20 High St, Rode, Frome BA11 6NZ. 01373 830900. www.thecrosskeysrode.co.uk If you are looking for a beautiful traditional pub for a classic Sunday lunch, the Cross Keys at Rode is the place to go. We were invited over to sample Sunday lunch last week, and it did not disappoint. Just a short drive out of Bath in the direction of Frome, you will arrive in Rode, a gorgeous village, with a lovely winding road that leads down to the Cross Keys on the left. Parking is round the back, and we were greeting by a beautiful cat wanting some fuss! We were really surprised at the size of the pub when you go inside, a tardis of lovely bars and cosy snug areas with log fires and a fabulous dining room. We were welcomed warmly by James and Ellie, and sat in the window by the internal workings of the lovely old clock outside on the roof. The menu offers a wide selection roasts, as well as some pub classics for those not wanting the full works. We opted for Forest Mushrooms with Garlic Butter & Truffle Oil on Toasted Brioche & Parmesan (£6) and Chicken Liver Parfait with Apple & Ale Chutney & Toast (£5.50) to start. Both starters were hearty and filling, generous portion sizes and delicious flavours. Served quickly, we soon polished them off in anticipation of our roasts. We opted for the Rare Topside of Beef and Braised Lamb Shoulder £13.50 for the regular size or £10 for a small (beef and lamb). Served with roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, cheesy leeks & cauliflower, honey roast parsnip & carrot, summer greens & Proper gravy. Both meats were exceptionally tender, the Yorkshire airy light, and the gravy was delicious. So refreshing to get such a large jug of gravy as well, something that is often scrimped upon when eating out, and frowned upon when asking for more! Although full, the dessert menu was just too tempting to skip, especially the thought of homemade peanut butter, Nutella and Biscoff ice cream! We chose the Chocolate Brownie with Chocolate Sauce and Peanut Butter ice cream (£6) and a scoop of Nutella and Honeycomb ice cream (£1.50 each). A totally fabulous experience, we really loved our afternoon at the Cross Keys. The quirky crockery used for the meals was so charming and in keeping with the pub, and the atmosphere was warm and welcoming, nothing was too much trouble. We arrived at midday, and quickly took some pics of the dining room, but within 15 minutes it was full. After lunch we took a stroll around the village, and said goodbye to our new furry friend (who was still waiting by our car)! We will definitely be returning soon, as we want to work our way through the menu!
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4 St. Saviours Rd, Bath BA1 6RT. 01225 312959 If you don't know about Ma Cuisine in Larkhall then where have you been? A gorgeous little French Bistro offering authentic home cooked dishes as well as a deli and gourmet ready cooked meals to take away. More on this later! We were invited to try the Bistro on Saturday evening, so living locally, we headed the short walk over into Larkhall full of anticipation. We were welcomed in and took our table by the window. The French Classics was our menu of choice, and we opted for the Bisque de Homard (Lobster Bisque £9.90) and the Escargot (£7.10) to start. Whilst breathing in the gorgeous cooking smells we sipped on a luscious Pinot Noir to set the mood. An authentic Bistro, you could imagine yourself sitting in the backstreets of Paris with the music playing and the French accents around you. Deliciously garlicky and buttery, the snails went down a treat with the warm crusty baguette accompanying them. The lobster bisque was fantastically smooth, flavours of the sea, with gorgeous slices of lightly toasted bread topped with grilled cheese and served with extra cream. A total indulgence and a meal in itself! Onto the main course and we were recommended to try the Beef Canon for 2, served with French fries, (£39.90) so we took the advice and ordered just that. On the menu are some gorgeous French classics such as Coq au Vin and Beouf Bourguinon, as well as French onion soup and Confit Duck. The beef arrived beautifully presented on a platter for us to share, along with perfectly crispy fries. A delectable garlic herb butter was served drizzled over the meat, with additional to serve if needed. The meat was incredibly tender, and melted in the mouth. A flavour sensation, and certainly a dish we enjoyed sharing and would order again without hesitation. We were super full by this point, but wanted to have a look at the desserts so we could show you them, so here are a couple of the beautiful options available if you have room! There's a great atmosphere in Ma Cuisine, relaxed, informal and friendly. We got chatting to the couple on the table next to us as we all had food envy for all the dishes each had ordered. There was a party of 12 arriving as we left for a get together, in the cosy second eating area. Open from breakfast until 9pm, the menu caters for all tastes, with a nibbles option, coffee and cakes and evening meals like ours.
On the ready meal side, they offer over 70 dishes, including, meat and seafood dishes, as well as gluten free and vegetarian. Made using locally sourced products and ingredients, the meals are then frozen to preserve the freshness and flavour. There is a free delivery option for orders of £40 (in the Bath area), with the food ready to cook in the oven and microwave. Ma Cuisine really is a hidden gem. We will most definitely be back, and will recommend to everyone we can (even though we don't really want to, as it's so perfect we want to keep it to ourselves), but go and see for yourselves why it's so fab, and you might need to book...... Green Park Station, 2-3 Westmoreland Station Rd, Bath BA1 1JB. 01225 588886 Last week we ventured out in the cold to go and eat some pizza. When you get that craving you just have to give in! We've never been to Bath Pizza Co before, but have heard so many great things from so many people we had to give it a try. We arrived quite early, and got chatting to the staff, whose enthusiasm and love for their craft was quite apparent. On the menu there are Gluten Free, Vegetarian and Vegan options, as well as tasty salads and sides such as Olives, Garlic Bread with Mozzarella and a Chicken Salad. Extensive pizza options on the menu made for a tough decision, and it took us a while to make our minds up. We opted for the American Hot (£12) and the Meat Feast (£12.50). There is also a great meal deal option - a pizza and a drink for £10 Monday to Friday if you are feeling a bit short on cash in the run up to Christmas. From ordering to being served our pizza was lightening quick, only a few minutes in the pizza oven and they were cooked to perfection. A light fluffy base delivered on crispness and flavour, and the tasty tomato sauce and cheese were delightful! The meats were crisp and tender, and the chilli oil (add this yourself) gave a lovely heat to the flavours. We sat in the outside seating area (you can go inside the brasserie if you wish) as the patio heaters really belted out the heat and we didn't feel cold at all. Alex the owner popped over to say hi, and we really enjoyed getting to hear about the business and his upcoming plans.
After eating here I now understand why lots of my friends and colleagues recommend the Bath Pizza Co, because we do too now! 1 Terrace Walk, N Parade, Bath BA1 1LJ. 01225 482900 Sunday lunch out always makes me nervous. Mr PLB cooks the best roast dinner ever, and when we've had them out in the past they have just not been up to his standard. Those crispy roast potatoes, rich gravy and amazing Yorkshire Puddings take a lot of beating. Invited to the Huntsman to try their recently renovated upstairs dining room, we booked in for midday and headed in. We've never been upstairs in there before, in fact we didn't know there was an upstairs. The dining room spans the length of the pub, and is tastefully decorated, with the option to book for private events as well. Hannah greeted us and showed us to our table where our host for the afternoon Joe was on hand to settle us in. We had a fabulous table by the window, overlooking Bog Island, where we could watch the hustle and bustle outside whilst relaxing and ordering a glass of wine each. We chatted with Joe (totally charming) for a while about the menu and then we ordered our starters. Grilled lamb kofta with cucumber, pomegranate & mint raita and flatbread (£7), and Avocado & pesto bruschetta with roasted tomato salsa (£7.50). Both starters were light, fresh and really tasty. The chilli packed a punch on the bruschetta, so if you order this be aware, as it's not listed in the menu as an ingredient. We enjoyed both, and were hopeful for the main courses. We opted for Roast leg of south coast lamb (£17), and the roast Cornish orchards Braised South coast pork belly (£15). Both were served with a giant Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, cauliflower cheese, savoy cabbage, honey roast carrots and parsnips, squash puree and red wine gravy. The meat on both of our dishes was super tender, and the gravy rich and tasty. The Yorkshire pudding, although huge was incredibly light and airy. The meal was totally delicious and got the thumbs up from both of us. Dessert was a squeeze but both of our favourites were on the menu, Sticky Toffee Pudding (£6) and Eton Mess (£7.50). Both were light, tasty and a perfect end to a perfect meal.
We both agreed we would be back to eat at The Hunstman again. The service was amazing, Joe is so passionate about his job, evident in his knowledge and interest in all of the dishes and the wine list. We highly recommend the roast, especially if you get a table with a view! Abbey Hotel, N Parade, Bath BA1 1LF. 01225 461603 Last week we were invited to try the cocktails at the Art Bar in the Abbey Hotel then on for food at Koffmann and Mr White's next door. The Art Bar is just that, a bar with monthly changing art on the walls, which can be bought and is curated to suit the surroundings. In the run up to Christmas there will be a selection of affordable works on the walls to tie in with the Christmas market. After deciding on an Old Fashioned and a Bramble, we soaked up the atmoshpere and had a quick look at the bar menu. You can order burgers, steaks, croque monsieurs, and salads, as well as small sides such as bowls of fries. The decor is lovely, and there is lots to see. It was buzzing when we were in around 5pm, with hotel guests and members of the public popping in for coffees and meetings. Once finished we headed across the lobby into the restaurant, Koffmann & Mr White's. We were the first guests in so got to appreciate the decor and the beauty of the room, a lovely feeling of calm without feeling cold. A relaxed informal dining experience awaited. Two menu options - the Express (2 courses £14.50, 3 courses £17.50) or the A La Carte, with options of dishes from both Mr Koffmann and Mr White depending on your tastes. We ordered a bottle of Pinot Noir and perused the menus. To start we opted for the Escargot a la Bourguignonne (£10.50) and the Loft House Salad (£7.95). Snails are not my thing, but Mr PLB loved them, they were baked with garlic, butter, little croutons and tomatoes. My salad was a large romaine lettuce leaf filled with hard boiled eggs, Wiltshire ham, home made salad cream (I'm making this) and a sprinkling of Gruyere cheese. Both were delicious and we could not wait to get onto the main course! We ordered Joues de boeuf en daube, grand-mère (braised ox cheek with pomme puree, smoked bacon, carrots and button mushrooms) £18.50, and Marco’s signature fillet steak, consisting of Leaf spinach, woodland mushrooms, toasted sourdough, garlic butter, soft herbs (£32.50). The flavours of the ox-cheek were phenomenal. Braised for many hours the meat was tender to melting point, in such a rich and flavoursome jus. The pomme puree was the ultimate in indulgent creaminess and buttery flavours, and totally delicious. I could not fault the dish and would happily eat this every night. The steak was cooked to perfection and so beautifully presented. Crispy mushrooms, and soft melting steak made for a taste sensation. Dessert consisted of the Boxtree Mess with banana and salted caramel (£6.50) and the Tarte au Citron (£5.95). Both rounded off the meal perfectly, and were indulgent enough to satisfy as sweet tooth without being over powering. We cannot fault our evening at the Art Bar and Koffmann & Mr White's. The service was outstanding from start to finish. Nic looked after us so well and explained all the dishes and answered our questions. There are quite a few new dishes on the menu and the staff clearly understand the ingredients, cooking processes and details inside out, exuding enthusiasm when talking about them. Although this is a French brasserie, do not feel intimidated, all dishes have English descriptions and the staff are happy to help. A big shout out to Gareth for the expertly made cocktails, and Hannah Mc for serving us so well.
This is an experience we would be happy to repeat, and will be booking to go back soon as it's up there as one of our personal favourites now. 5 George Street, Bath, BA1 2EJ. 01225 684733 On an autumnal Sunday afternoon, we headed into town along the canal, to our lunch date at Comptoir+Cuisine across the top of town on George Street. We've been here before, a couple of times, and it's one of our go-to's for an indulgent meal of French tapas and delicious drinks. If you walk by you may not know just how cavernous this place is, from the street you might think it's a small cafe with a shop selling delicious cheeses and goods, but once inside, you are treated to a feast upon the eyes, so much to see and so much to explore. The building goes right through to a back eating room, and has a luxurious champagne lounge downstairs, and a lovely bright dining room upstairs that can also be hired for functions. If you are not au fait with French dining you need not worry, the staff are totally approachable and happy to help explain anything that you may need some help with. The tapas selections are amazing, baked cheeses, charcuterie boards, as well as burgers, croque monsieur and delicious duck skewers. The baked cheese options pair perfectly with champagne and make for a super indulgent lazy sharing lunch. We opted for the Raclette (cheesy potato and onion in cream and baked), a burger, escargot, the duck skewer and some fries. We shared everything, and it was truly delicious. We ordered 2 Bloody Mary's to wash everything down, which were perflectly spicy and peppery. This is a fabulous alternative to going out for a roast on a Sunday (or any day). Chilled and relaxed, with an informal and welcoming atmosphere. There is no pressure to leave, you can graze and keep ordering dishes and drinks throughout the afternoon. A great place to people watch if you get a window seat, as you watch the world buzz by outside whilst relaxing with a drink inside.
The champagne bar is buzzing in the evenings, often with live music or a DJ. They are open all day, and offer breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and evening dining. If you haven't been in before, we highly recommend Comptoir+Cuisine! 33 Milsom St, Bath BA1 1DG. 01225 600127 www.duoboots.com If you've never heard of Duo Boots, you are in for a treat. Having done ballet for the first 15 years of my life, my calves are more "shapely" than the standard High Street size of boot, and I've struggled to get knee high boots to zip up.
Duo Boots on Milsom Street are the perfect solution and they also help ladies with smaller calves too, in fact they offer the widest selection of calf sizes available, ranging from 30cm to 50cm and foot size EU35 to 43. Invited in for a fitting, Anna measured my calves (both as they can be different sizes) and I had a good look around the store, picking 3 styles I really liked. The service was really efficient, I must have tried on about 6 or 7 pairs in different sizes as I have high arches so certain styles work better. I opted for the Brown Brampton (£195) as they look really good with blue jeans (which I wear alot) and have a perfect block heel to help elevate my 5ft 3in height! The store currently have a sale on offer up to 40% off on selected styles. You can also sign up to their mailing list for news and special offers, and if you are not from Bath fear not, you can measure your own calves and order online! I've already recommended Duo Boots to family and friends, and it seems there are lots of ladies out there who struggle finding boots that either do up or aren't wellies on their calves! 12/13 Milsom Place, Bath BA1 1BZ. 01225 465907 On Tuesday evening we were invited to Le Vignoble in Milsom place, to sample their menu and wines. The concept is very clever, you are given a credit card that you pre-load with cash at the till, and it can then be used to dispense wine in a sample, small or medium sized glass. There are over 20 wines in dispensers dotted around the two rooms, as well as bottles available to buy. The menu is tapas style, and very tasty. We had 3 dishes to share and they were more than enough to fill you up. We had the baked brie with apricot and honey, the charcuterie board, and the baked tomatoes with blue cheese. There was plenty of bread served with all three dishes, perfect for mopping up the tasty pesto and baked cheeses. With one of us having a white and the other a red wine, the cheeses complimented both perfectly and cut through the richness. Ona and Diane are so knowledgeable and talk with passion about both the food and the wine. They made us feel incredibly welcome and comfortable, and not at all intimidated by all the wine choices around the room. You might wander through Milsom Place and think this is a wine shop, which it is (you can buy the wine to take away), but there is so much more on offer. In the warmer months, there is a lovely outdoor terrace to enjoy so why not pop in for a glass and some nibbles, you won't be disappointed!
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. Ham Green, Holt, Wiltshire, BA14 6PX. 01225 782326 A short 15 minute drive out of Bath and you will find yourself in Wiltshire and the beautiful village of Holt. We arrived for our booking at 6.30pm and the car park out the back was already filling up. We chose a lovely table for two in the side eating area. The pub has been charmingly restored, and has a lovely cosy feeling. Once settled, we were promptly brought our drinks and the menu. We opted for Crispy Duck Egg (£5.95) and Thai Spiced Crispy Chicken (£6.95) to start. Too tough a choice to decide, we shared both dishes between us. There is a lovely selection of starters and all reasonably priced. The duck egg had the lightest of crispy coating, and was warm with a perfectly runny yolk, a creamy artichoke and truffle puree complimented it perfectly. The Thai Spicy Chicken was truly Asian in flavour, with chili jam and a fresh slaw. By this point the room around us was full, and we saw some of the other starters pass by and they all looked delicious, and judging by the clean plates they must have been! For mains we went for Pan Fried Cod Loin (£17.50) and the Wild Mushroom and Butternut Squash Risotto (£13.95). If you are after comfort food, this risotto is for you. Gorgeously creamy and cheesy, with flavoursome mushrooms throughout. The parmesan crisps on top only added to the feeling of total indulgence. One of the best risotto I have had for a long long time and I will be going back to have this again. The cod loin was a deliciously fishy affair. A crispy crust, perfectly tender and moist, with a lemon and cockle butter. Saffron and garlic dauphinoise potato underneath, with samphire to compliment the fish meant a delicious combination and a clean plate. Although full, we could not resist the dessert menu, as the rest of the meal was so good. A really nice selection to choose from, we ordered the cheese board (£8.50) and the sticky toffee pudding (£6.95). The cheese board consisted of cheddar, blue and brie, with a really generous cracker selection. We could not finish it all, and would probably share this next time as it's lots for one. The sticky toffee pudding went down well, with warm honeycomb pieces and a clotted cream ice cream, this was voted the best sticky toffee pudding my husband has ever eaten (and that's lots over the years).
There is also accommodation on site, which was fully booked when we were there on a Tuesday night. Based on our experience, booking for food would be essential as all tables were full when we left. There is a really appetising lunch menu if you are passing and feel peckish and we hear the Sunday roasts are legendary too! "Tollgate Wednesday" covers a different theme each week, such as Italian, Indian and Fish and Fizz. Thursday is "No Corkage" night, where you can take your own wine in with you when you are dining. In summary, we would definitely recommend the Tollgate Inn. The staff were attentive and extremely welcoming, as well as being very efficient too! The menu is varied and caters for all tastes, including Gluten Free and Vegan. www.tollgateinn.co.uk 16 Argyle Street Bath, BA2 4BQ. 01225 807770 Underwood is a charming restaurant and bar on Argyle Street, within throwing distance of Great Pulteney Street and Weir. Upon arrival we were greeted warmly, and offered one of the best seats in the house, overlooking the weir. We quickly chose the delicious house red to sip on whilst we perused the menu. Thoughtfully created, it was hard to decide, we opted for the Hispi Cabbage with Blue Cheese Dressing (£8.50) and the Mackerel and Quail Egg Salad (£9). The cabbage had a lovely crisp charred flavour, and the dressing was delicious, just enough to compliment and cut through the bitterness of the cabbage. The mackerel was cold smoked, an intense flavour paired perfectly with the quail egg. For our main course, we opted for Chicken Supreme (£19) and the Rump of Lamb (£22). We also picked a side of Seasonal Greens (£3.50). The Chicken Supreme was served with a creamy pearl barley, rich and satisfying, with some juicy oyster mushrooms and an artichoke puree. The chicken was moist and flavoursome, with a delicious crispy skin. The Rump of Lamb was placed on top of a potato fondant (delicious) with smoked aubergine and black garlic puree, confit shallots, tenderstem broccoli and a red wine jus. Both dishes were presented immaculately, and looked absolutely stunning. The greens on the side also looked incredibly appetizing, and were soon polished off between the two of us. Dessert was an indulgent affair. We were so full we decided to share, and went for Chocolate Mousse and a couple of cocktails. We sat back and enjoyed the rain whilst nibbling our final course. On a sunny day you can sit out on their sun terrace, which we plan to do next year. The cocktail bar is very atmospheric. Mood lighting, dark walls and a cheeky monkey light named Robbie.
We definitely recommend Underwood, perfect for a romantic meal. There are lots of hidden areas and a couple of floors to choose from in this building that is much bigger than it appears from outside. The bar is great for meeting friends for cocktails or pre-meal drinks. 3 Orange Grove, Bath, BA1 1LP 01225 469989 On Sunday we popped into Dr Gelato on Orange Grove to sample the delights on offer. A warm welcome greeted us, and we had a very informative chat with Gavin about the business and the plans to develop over time. If you love gelato, you will love Dr Gelato. You can try a little sample of as many flavours as you like, and if you can't decide, you can have 2 flavours in one scoop and 3 flavours in 2 scoops, the clever chaps there swirl them together into a cone of magic. We went for Mango and Dark Chocolate, a colour combo of perfection, and it did not fail on the flavour score either! There are vegan and gluten free options as well, so there is something for everyone. There are guest flavours everyday, and we even got to try Stilton and Walnut which was actually delicious. Not taking themselves too seriously, Dr Gelato is all about fun. There are competitions for kids to create their own combos after school with prizes for the best ones. They are even collaborating with Bath Rugby with some alcoholic varieties.
As well as gelato, you can grab a coffee or a soft drink, and there are plans to be able to sit outside for the spring. For regular customers, there is also a Gold Card for members, who can get 10% discount for loyalty. In a perfect location, why not pop in next time you are in town and support a local independent business? @ The Grapes Pub, 14 Westgate Street, Bath, BA1 1EQ On Saturday we were lucky enough to be invited to the Secret Izakaya Supper Club above the recently renovated and reopened Grapes pub. We arrived early so we could have a drink and soak up the atmosphere of the pub. It was buzzing with activity and a good crowd of people were in. We were not sure what to expect, but were really looking forward to the experience as we love Japanese food. Ellie the landlady and our host, took a group of 8 of us upstairs into the stunning dining room (that is also a yoga studio during the day). The room was so beautiful, with a Jacobean ceiling still in tact. We were seated at a large dining table, with a menu for us to devour. The selection was just perfect, and we were given some sake and pickled cucumbers to nibble on whilst we were given an overview of the Izakaya and the food on offer from the chefs Dave and Suze. Everything is prepared in the kitchen to the side of the main room, and is all cooked/prepared freshly for each course. Our first couple of courses were sashimi based, and had the most fantastic flavours, complimented perfectly with Dave's choice of sake. To kick things off we had Komu-cured Sea Bream Tartare followed by Shime Saba (mackerel sushi) two ways, raw and seared. Between courses we had fantastic tasting dishes of soy marinated mushrooms, miso green beans and spicy tomatoes, all a sensation on the tongue and a freshener before the next course. Next we had Miso and Sake Mussels, Chicken Karaage and Spicy Miso Ramen - I was fit to burst but had to squeeze everything in as the flavours were so stunning. The dessert of Soba Cha Pudding was also delicious and rounded off the meal perfectly.
There are plans for the Izakaya to have a permanent home upstairs in the Grapes from November, called Budo Ba, with plenty of small dishes prepared right in front of you, with choices of Japanese beers, Sake and Shochu. We can't wait! 20 St Lawrence St, Bath, BA1 1AN 01225 308055 Yesterday we tried out Absurd Bird in the Southgate area of Bath. In all honesty, we have avoided eating at the bottom of town, perhaps wrongly, as we thought chains would be a bit generic and also a bit touristy. We arrived at 5pm and were warmly welcomed by Marco. We ordered some cocktails (Savvy Sing and Long Island Iced Tea, £7.85 each or 2 for £9.95) and took in the atmosphere. I can honestly say, from the outside you would not know what is hidden behind this glass exterior. Gothic themed, dark walls, and amazingly quirky Victoriana, this was actually a very cool place. We were seated in a booth, of which there are many along the side wall, that seat four people, and are actually really private, but are great for people watching as you can see the whole bar area. It took us ages to decide as the menu is extensive and really tempting. Marco gave us some advice on the types of chilli levels and what were his personal favourites. Here are a couple of shots of the menu so you can get an idea of what is on offer..... We chose six chicken tenders with two dips (£9.85) to share for starters, we went for the Blue Cheese and AB Buffalo. Both sauces were tasty and tangy, the Buffalo a lovely vinegary kick to the heat. For mains we chose the Nashville Hot Big Rooster Burger (£10.95) and the AB Waffles (£11.95). When they arrived (very quickly) we realised our eyes were bigger than our stomachs! Both looked amazing, and as you can see, were huge! We also ordered three sides, fries, mac and cheese and fried pickles with blue cheese sauce (all in the name of research).... The waffles. I have a bit of a thing about sweet and savoury so had to check beforehand that these were savoury waffles. They were. With chicken. And Gravy. Say no more. They also come with maple syrup if that is your thing, but I personally did not have this, but I know this is their best seller (yes I know I'm weird)! Crispy yet soft inside waffles, with rich gravy and soft chicken. Delicious.
The burger was super dirty, and one of the biggest we have reviewed in Bath. Silence ensued and it was polished off, with lots of positive sounds. Thumbs up all round. Only disappointment of the evening was that we could not eat it all! A trip to the loos is always essential - cleanliness of the loos always speaks volumes. Spotlessly clean and again, super quirky. I loved looking at the Victorian photos on the walls in the upstairs dining room on the way, and the little Absurd Birds dotted about add a lovely touch, look out for the skeleton mother and child pic and the bearded lady. We also took a shine to George the bird skeleton hanging from the bar! There are offers on every day, including half price burgers and beer every Tuesday, Bottomless Wing Wednesday, Bottomless Brunch for £30 every weekend, a 24 wing challenge and happy hour cocktails! 5-8 Saville Row, Bath, BA1 2QP 01225 809302 bottles@beckfordbottleshop.com Nothing feels more decadent than a lazy Sunday morning brunch out, and today was no exception. We headed out on this warm sunny morning with a leisurely stroll along the canal into town, cutting through Sydney Gardens and down Great Pulteney Street before heading up the top of town to the charming Saville Row. We were greeted and sat at a lovely spacious table for two, and spent some time struggling to decide what to order! Whilst deciding, we ordered a Bloody Mary and a Mimosa, (you have to brunch in style), and a pot of tea for two. Eventually we chose the Big English (£10) and the Savoury Waffles, with eggs benedict (£8). The food was piping hot, and totally delicious. Portion sizes were just right, and just enough to satisfy a mid morning hunger pang. I'm always a bit nervous of waffles as I don't like the sweetness with savoury toppings, but these were savoury waffles, and a revelation to me (I now want to buy a waffle maker), super light and fluffy, and complimented the runny eggs beautifully. The Big English was super tasty, with a nod to the sausages and black pudding, which were both especially flavoursome. The homemade baked beans were also a winner.
Service was courteous, welcoming and relaxed. There is a lovely atmosphere here, no pressure to leave or feeling rushed (even though they were busy). The bistro is open every day except Monday for coffee, nibbles, lunch, supper and wine. Lunch options include salads and sandwiches and they offer tasting plates and specials for supper. We had a mooch around the bottle shop after our brunch, and it really is lovely. They have so much choice in regard to wines from around the world, and they offer many food events including cheese nights, and a duck and claret night (coming up next month). We really enjoyed our morning here, and will be popping back to sample some of the other brunch choices very soon! 4-5 Newmarket Row, Bath, BA2 4AN 01225 461956 info@capparestaurant.co.uk Cappadocia has one of the best views in the whole city. One of the main attractions of Bath is Pulteney Bridge and Weir, and this bar and restaurant looks out on both. We were invited in to sample the food and drinks on a sunny Thursday late afternoon. We were lucky enough to be sat in the window, but pretty much all of the tables look out over the two vast large windows, framing the bridge perfectly. Cappadocia opened about 7 weeks ago after an extensive and very stylish refit, having been the Marmaris Turkish restaurant and takeaway for many years. The interior is beautifully designed, cool blues and stylish touches such as artwork painted directly on the walls from a local Bristol artist, and floral garnishes on the ceiling. We were welcomed with a cooling Turkish beer each whilst we perused the menu. The staff were attentive and on hand to make personal recommendations, as the choice is extensive, and tough to choose as there are so many delicious choices. Vegetarian and Vegan choices are also included. Whilst choosing our food, we were brought some bread, hummus and crudites. We chose the Mixed Hot Meze for 2 to start, as you get a selection of the chefs best dishes of the day for £14.95. The flavours were sensational, and we soon polished off the plate of delights as we had both not eaten all day! For our mains, we ordered Mixed Shish £13.45 (Chicken & Lamb served with rice and salad) and Iskender £15.95 (Minced lamb, chunks of chicken in a tomato saucewith yoghurt, toasted bread and black butter, served with a salad). The portions were large, and if we were to return we would most likely share smaller starters as we could not finish our mains (gutted). We could not squeeze in any dessert this visit, but the menu looked really delicious, so we will definitely try some next time. After our meal we were also brought an amaretto shot and some fresh turkish delight! To summarise, we could not fault the food or the service, and will be returning very soon!
After our meal, we were invited to the hidden gem upstairs, the cocktail bar Cappa Bar. Review of the bar is on our next blog post! |
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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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