focaccia topped with garlic, extra virgin olive oil and chilli, and the Focaccina Margherita, (£4.50) an individual focaccia topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella and basil. Both were deliciously moreish, a light chewy texture, complimented by the garlic and the tomato. A perfect start. The first main we chose was the Lasagna, (£9) - Six layered spinach egg pasta, slow cooked pork and beef ragu, bechamel, mozzarella, and grana padano. A taste sensation and really rich and filling, the ragu was tender and the pasta cooked to perfection. We loved this dish. Our second main was Pasta al forno (£9), Oven baked pasta, meatballs, prosciutto cotto, tomato sauce, béchamel, mozzarella and Grana Padano. This was gorgeous, tasty tomato sauce, cheesy, rich and filling. The meatballs were really good, and it was a very generous portion. For dessert, we chose the Chocolate Salame (£3.50), Dark chocolate, rum, and biscuits, shaped as salami. Rich, super soft and almost like a torte, this was absolutely fantastic, and a lovely way to finish our meal. The second dessert was a Sporcamuss (dirty-muzzle) (£2.50) - Traditional Apulian puff pastry filled with creme patisserie, which was light, with a slight lemony flavoured cream - perfect!
If you want a full on Italian gastronomic experience in the comfort of your own home, you really should try Dr Al Forno, you won't be dissappointed. We plan on ordering from the cook at home menu next time, yum! Last night we were lucky enough to be asked to review the Valentine's Package. 4 lovely boxes and a bottle of sparkling pink Italian wine arrived on the dot at 6pm. Included in the offer is an Antipasto platter with garlic dough balls, 2 main courses of your choice (we chose pizza but you can have pasta or salad), a sharing chocolate fondu platter and a bottle of fizz! The antipasto was delicious with juicy vegetables, cheeses, olives, salad, a wide selection of meats, as well as soft garlicky doughballs. Perfect! For our mains we both chose pizza, opting for the Emiliana (tomato and mozzarella with parma ham, grana cheese and balsamic vinegar), and the Prosciutto e Funghi (Prosciutto cotto, fresh mushrooms, tomato and mozzarella). Both had a delicious super thin base, light crust and lots of toppings - we love the pizza from here! The Chocolate Fondu was just insane! Fresh fruit, biscuits, chocolates, waffles, cream, white and milk chocolate ready to melt, nutella, wafers, brownies....the list goes on!
All courses went so well with the lovely sparkling wine too - a perfect combo. You can purchase the Valentine's Package (£69.95) for delivery or collection, call now on 01225 330121 or email info@realintalianpizza.co.uk Green Park Market. www.tytheringtonmilkstation.co.uk Over the weekend we visited Bath's first ever milk station! Located in Green Park Station, it's an ideal central location to pick up fresh milk 24/7! You can purchase one of their gorgeous reusable 1L glass bottles, or you can bring your own container to fill. Prices are £2 for the bottle, and £1.20 for a Litre or 70p for half. The milk is produced and pasteurised within 24 hours of the cows being milked, in comparison milk in the supermarket can be a week old by the time it hits the shelves. The milk is gently pasteurised in small batches using a traditional, lower temperature method over a longer period of time. This allows the milk to retain its natural flavour and goodness.
The machines are refilled daily at the weekends and every other day in the week, so you are guaranteed super fresh milk. We had a run through with Ed, who was both passionate and super informative about the milk station, and we can see it is a real hit. We loved the milk, and will be popping back very soon for a refil! Taka Taka - 34 Broad St, Bath BA1 5LP - 01225 470088 During lockdown Taka Taka (via Deliveroo) has been one of our "go to" delivery companies. You can't fault them on speed (normally about 20 mins) and the quality and temperature of the food. So, when they got in touch and invited us to visit and try out some of the new items on their recently revamped menu, we jumped at the chance. Social distancing measures in place and being adhered to, the staff were upbeat, polite and efficient despite it being one of the hottest days of the year. The new illuminated menu screens are really eye catching, everything clearly laid out and explained, it makes choosing your food easier although it's a tough choice as everything looks so good. We opted to try the new Magic Rolls, (£5.50 small, £6.70 large) we chose the Jaadu Khana which consists of pulled chicken, halloumi, tabbouleh, red onion, mango and pineapple salsa, cabbage, hot chilli and mint and yoghurt dressing and the O'Piratka - Lamb, hummus, spinach, cabbage, halloumi, feta, mushrooms, hot chilli and peppered mayonnaise. The flavour combinations were a taste sensation, we shared half of each, my personal favourite being the O'Piratka as I love feta and halloumi, and my husband loved the Jaadu Khana as it was so spicy and the chicken was so tender. We also ordered the new Halloumi Super Salad Bowl. Totally delicious chargrilled halloumi, with toasted pita bread, tomatoes, cucumber, spinach, cabbage, red onion, couscous and a gorgeous balsamic dressing. The chargrilled flavour on the halloumi was utterly gorgeous. We snuck in a portion of fries, crispy, tasty, lots of them, and a sprinkling of oregano. In store there is also a lovely deli area where you can pick up authentic Greek delights such as olives, Lays crisps and olive oil. There is a small seating area, but it's currently closed and will be reopening soon. The great thing about the deli is that you can order these items on Deliveroo as well, so you can stock up on your favourites whilst getting a delivery. In summary, we highly recommend Taka Taka. We always order the Chicken Gyros, so it was great to try something different. The Magic Rolls are action packed, brimming with fillings, and are a meal in themselves. The salad was so tasty, fresh and light, and a real taste of Greece. We will definitely be adding these to our next order, which will probably next week!
- www.realitalianpizza.co.uk - 16 York Street, Bath BA1 1NG - 01225 330121 Our first meal out since the beginning of March, we were really excited to be invited to The Real Italian Pizza Co. on Monday. We arrived at 6pm and were greeted at the door from a distance, and asked to sanitise our hands. We were shown to a lovely table in the new outside courtyard area, where the tables were spaced appropriately to allow for social distancing. The new covered outside eating area which links to The Real Italian Ice Cream Co. next door (meaning all the amazing desserts are available to the pizza customers too) was super stylish. Heaters for if it gets cool, and covered so diners are protected from the rain, it felt like a perfect outside space to enjoy a drink and some food. The way you access the menu has been cleverly thought through, there are QR codes on the table for diners to scan so the menu uploads onto your phone, but if you don't want to do this, there are paper menus too. We ordered some drinks whilst we browsed the menu - there is just so much choice it was so difficult to pick. In the end, we both went for pizza (there are salads and pasta dishes too), and chose the Calabra (£12.95) and the Toto e Peppino (£11.95). The food arrived in no time at all and looked amazing. The Calabra consisted of spicy nduja sausage, a rich tomato sauce, served with rocket and mozzarella on top. I also ordered anchovies as I love them so much! The Tote e Peppino was made up of mozzarella with tomato sauce and basil, topped with rocket and fresh tomatoes (with an additional mushroom topping added). Both were absolutely delicious. The base was so light and airy, and the tomato topping used was authentic in flavour. Both were piping hot and of a very generous size. Sisi, who was hosting us, wanted to create us one of their famous Freak Shakes, so we said - "Yes Please" and we waited to see what she would bring back for us. The dessert menu is vast, every type of ice cream, waffle, crepe, cookie dough and sundae creation you could desire. The freak shakes are especially impressive, with options to chose from such as Kinder, Biscoff, Cookie Dough and Bananas! We were absolutely amazed when Sisi brought these out for us.... Stunning desserts! This was the Kinder Freak Shake (£8.95) which had a full on Kinder Egg and toy attached, along with numerous chocolate bars, and gorgeous milkshake and a hot waffle! We also had the Biscoff Cheesecake, which I can honestly say, is quite possibly the nicest cheesecake I have ever eaten, it was amazing! Although linked with the lovely courtyard, you can also just pop in just for dessert if you want to.
In summary, our first meal out after lockdown felt very safe. The food was totally delicious, great value, and the service was spot on. Huge thanks to Sisi for hosting us and doing such a great job, and for creating the most amazing desserts for us to try! We can't wait to go back and work our way through the menu! 88 Newbridge Hill, Bath BA1 3QA - 07471 940352 We were invited to visit Bathen House Boutique Hotel's new restaurant Bouvardia on Thursday evening for dinner. The hotel has recently been renovated, and has been finished to a very high standard. We were warmly greeted by Nic, and shown through to the restaurant. Elegantly designed, with large tables laid for two, we sat in the window. One thing that was really nice was that the tables were not crammed in, there was plenty of space between guests, which is something I really like, as it's really uncomfortable when you are almost part of another tables conversation because you are so close together. There is a simple menu with three options for each course, one of which is vegan. To start we opted for Seared Scallops and the Crispy Duck Breast. Both dishes arrived promptly, and were delicious. The accompanying asparagus that was served with the duck was fantastic, and just "popped" when you bit into it. The scallops were tender and plump, and served with local black pudding and crispy pancetta. For our main dishes we chose Braised Beef with Potato Rosti and Monkfish wrapped in Pancetta. Again both dishes did not disappoint. The portions were generous and the presentation beautiful. The beef dish was rich and warming, served on a thin crisp rosti, broccoli puree, shallots and a mushroom and pancetta forestiere sauce. The monkfish was light and juicy, with crisp pancetta wrapping, served with a smooth herbed potato puree, a balsamic reduction and onion relish. Although full we were tempted by the dessert menu, and chose the Cashew and Raspberry Vegan Cheesecake and the Blackberry Mille Feuille. both dishes were stunningly presented and finished the evening off perfectly. The quality of the dishes at Bourvardia restaurant really is very impressive.
The restaurant has only been open about 4 weeks, so at the moment this is a well kept secret that we want to keep to ourselves, but feel it's only right to share it with you! The current menu is on a promotional price until 31st March, with 2 courses for £22.95 and 3 courses for £29.95. If you live in Bath, or are staying in Bath, we highly recommend a visit, you won't regret it! 6 Newmarket Row, Bath BA2 4AN - 01225 460240 On Sunday, we were invited to sample the recently revamped Joya Restaurant, on Newmarket Row, overlooking Pulteney Bridge & Weir. Specialising in steaks and Italian dishes, we could not wait to taste the food. Raining outside, we were happy to be in the cosy welcoming restaurant. A lovely fire burning in the main room, we soon warmed up and dried off. Before we talk of food, the decor is really stylish and worth more than a fleeting mention. The colours are elegant, the pictures and mirrors on the walls beautifully created and hung. The two upstairs dining rooms are delightfully sophisticated, and really make the most of the views over the bridge. Once seated Daniela brought us our drinks whilst we browsed the menu. There are daily specials alongside the main menu and Dani's enthusiasm in describing dishes to us left our mouths watering! To start, we chose the Calamari Fritti (£7.95) and the Beef Fillet Carpaccio (£8.95). Neither dish disappointed. The portion sizes were spot on, and the flavours clean and crisp. Lashings of parmesan garnished the soft flavoursome beef, and the crisp calamari was complemented beautifully with the chilli mayo. For our main we chose the Pan Fried Salmon Fillet (£18.95) and off the specials menu, the Risotto Mari e Monti (£15.95). The salmon was crisp on the outside, soft and flaky inside, and the Italian roasted vegetables had such a rich fresh flavour. I'm going to search the recipe out to make this at home. The risotto was a taste sensation with favours of the sea coming from squid, mussels, prawns and mushrooms - all adding to the flavour. Again, portion sizes just right, which meant we had room for dessert! We chose the Sticky Toffee Pudding (notice a theme here) at £5.95 and the special dessert, meringue with cherry gelato and summer fruits. Both desserts were presented so beautifully, gold sheen across the sticky toffee pudding, served with a salted caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream and a pretty flower garnish. The special was absolutely delicious, consisting of a freshly baked meringue, crispy on the outside and sticky in the middle, served with a tart fruit compote, and a zingy cherry gelato. Perfect flavour combinations and a credit to the Chef and creator Matthew. After lunch we had a look around to take some photos, including these of the upstairs dining room and the view..... Although we didn't order the steaks, we really need to tell you about the "Hotstone Steak Experience" that Joya are famous for. You pick your cut of steak and it is then served to you on a hot volcanic stone for you to finish cooking at your table. The steak, which is locally sourced and 28 day matured, is flash fried to seal in the flavours on the char-grill, then served with a choice of infused butters for you to cook with, and a sauce for dipping. We are definitely going back to try this out next time.
As we were finishing up Daniela walked by with a giant freshly baked focaccia, the smells wafting through the restaurant. We had to investigate, it was quite possibly the most delicious bread we have tasted. If you pop in and this is on the menu for nibbles, you must try it! A huge thank you to Iveta the manager and Daniela who looked after us wonderfully for the afternoon, and to Thomas and Matthew for the delicious food! Lansdown Rd, Bath BA1 5TJ - 01225 482682 We grabbed an Uber up to the Hare & Hounds for our dinner invite last Tuesday. We arrived at 6pm and it was busy already, always a good sign. We were shown to our seat by the window, so we could admire the breathtaking views across Charlcombe Valley, Larkhall and even as far as the Westbury White Horse. The menu is very comprehensive, with new dishes recently added. We spent a while deciding, then to start we chose the Twice Baked Smoked Haddock & Cheddar Souffle (£7.50) and the Pan Fried Tiger Prawns (£9.50). The souffle was beautifully light, with the cheddar complementing the fish perfectly. The salad was tasty, with a balsamic glaze and delicious capers that popped in your mouth. The prawns were fresh, tasty and the garlic butter added a richness to the dish. Portion sizes were spot on, and left us in anticipation for the mains. We opted for Chargrilled Fillet of Salmon (£17.95) and Pan Fried Fillet of Seabass (£17.50). The salmon was perfectly cooked, soft with a crispy skin (my favourite bit). The green beans were al dente and the Sicilian caponata was absolutely delicious, soft, tomato flavours, super rich and perfect for a cold day. The seabass was served with tenderstem broccoli, new potatoes and a tasty salsa verde sauce. Both dishes were really impressive and we enjoyed the clean tasty flavours. For dessert we chose a cheese board, and sticky toffee pudding. Lovely local cheeses, and a large selection of crackers meant I could not finish everything, but refreshing to see lots of crackers as often you only get a couple. The sticky toffee pudding went down well, served warm with salted caramel ice cream. Delicious! In summary, we had a lovely evening at the Hare and Hounds. The location is stunning. In the warmer months you can sit on the outside terrace, or move down onto the grassed lawn with ample benches. There is a play area (away from the seating) for children, and they are dog friendly in the garden too.
Service was spot on, the staff were welcoming and friendly. When quizzed about the menu (we struggled to decide so needed some advice), Lloyd's passion for the food was obvious, and he guided our choices with his enthusiasm for the dishes. Big thank you to Alice and Alex too, who looked after us perfectly! 13 South Parade, Chew Magna, Bristol BS40 8PR. 01275 331100. www.ohhpubs.co.uk/the-bear-and-swan/ On a blustery cold Tuesday last week, we headed out to Chew Manga to sample the menu at the Bear & Swan. A charming local pub with a thriving restaurant, we were really excited about this review. We were warmly welcomed by Connor the Manager, who was fantastic throughout the whole evening. We had heard great things about the chef, Dan Edwards, who has previously worked at the Redan and the Marlborough Tavern, so we knew we were in for a treat. We had spoken with Dan a few days before, as he wanted to check we were happy to have a tasting menu especially created for us - how could we refuse! We sat in the dining area of the pub, which is really well laid out, the tables are not too close together and it was lovely and warm. Our first dish was the Appetiser, which consisted of an Artichoke Veloute, an Ox-Cheek Croquette and an elegant pastry with horseradish puffed rice. The flavours were light and delicate, a perfect start to the menu. The croquette left you wanting more, and was a particular highlight. The Starter was so beautiful, the presentation stunning and the flavours divine. Beetroot Canelloni, with walnut, compressed apple and sauce. The sweetness of the fruit complemented the savoury goats cheese and beetroot perfectly, creating a taste sensation that buzzed around your tastebuds! The fish course was a small fillet of Hake, served with Lobster Bisque, Tender stem Broccoli and Samphire. The bisque was silky smooth, the hake crisp on the outside, flaky light inside, the samphire and broccoli flavours cut through the richness of the creamy lobster bisque perfectly - a true delight to eat! The meat course was Venison Fillet, served with tender stem broccoli, parsnip crisp, potato fondant crisp, pea puree and poached pears. The red wine jus was so rich and flavoursome, and it pulled the whole dish together. The venison was cooked to perfection, tender and melt in the mouth texture, with a gorgeous seasoning. The whole dish was fantastic and my favourite of the evening I think ( I keep changing my mind as they were all so great)! Dessert was Textures of Chocolate and was truly stunning. The rich chocolate fondant, the light mousse, pistachio cake and meringue with zingy passion fruit and orange made the perfect combination.
The dishes were light and just the right size, by the end of the five courses we were full but not uncomfortable. The presentation was stunning, each dish a delight on the eye and the tongue. The Bear & Swan also offer stunning boutique rooms, perfect if you are heading away in the morning, as it's just 10 minutes from Bristol Airport, and so much nicer than a bland chain hotel. In summary, we absolutely recommend the Bear & Swan! The pub was really busy when we were in, and you can order from their delicious and comprehensive menu (see below) or book in for their regular events that include tasting menus (vegetarian/vegan options too) like the one we sampled. Thank you Connor for being such a charming host, and to Dan, for spoiling us with the most delicious tasting menu. A lovely atmosphere and a warm welcome, a roaring fire, stunning food and lots of local ales on tap - we love the Bear & Swan! 103 Locksbrook Road, Bath. BA1 3EN. 01225 427119 Invited along to try the main menu, we arrived at the Locksbrook Inn, on a freezing cold Tuesday. At 6pm the bar was buzzing, and we had a drink to take to the atmosphere and wait for our table. We were greeted by Helen who showed us to our table, in the dining room out the back, with views onto the outdoor patio and river. There is a Starter and Bar Snack menu to choose from, we opted for the Scotch Egg with HP sauce (£4.50) and the Potted Crab with Apple and Toast (£8). Whilst waiting we chatted to Suzie the Manager, and it was clear how proud of the pub she is. Our starters arrived promptly, and we tucked in. The Scotch Egg was lovely and warm, with a slight gooey yolk, complimented perfectly by the tart brown sauce. The Potted Crab was soft and smooth, and delicious with the toast and slices of apple. For the Main Course we went for Confit Duck Leg (£17.50) and Hake with New Potatoes (£17). The duck was beautifully soft and fell away from the bone. The crispy skin and delicate fried onions on the top were fantastic, a great compliment to the softness of the cassoulet it was served with. The hake was light, and perfectly pan fried, served with caper beurre noisette, buttered kale and new potatoes. Both meals were perfect for a cold winter’s evening, and the portions were generous. Although full, we decided on Sorbet (£4.50 for 3 scoops) and the Lemon Tart (£5). The sorbet packed a punch (in a good way), zingy lemon, tart raspberry and refreshing mango – a lovely combination. The Lemon Tart was fabulous, warm, with a caramelized crisp top, and served with Chantilly cream and raspberry coulis. The name lemon tart really did not do this dish justice as it was so much more! Although tucked away, just a 15 minute walk from town will lead you to the Locksbrook Inn and it’s certainly worth the trip. There are parking spaces out the front, and if you cycle or walk you can travel along the towpath and take the scenic route. There are theme/special events most nights, including Meat Free Monday, Quiz night on a Tuesday, Steak Night on a Wednesday, Wine Night on Thursday! Open from 8.30am seven days a week for tea, coffee, smoothies and breakfast, they stay open until 11pm Mon-Thurs, and Midnight on Fri-Sat, 10.30pm on Sunday. In the summer there is a large outdoor patio area, perfect for al fresco dining!
35 Marlborough Buildings, Bath BA1 2LY. 01225 423731 On a dreary Wednesday night, we walked across town to sample the menu at the Marlborough Tavern. A stone's throw from the Royal Crescent, the Marlborough is easy to find and just a short walk from town. We arrived at 6pm, and it was already busy. The after work drinks crowd were in, and food was being served, making for a warm atmosphere. Jordan showed us to our table and talked us through the menu, making sure we felt welcome. A really mouthwatering menu, as usual it was a tough choice. Whilst deciding, Callum the manager chatted with us and took our drinks order. We opted for Ox Cheek Croquettes (£8.50) and the Goats Cheese Salad (£8). The croquettes were light and crisp, served with gorgonzola aioli and charred baby leeks. The flavours were delicious, and perfect for a cold winter's evening. The goats cheese salad was a delight, the pomegranate and basil cut through the goats cheese perfectly and the flavours of the baba ganoush completed the dish perfectly. Onto the main course, we decided on Roasted Sea Bream Fillet (£21.50) and the Fish & Chips (£14.50). The Sea Bream was served with green onion mash, tender stem broccoli and a brown shrimp and cockle bisque. The flavours were stunning, the bisque was rich and moreish, the fish light and crisp. Definitely a dish we will order again. The classic Fish & Chips was served with mushy peas and tartare sauce. Light crisp ale batter around flaky white cod was delicious, and the hand cut chips were spot on. So often this dish can go so wrong, but not here. It was perfect. Although full, we looked at the dessert menu and just had to order as two of our favourites were on there. Sticky Toffee Pudding (£7) and Lemon Posset (£7). The Sticky Toffee Pudding was served warm, with salted caramel ice cream, toffee sauce and honeycomb pieces. It was super tasty and a firm favourite. The Lemon Posset was delicate in flavour and very rich. The berry compot complimented it beautifully, cutting through the creaminess and adding an extra depth of flavour. The lemon shortbread was a great accompaniment, and tasted incredible. In summary, we really enjoyed our evening at the Marlborough Tavern. The staff were great (also a shout out thank you to Caitlin), and the service was fast and efficient. The menu includes specials and pub classics, offering Gluten Free, Vegetarian and Vegan options as well. You can sit outside even on a cold day or evening as they have outdoor heaters by many of the benches, in fact we sat outside in February last year on a sunny snowy Saturday. Thank you MT for hosting us, we will be back soon!
In the run up to Christmas, we were so excited to be invited to spend the day exploring Bath as a guest of Visit Bath on a press trip. An early walk into town on a sunny December Thursday morning through quiet streets before the Christmas market opened led us through Abbey Courtyard and onto the Thermae Bath Spa, our first stop. Visitors will find four natural thermal baths, but our first destination was the stunning open-air rooftop pool with skyline views of the City. We were lucky enough to have a sunny morning, and the steam rising made for some great photo opportunities. A 2 hour session costs £36 Monday to Friday and £40 on Saturday and Sunday. Included in the price is a robe and slippers, and access to the rooftop pool, the Minerva Bath and the Wellness Suite, as well as the Springs Cafe. There are many treatment and spa packages available, which you can check out at www.thermaebathspa.com/ After a relaxing couple of hours, it was time for a mooch around the shops. As well as the Christmas Market, there are some lovely independent shops around Bath. Walcot Street, called the Artizan Quarter, offers some gorgeous gift shops, and lively cafes and bars. Milsom Street is also another great destination for some fantastic independent shops, perfect for browsing clothing, footwear, jewellery and more! A quick lunch stop and then onto my personal highlight of the day, glass blowing at Bath Aqua Glass.... The store offers beautiful examples of baubles professionally blown, as well as gorgeous jewellery and homewares. The "Breath in a Bauble" experience takes place in the glass blowing studio located on Walcot Street. Watching the glassmakers work is mesmerising, and this activity includes encapsulating your breath within a glass bauble which you get to keep. The bauble takes 24 hours to cool, and can then be collected or posted out to you. Costs are £20.95 You can read more about it here www.bathaquaglass.com/ Our next stop was a quick drink at the Apres Ski Bar outside the Abbey Hotel. A cosy winter wonderland cabin, complete with burning stove, mince pies and fur throws. Definitely worth checking out if you are all shopped out! https://www.abbeyhotelbath.co.uk/christmas-new-year-2019/ Next on the agenda was a visit to the ice rink in Victoria Park. https://www.bathonice.com/
£10 for children and £11.50 for adults, there are a variety of ticket options available, including family tickets and hot chocolate options too! Open until 5th January, there is still time to get your skates on! The final stop of the day was to visit the Christmas Market after dark. With all the Christmas lights on, and the smells of mulled wine, mince pies, and bratwurst, it really started to feel like Christmas. So many gorgeous gifts and products to choose from, I came away with some pickles and chutneys from https://www.gowildpreserves.co.uk/ who are based in Somerset, and a gorgeous bauble from https://shakspeareglass.co.uk/ A perfect day spent in Bath, a city I am proud to live in! https://visitbath.co.uk/ |
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AuthorHusband & Wife living in Bath for over 20 years. All views are our own although we do get freebies along the way, which we will always tell you about. Archives
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