Chequers Bath

50 Rivers Street, Bath, BA1 2QA.  01225 360017

For Saturday lunch we were invited along to the Chequers to sample their set menu.  We used to live almost opposite when we first moved to Bath in 1998, and this pub used to be our local.  A lot has changed since then, for both us and the pub. Now owned by the Bath Pub Company the Chequers had a complete over hall a few years ago and really looks the part. 

The set menu is available from 12-3pm and 5.30-6.30pm, priced for 2 courses at £16 and 3 courses for £19.50.
We pondered for a while, and chose the Cornish Mackerel and Ham Hock & Belly Pork Terrine to start.

The mackerel packed a punch flavour wise, totally delicious, served with potted shrimps, soda bread and a rich mussel sauce.  The ham terrine was complimented beautifully with a raisin puree and crispy toast.  The salad had a really tasty home pickled selection of onions running through it that were just the perfect vinegar flavour.  After a very short wait our mains were served, Smoked Haddock and Beef Onglet.

The smoked haddock was served with a tasty kedgeree arancini that was just the right level of crispiness and soft inside.  Softly boiled quails eggs, spinach and a fragrant and spicy madras butter sauce completed the dish.  The beef onglet was served with green beans and a garlic crumb.  The Bearnaise sauce was delicious, not overpowering as it sometimes can be, and the handcut skin on fries were perfect.

For dessert we chose the Lemon Steamed Sponge Pudding, and the Dark Chocolate Terrine.  Both beautifully presented, one hot one cold.  The lemon sponge was so lemony, we could not imagine how so much flavour was packed into it.  The fennel pollen custard cut through the citrus, and the white chocolate and lavender flapjack added a totally different dimension to the flavour combination.  The Terrine was so deliciously rich, a perfect end to a meal.  The lightness of the white chocolate combined so well with the sticky terrine and soft fruit, a definite winner in my book!
Very popular, by the time we left at around 1pm they were filling up and most if not all tables had reservations, so booking ahead would be a good idea.  There was a relaxed vibe, and Harriet and Kyle were charming and attentive with their service.  Our compliments to the Head Chef Ross and his team who cooked our delicious lunch.  Only 5 minutes from town, it's a great lunch (or evening meal) spot, with a restaurant upstairs and options for private dining.
We recommend the set menu, and will be popping back, especially as the weather gets colder as it's a cosy venue.  Things have changed since the pub days, but we still love the Chequers.