Bath Life
- Home
- Out and About
- Property Search
- Restaurant reviews
- Bath Life Guides
- Subscriptions & Back Issues
- Advertising
- ONLINE MAGAZINE
Restaurant reviews
Yo!Sushi
29 Milsom Place
Bath
tel: 01225 562250
www.yosushi.com
Opening hours: Mon - Sat:midday-11pm; Sun: midday to 10pm
We visited: Wednesday lunchtime
Prices:
Dishes range from £1.70-£5
Do they welcome children? Yes
Vegetarian choice: Plenty
Disabled access: Good
Service and atmosphere: Immensely helpful
Meanwhile, newly converted pescophile Hayley’s hot salmon teriyaki dish was “coated in the most delicious sticky glaze, sweet with mirin and with a refreshing kick of ginger and lime from the sesame marinade with a beautiful undertone of ginger”.
The prawn tempura was also a winner. Kate again: “The three fat, juicy king prawns wrapped in a crisp light batter tasted boat-fresh. The sauce they were served with was a tad nondescript, but dunking in a soy sauce and wasabi was, in our opinion, a much tastier combo.”
I’ll leave it to Team Awesome to have the last word. They usually do.
“Great. Super-cool and funky – the sort of place where you want to be seen hanging out. Feels very gadgety, and unlike any restaurant in Bath – in a good way.”
Job done. Now all we have to do is break it to Laura that we went out for sushi without her. I feel another spot of delegation coming on.
Reviewed: Issue 159
Published: Jun 10
Hon Fusion
25 Claverton Buildings Bath tel: 01225 446020
www.honfusion.com
Opening hours: Mon-Sun midday-11pm
We visited: Saturday evening
Prices: Main courses are largely between £8 - £10, although the whole lobster (with ginger and spring onion) will set you back £27, the most expensive dish on the menu
Do they welcome children? Yes
Vegetarian choice: There's a extensive veggie menu
Disabled access: No problem - all ground floor
Service and atmosphere: Helpful and informative
Despite the sheer class of the food and our usual high greed levels, we had enough left over on our plates to take home in a teenage-bag and feed to a hungry teenager - our leftovers were packaged up with the same helpful amiability that had characterised the service throughout.
Like the food, the décor of Hon Fusion is an admirable mix of the contemporary - stripped floor, jolly curtains, modern art on the walls - and traditional Chinesey restauranty kitsch.
Before we left, owner Janice popped over for a chat. Apparently, there are all kinds of dishes off the main menu that the Chinese clientèle go for - so do ask for guidance if you're visiting.
We bid Samuel farewell, ‘zai jain' I think he said, and assured him (truthfully) we would certainly be back. Even though he couldn't solve the old Chinese riddle. You don't know it? OK - which is the odd one out: 5, 7, 19, 47? Come on, you must know it. Hurry now. Alright, here's the answer: 19. You get egg fried rice with all the others.
Reviewed: Issue 158
Published: Jun 10
The Olive Tree
The Queensberry Hotel,
4-7 Russel Street,
Bath
tel: 01225 447928
www.thequeensberry.co.uk
We visited: Thursday evening
Prices: Evening à-la-carte: starters £8.50-£14.50, mains £16.50-£28.75, puds £8.50
Do they welcome children? Yes
Vegetarian choice: Limited but tempting
Disabled access: Lift down, but still some steps to negotiate
Service and atmosphere: Discreet, professional yet friendly
"Not for nothing did Nick work at the Priory: the Chris Horridge legacy was evident in the presentation (see above), which resembled a little woodland scene – I would not have been surprised to have spotted a miniature elf lurking in there somewhere. The meat was meltingly tender and gamey, with extra interest from a confit spring roll and a tower of fondant potatoes (more Stonehenge) – perfect (£23).
"Puddings – vanilla pannacotta for me, caramel mousse for my dining companion (both £8.50) were equally effulgent, while the plum-infused sake-like dessert wine was gorgeous.
"A note-perfect meal, served with consummate professionalism. The evening prices may suggest ‘special occasion’, so note - lunches start at £16 for two courses. Don’t miss."
Reviewed: Issue 157
Published: May 10
River Cottage Canteen @ Komedia
22-23 Westgate StreetBath
tel: 01225 471578
www.river cottage.net
Opening hours: Wed-Sun: dinner from 7pm. Thursdays are ‘stew nights’ – stew and a pud for a tenner, from 6pm onwards, takeaway from £6.
We visited: Saturday night
Prices:
Starters: £6-£7; mains: £11-£14; Desserts: £6-£7
Do they welcome children? Yes
Vegetarian choice: Good
Disabled access: Loos upstairs
Wine list: £14.45-£45 per bottle – most are £20-£25
Service: Outstandingly helpful and pleasant
"Should you have any room for dessert, you could choose from sticky toffee and pumpkin seed fool; dark chocolate mousse served with white chocolate vanilla sauce and toasted oats; or rhubarb and orange mille feuille. We went for the cheeseboard (£10) – Montgomery cheddar, Kelston Park creamy and mild cheese, and Blue Vinney from Dorset. These were served with home-baked spelt crackers and Denham cheddar cheese straws, washed down with a very robust bottle of Rioja (Ijalba Livor).
"We finally said our farewells to Nick and headed into the night, me and the Ed, promising ourselves we would go back to the Canteen really soon – for the food, the welcome, the ambience – and that strangely enjoyable music track."
Reviewed: Issue 156
Published: May 10
Thai by the Weir
16 Argyle Street
Bath BA2 4BQ
tel: 01225 444834
thaibytheweir.co.uk
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 12-3pm; and 6-11pm
We visited: Friday evening
Prices:
Starters: £1.95-£6; mains: £6.50-£9.50; puds: £3.50-£4.50
Do they welcome children? Yes, but they don’t have high chairs
Vegetarian choice: Excellent, most of the mains come with a vegetarian option. The range is also great for pescetarians
Disabled access: Access to the first floor but there are stairs to the loos
Wine list: A good range of classics, plus the afore mentioned Thai wine (in red or white varieties)
Service and atmosphere: Efficient service, with well informed and helpful staff. Lively atmosphere downstairs, but more intimate and romantic upstairs
"I visited Thai by the Weir wondering if it could live up to my expectations and to my feelings of nostalgia for Pastiche. And I have to say that it really did. The atmosphere is buzzing, the staff are friendly, and the food is a truly successful fusion of traditional Thai dishes, and the not-so-familiar cuisines of Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam. I’ll certainly be returning soon, and I’ll make sure I get my favourite table too."
Reviewed: Issue 155
Published: April 10
Hudson
14 London Street,
Bath BA1 5BU
tel: 01225 332323
hudsonbars.co.uk
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 6-10.30pm; Sat 12-4pm & 6-10.30pm
We visited: Wednesday early evening
Prices: The steaks are around the £20-25 mark (but more than worth it); while starters come at £7-9; and the remaining mains around £12-16; puds £5-6
Do they welcome children? Yes
Vegetarian choice: Probably not the most obvious choice of restaurant for veggies but there are a few dishes; and several really strong fish and shellfish options
Disabled access: Yes, limited
Wine list: Good choice by the glass covering all the big wine regions; prominence on reds
Service and atmosphere: Staff are charming and laid back; like the atmosphere
"Puds are fairly traditional – Eton mess, sticky toffee pudding and chocolate fondue (with all the trimmings) – we opted for the crème brûlée. This in itself was exceedingly good, a thin crisp top with a smooth creamy heart. The heady smell of vanilla hit us as we cracked the lid. The additional side of warm ginger cake was nice, but I wasn’t exactly sure how it correlated.
"For the best steak of your life, charming service and a good glass of red, you won’t do better than Hudson."
Reviewed: Issue 154
Published: April 10
The King Arms
Monkton Farleigh
tel: 01225 858705
www.kingsarms-bath.co.uk
We visited: Saturday evening
Prices:
Dinner: starters £4.25-£6.95, mains £9.95-£14.95, desserts £3.95-£4.50
Do they welcome children? Yes
Vegetarian choice: Good – several choices
Disabled access: Good
Service and atmosphere: Friendly and efficient
"Even for two avowedly greedy people the cheeseboard was a bit of a struggle. But who could resist Montgomery Cheddar, Devon blue, and best of all Cerney goats’ cheese – all served with celery and oatmeal biscuits?
The Kings Arms is a relaxed place to eat, where you can go traditional or fancy. The food is imaginative with a real fresh tang to it, the service friendly, and the atmosphere convivial. Our waitress told us to be sure to come again. I very much think that we will."
Reviewed: Issue 153
Published: March 10
The Rajpoot
4 Argyle Street
Bath BA2 4BA
tel: 01225 466833
www.rajpoot.com
Opening hours: Open every day: lunch midday-2.30pm, dinner 6-11pm (11.30 pm Friday and Saturday)
We visited: Tuesday evening
Prices: Starters from £3.15, mains from around £8.95; chef specialities (set meals) £20-£23 pp
Do they welcome children? Yes
Vegetarian choice: Good
Disabled access: Steep steps
Service and atmosphere: Knowledgeable, helpful and friendly staff; laid-back atmosphere
"Over the last decade or so it has become a byword for excellence – its dozens of British Curry Awards (clock the certificates and plaques adorning the walls) can’t be wrong, and after our meal we can attest that all the fuss is certainly not a case of the Rajpoot’s new clothes. Justifiably a Bath institution."
Reviewed: Issue 152
Published: March 10
The Fox
Broughton Gifford,
Melksham, Wilts
tel: 01225 782949
www.thefox-broughtongifford.co.uk
We visited: Friday evening
Prices: Starters £5.95-£6.75; mains £13.50-£16.50; puds £6 - £7.50
Do they welcome children? Yes
Vegetarian choice: Two starters, one main
Disabled access: A couple of shallow steps to negotiate
Wine list: Thoughtful and enticing
Service and atmosphere: Super-friendly, relaxed yet efficient
"Although intent on being in for the long haul, the enormity of the lamb meant I was to fall short of having any space left to squeeze in dessert, which the lawyer took as his perfect opportunity to choose something I’m not a fan of: rhubarb. While I eyed up the towering triple chocolate torte (£.6.95) being delivered to the next table (much more my sort of pud) he informed me that as far as rhubarb crumbles go, this was a great one. Served with a jug of vanilla cream on the side, the crunchy crumble topping was nicely sweet without being too thick, and the rhubarb – he informed me – had a great texture and was nice and pink.
"As far as finding the perfect country pub goes, I think you’d be hard pushed to beat it. And if the rumours that they serve a whole joint which you can carve at your table for Sunday lunch are true, the short drive out of Bath is more than worth it."
Reviewed: Issue 151
Published: February 10
The Northey
Bath Road, Box
SN13 8AE
tel: 01225 742333
Opening hours: 12noon-9.30pm Sun-Thurs; 12noon-10pm Fri & Sat. Open from 10am daily (except Sunday) for coffee
We visited: Thursday evening
Prices: starters; £4.50- £6.50; mains £10.90-£22.50; puds £5-5.50 (A lighter bar menu is also available)
Do they welcome children? Yes
Disabled access: Yes
Wine list: Extensive and includes my favourite Sancerre and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Service and atmosphere: Relaxed yet efficient
"I’d be happy to head to The Northey for the Noël Coward connection alone; but the fact that the food is this good (the adjoining table of four were equally impressed) gives Bath’s restaurants some serious competition."
Reviewed: Issue 149
Published: February 10
The Eastern Eye
8a Quiet Street, Bath BA1 2JStel: 01225 422323
www.easterneye.com
Opening hours: Seven days a week 11.30am – 2.30pm; 6pm – 11.30pm
We visited: Friday lunchtime
Prices: Starters £3-£7, mains £9-£14
Good for children? Yes
Vegetarian choice: Lots, try the thali
Disabled access: Some stairs to get in, but staff are always more than happy to help
Service and atmosphere: Very friendly and charming service, and a great buzzing atmosphere during the evenings
"The dahl, too, was perfection and gave a welcome hefty kick. At the very core of the smooth lentils you could taste the skilled base of caramelised onions, sticky fried garlic and, of course, those fiery chillies. I could have eaten just this by itself.
From the perfectly cooked rice to the chutneys served on the side of the poppadom, every dish at The Eastern Eye has been given the full attention they deserve. Staff are extremely friendly and nothing is too much trouble. This isn’t your bog-standard Friday night curry house. This is an Indian restaurant that knows what it is doing and excels in both the service and the food itself. Why would you settle for less?"
Reviewed: Issue 148
Published: January 10
Lime at Homewood Park
Abbey Lane, Hinton Charterhouse
tel: 01225 723731
www.homewoodpark.co.uk
Opening hours: Lunch midday-1.45pm; dinner 7-9pm
We visited: Wednesday lunchtime
Prices: Set lunch £14.50 for 2 courses, £18 for 3; for à-la-carte menu see website
Good for children? They’d probably do better at Von Essen stablemate Woolley Grange
Vegetarian choice: One of the 3 starters and mains on the set menu was vegetarian
Disabled access: Good
Service and atmosphere: Sophisticated but welcoming
"Even those indifferent to puddings are advised to try one of Dan’s creation’s – P went for Dan’s signature chocolate mousse – a rich, dense tower of cocoa-y goodness, topped with crumbly honeycomb; my prune parfait was another pillar of perfection, with the refreshing, festive accompaniment of a cranberry sorbet.
The attention to detail in Dan Moon’s cooking is immense, though never clever for its own sake; the balance of flavours in all the dishes was masterly, the presentation a delight. If you’re looking for a very special wintry treat, Lime at Homewood Park should be at the very top of your dining out list."
Reviewed: Issue 147
Published: January 10
Aio
7 Edgar Buildings,George Street
Bath,
BA1 2EE
tel: 01225 443900
www.aiorestaurant.co.uk
Opening hours: Lunch served midday-2.30; smaller menu offered 2.30-6pm; dinner 6-10.30pm. Sunday lunch until 3pm
We visited: Monday lunchtime
Prices: starters £6.25-£8.95; mains £9.95 (eg pasta) - £17.95 (eg veal)
Do they welcome children? Very much so – they go out of their way to cater to their needs
Vegetarian choice: Good
Disabled access: Good
Verdict: All the friendliness of a local trattoria with a modern vibe and intriguing Mediterranean menu
"No Mediterranean restaurant that fails to finish a meal with a complimentary liqueur is worthy of its name, and sure enough, a bottle of Mirto (yet another Sardinian favourite) was produced. We tried and failed to limit ourselves to the one; “simpler to drop a lump of concrete on your head” commented my partner, anticipating a less than productive afternoon. We liked Aio very much - here’s hoping this Edgar Buildings eatery sticks around."
Reviewed: Issue 146
Published: December 09
Whatley Manor
Easton Grey,
Malmesbury, Wiltshire
tel: 01666 822888
www.whatleymanor.com
Opening hours: Weds-Sun 7-10pm
We visited: Wednesday evening
Prices: The à-la-carte is threecourses for £68.50; tasting menu costs £85
Do they welcome children? Over the age 12
Vegetarian choice: Limited but innovative
Disabled access: Yes
Wine list: Exceptional - you’ll want to stay overnight just to sample them all
Service and atmosphere: Impeccable in both instances
According to the guide, one star denotes “very good cooking in its category”; two stars, “excellent cooking, worth a detour”. Not only will you want to venture to this fringe of the Cotswolds on several occasions, but you’ll probably want to move there just so you can try Martin’s menu as it evolves with the seasons. Here’s to next year.
Reviewed: Issue 145
Published: November 09
One Beaufort
London Road
Bath,
BA1 6QB
Tel: 01225 334050
www.onebeaufort.co.uk
We visited: Wednesday lunchtime
Prices: Dinner: starters £3.75-£6.25, mains £8.95-£14.95, puds, £5.25; lunch: starters £3.75-£5.25, mains £5.25-£8.25
Do they welcome children? Yes, until 7pm
Vegetarian choice: reasonable
Disabled access: Access to building is up one step. No disabled toilet facilities
Wine list: Extensive
We polished things off with a magnificent sticky toffee pudding (mine, and this time I guarded it closely) and a crème brûlée (both £5.25) which, sadly was a little on the eggy side, though the brûlée itself was of just the right thickness. In all it was a fine little lunch (if three courses could ever be called little) in very pleasant surroundings; in fact, I would go so far as saying it was très beaux.
Reviewed: Issue 144
Published: November 09
The Pear Tree
Top Lane,
Whitley,
Melksham
Tel: 01225 709131
maypolehotels.com/peartreeinn
Opening hours: Mon-Sat midday-2.30pm, 6.30-9.30pm; Sunday midday-3pm, 7-9pm
We visited: Thursday evening
Prices: Dinner: Starters £4.95-£7.50, mains £13.95-£16.95, puds £5.95; lunch 2 courses £12.50, 3 courses £15.50
Do they welcome children? The 4-acre garden is ideal for pester-free lunches
Vegetarian choice: Good
Disabled access: Few shallow steps from bar
Wine list: Lovingly put together
Working on the philosophy that you can always test the mettle of a kitchen by the quality of its panna cotta, Ali chose Karl’s vanilla-flavoured version (£5.95), which came with a supporting cast of shortcake and baked plums, and a shot of spiced plum soup. A classic dish, flawlessly executed, artily presented.
The TLC which Karl and Lisa have lavished on The Pear Tree has clawed back two precious rosettes for the restaurant; if you’ve never been, now is as good a time as any to discover this little out-of-town gem; if you’d forgotten its existence, it’s definitely time for a memory jog.
Reviewed: Issue 142
Published: October 09
Vito’s
12 Argyle Street
Bath
Tel: 01225 423481
www.vitosbath.co.uk
Opening hours: Lunch Sat-Sun; 12pm-2pm. Dinner Weds-Mon 6pm-10.30pm
We visited: Wednesday evening
Prices: Starters £3-£10.95; mains £9.20-£16.99; puds £4.95-£5.80
Do they welcome children? Yes
Vegetarian choice: Extensive
Disabled access: There’s another entrance on Spring Gardens Road with a small step to negotiate
Wine list: Predominantly Italian, of course
Service and atmosphere: Hard to beat
Italians certainly don’t like to do things by halves and Vito’s is no exception. I have to admit that, thanks to the combination of relaxing ambience, friendly, professional service from Giuditta, and Vito’s flair for cooking good-old-fashioned comfort food, this isn’t the first time I’ve visited (or even the fifth). Easily one of my favourite restaurants in town – just don’t tell everyone.
Reviewed: Issue 141
Published: September 09
Ha ha bar & grill
The Tramshed,
Beehive Yard,
Bath, BA1 5BD
Tel: 01225 421200
www.hahaonline.co.uk/bath
Food is served: Mon-Sat 10am-10.30pm, Sun 12-10pm
We visited: Tuesday 12.30pm
Prices: You can have something for £5 or for £15
Do they welcome children? Yes
Vegetarian choice: Lots
Disabled access: Yes
Wine list: Very good with an easy-to-read taste guide and recommendations
Service and atmosphere: The service is exceptional and the atmosphere is lively and laid-back
Needless to say we had no room for dessert, although the menu has a great selection of these, too.
What ha ha bar & grill has achieved in its new refurbishment is a newly defined sense of purpose. This is no longer, just a bar – although this side is still very good. Now, it is a great place to go for simply cooked, quickly served food, too, with very, very good waiting staff.
Reviewed: Issue 140
Published: September 09
Gascoyne Place
1 Sawclose,
Bath BA1 1EY
Tel: 01225 445854
www.gascoyneplace.co.uk
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 12-2.30pm, 5.30-10pm; Sat 12-3pm, 5.30-10.30pm; Sun 12-4pm, 5.30-10pm
We visited: Tuesday 7.30pm
Prices: starters £6-8, mains £11-17, puds £6ish
Do they welcome children? Yes
Vegetarian choice: Average
Disabled access: Yes, but limited
Wine list: Extensive (with suggested wines on the main menu for each dish)
Service and atmosphere: Really good service, friendly but not overly fussy, with a pleasingly chilled out atmosphere
A warming, Christmas-like apple and cinnamon crème brulee (£5.50) and a rich chocolate and pear tart with a generous dollop of decedent crème fraiche (£6.50) later and we were done.
Service – check. Food – check. Drink – check. This place has it all.
Reviewed: Issue 139
Published: September 09
Wild Café
10a Queen Street
Bath
BA1 1HE
Tel: 01225 448673
www.wildcafe.co.uk
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm; Sat 10am-6pm; Sun 10am-4pm
We visited: Monday 1pm
Prices: Ridiculously reasonable – salads and sandwiches are all around the £2-3 mark; brunch rarely reaches above £4; and hot, hearty, lunches are all under £9
Do they welcome children? Yes
Vegetarian choice: More than ample
Disabled access: No
Service and atmosphere: Service is fast, friendly and efficient, while the café is buzzing with local trade
We didn’t have room – or indeed time – for a pud, and a good job too, as that day the homemade cakes brought in by Arthur had already been gobbled up. (Although fear not, the pudding menu is apparently set to get bigger and better.)
I’ll go back not only for lunch, speedy or leisurely, but I’ll go back for breakfast and brunch, too. Who said green wasn’t sexy?
Reviewed: Issue 138
Published: August 09
La Flamenca
12a North Parade, Bath
Te: 01225 463626
www.la-flamenca.com
Opening hours: Monday: 5.30-11pm; Sun/Tues-Friday: 11.30am-3pm, 5:30pm to midnight; Saturday: 11.30am to 1am
We visited: Tuesday evening
Prices: Wide range of tapas from £1.75-£5.95 (mixed meats and cheeses £11.75-£21); mains around £12; set tapas menu £16.50 pp
Do they welcome children? Si, por supuesto
Vegetarian choice: Good
Disabled access: Steep steps from street
Wine list: Young, crianza, reserve, gran reserve…
Service and atmosphere: Friendly and laidback; very tolerant!
"But the history of Spain may be of only passing interest, and neither Carlos nor Sofia will mind if your real specialist subject is – just like mine and my partner’s – carousing in seductive surroundings until the small hours. Whether your interest is culinary or cultural, a visit to La Flamenca should be close to a holy obligation, if you live within a hundred miles of the place. I live considerably further, in fact some three hundred miles away across a stretch of sea – and similarities between Bath and my own neck of the woods are fairly minimal. But La Flamenca made me feel utterly and entirely at home. I’ll be back if they’ll have me."
Reviewed: Issue 137
Published: August 09
Minibar
1 John Street, Bath
Tel. 01225 333323
www.bathminibar.com
Opening hours: Lunch midday-3pm; dinner 5-10.30pm; closed Monday and Sunday evenings
We visited: Tuesday lunchtime
Prices: Tapas from £4.95-£5.95 each
Do they welcome children? Yes
Vegetarian choice: good
Disabled access: Minibar can only be reached via a flight of steep stairs
Wine list: International
Service and atmosphere: Chilled yet efficient
The calm, professional service came courtesy of Alex’s beautiful, who does look Spanish, even though she’s not; but then Minibar seems to be the kind of place that delights in surprising its punters. We like that in a restaurant.
Reviewed: Issue 136
Published: August 09
The Bathwick Boatman
Forester Road,
Bathwick
BA2 6QP
Tel: 01225 428844
www.bathwickboatman.com
Opening hours: Tues-Sun 12-2pm; Tues-Sat 6-9pm
We visited: Friday lunchtime
Prices: Starters around £4.50, mains £8-12
Do they welcome children? Yes
Vegetarian choice: Good and inventive
Disabled access: Yes
Wine list: Mixture of old and new world
Service and atmosphere: Our waitress was one of the most informed I had experienced in a long while and unfailing friendly; and you couldn’t ask for a better setting
"I don’t think I’ve ever turned down dessert – and I wasn’t about to start now. I asked for the ‘zesty cheesecake’ (£4.25) that luringly called to me from the menu – but to take-away. It was no trouble and I was given the cheesecake, complete with a fruit reduction, to nibble at my desk later that afternoon. Needless to say, it was similarly faultless. Smooth and creamy, with a thick buttery biscuit base and a tart berry sauce to cut through the richness. Bathwick Boatman serve the kind of home-cooking you can only dream about. Uncomplicated but so, so delicious."
Reviewed: Issue 135
Published: July 09
River Cottage Canteen @ Komedia
22-23 Westgate Street
Bath
BA1 1EP
Tel: 07905 077509
www.rivercottage.net
Opening hours: Breakfast from 7.30am, lunch form noon and afternoon tea from 3pm
Prices: Lunch dishes are around £8, while dinner dishes range between £9-14
Do they welcome children? Yes
Vegetarian choice: One or two dishes
Disabled access: Yes
Service and atmosphere: Service is not the speediest but is certainly friendly, while the atmosphere is buzzing
There’s a reason why Hugh has done so well. His ethics, his style and his food are all impeccable. That’s not to say this new RC canteen is perfect, because it’s not. But, like Hugh himself, it’s making a damn good go of it. Will I be back? Of course: I’ve yet to try that spelt paella, after all…
Reviewed: Issue 134
Published: June 09
Central Bar
10 Upper Borough Walls,
Bath,
BA1 1RG
Tel: 01225 333939
www.centralbarbath.co.uk
Opening hours: Lunch is served Sat-Sun 12-3.30pm, Mon-Fri 12-2.30pm
Prices: Starters £2.50-£4.80, Mains £5.50-£7.80
Vegetarian choice: One per sourse
Disabled access: Yes, but toilets on first floor
There’s no denying the service was a bit too laid-back for a speedy lunch, and the lack of chicken and terrine on the already short menu was mildly disappointing, but if you are after a good burger or a sandwich, and a damn fine cocktail, then Central Bar is definitely worth your consideration.
Reviewed: Issue 133
Published: June 09
The Bath Priory
Weston Road,
Bath BA1 2XT
Tel: 01225 331922
www.thebathpriory.co.uk
Opening hours: Mon-Sun: 12-2pm and 6.30-9.30pm
We visited: Friday lunchtime
Prices: The three-course a la carte is £65; the lunchtime menu du jour is £19.95 for two courses and £25 for three; and there are two tasting menus available for £90
Do they welcome children? Yes
Vegetarian choice: One per course
Disabled access: Yes
Wine list: You don’t need one – ask the sommelier for advice
Service and atmosphere: Professional, friendly and experienced; lively yet relaxed
The staff were unfailingly attentive, the food was expertly executed, and the wine was sublime. Has The Priory suffered since Chris’s departure? Certainly not. Has it improved? Quite possibly.
Reviewed: Issue 132
Published: May 09
The Potting Shed Pub
The Street, Crudwell
Wiltshire,
SN16 9EW
Tel: 01666 577833
www.thepottingshedpub.com
Opening hours: Food is served Mon-Sat 12-2.30pm and 7-9.30pm and Sun 12-4pm
We visited: 7pm Friday evening
Prices: Starters around £5, mains between £11-14, puds £5 each
Do they welcome children? Absolutely
Vegetarian choice: Limited
Disabled access: Limited, but accommodating
Wine list: Good selection of by-the-glass and bottled wines
Service and atmosphere: Relaxed but efficient staff with a buzzy, local pub vibe
"As usual, I was in for the long run and had to try the puds. Sam. Terry and the Northerner all went for the double chocolate chip cookies with vanilla ice cream. The Northerner assured me, in between crammed mouthfuls, that the ice cream was smooth and creamy with strong vanilla scent. The cookies were warm and soft – the melted chocolate wrapped in sweet dough. While those three were thus enraptured, I tried the dark chocolate cheesecake. A truly adult indulgence of bitter sweet cocoa with a cheeky side of a sharp, ruby pink, raspberry milkshake.
"The only one thing I don’t love about this place is that it is not closer to Bath. But, I assure you, the drive is more than worth it."
Reviewed: Issue 131
Published: May 09
Marlborough Tavern
35 Marlborough Buildings
Bath
BA1 2LY
Tel: 01225 423731
www.marlborough-tavern.com
Serving times: Lunch served Mon-Sat 12.30-2.30pm and Sundays 12.30-4pm; dinner served Mon-Sat 6-9.30pm
We visited: Wednesday evening
Prices: Starters £4.95-£6.95; mains £8.50-£15.50; specials from £6.50
Do they welcome children? Yes
Vegetarian choice: Limited
Disabled access: Yes
Wine list: Good, reasonably priced
Service and atmosphere: Excellent; buzzing
With Ian’s pork belly arrived a mouth-watering aroma announcing that this was the real deal: and the crackling really cracked, although was pleasantly light in the eating, while the meat was very tender – in other words it was perfectly cooked. Making a refreshing change from the usual potato-based side was a haricot and butter bean casserole, piquant mustard gravy and lovely fresh greens.
“We know we’re not perfect, but we’re doing our best…” continues the menu blurb; I and a full house of diners would like to protest.
Reviewed: Issue 129
Published: April 09
The Rattlebone Inn
Church Street,
Sherston,
Wiltshire
SN16 OLR
Tel: 01666 840871
www.therattlebone.co.uk
Opening hours: Food is served Mon-Sat 12-3pm, 5-9pm, Sun 12-3 (with pizzas from 5.30pm)
We visited: Monday evening
Prices: Main menu: starters £6ish, mains £9-15
Do they welcome children? Yes
Vegetarian choice: A few
Disabled access: Yes
Wine list: Good – but try the local ales
Service and atmosphere: Attentive and lively
"Neither the restaurant or the food at The Rattebone Inn are an afterthought. Not only is this a successful and charming pub with bags of atmosphere, which was packed on a Mondya night (the credit crunch clearly hasn’t reached the Cotswolds just yet), but they have got good, simple pub grub, cooked well. I know where I’ll be going for Sunday lunch, but this time it will be down to mum."
Reviewed: Issue 128
Published: April 09
Jamie’s Italian
10 Milsom Place,
BA1 1BZ
Tel: 01225 510051
www.jamiesitalian.com
Opening hours: Monday-Saturday midday-11pm; Sunday midday-10.30pm
We visited: Wednesday evening
Prices: Dead reasonable – a pasta, salad and wine can cost as little as £12.20; our three meal for two with a carafe of Merlot cost £47.20
Children? Warmly welcomed
Vegetarian choice: Good
Disabled access: Steps to negotiate
Wine list: Italian, oddly enough
Service and atmosphere: we’ve always found the staff sunny, efficient and helpful
"Jamie’s Italian may be part of a chain, but it doesn’t feel like one. It’s relentlessly charming, but not gratingly so. The staff are eager and well trained; the food is extraordinarily good, the sourcing impeccable, the prices competitive.
"Best of all, it’s not boring. If the restaurant is a reflection of Jamie Oliver’s personality, then he’s as well-meaning, straight-up and fun as I’ve always believed him to be. His detractors may mutter about milking the cash cow, but as long as the cow in question is organic, well-cooked and brought to your table by someone brimming with the desire to please, this particular diner is perfectly happy."
Reviewed: Issue 127
Published: March 09
The Seven Stars
Winsley,
Bradford-on-Avon
Tel: 01225 722204
www.sevenstarswinsley.co.uk
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 9.45am-2.30pm, 6-10.30pm; Fri as above, except open until 11pm; Sat 12-3, 6-11pm; Sun 12-3.30pm
We visited: Wednesday lunchtime
Prices: Starters £4.90-£5.90, mains £10.50-£15.50, puds £4.90
Do they welcome children? Yes – there’s a special menu
Vegetarian choice:
Disabled access: Good
Drinks: Cask ales, organic presses and an extensive wine list
Service and atmosphere: Lovely
"The meal only faltered when we ordered a token pudding, in the form of a Pavlova. This, at its best, should really be chewy in the centre, light and crisp at the edges, here, however, the mountain of meringue enjoyed a life independent from a scoop of (excellent) mango ice-cream, and remained rockily resistant to my fork. But this was the only false note in a truly delightful evening. The place has a lovely ambience, the staff are friendly, and everyone has a palpable investment in, and enthusiasm for, the place. It’s netted early seven out of seven stars from Bath Life."
Reviewed: Issue 126
Published: March 09
The Fat Fowl
Silver Street
Bradford on Avon
Tel: 01225 863111
www.fatfowl.com
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 9.30am – 11pm
Cuisine: Locally sourced and seasal ingredients; European/modern British/brasserie and tapas
We visited: Wednesday lunchtime
Prices: Lunch as in review above; dinner sample menu starters £6-, mains £12-16
Do they welcome children? Very much so
Vegetarian choice: Good
Disabled access: Good
Service and atmosphere: Friendly and laid-back
"Diversification’s said to be the name of the game in these challenging and competitive time, though it can be tricky to get the ideal balance between versatility and not overstretching yourself. On the basis of our visit, the Fowl appears to have it just right.
Reviewed: Issue 125
Published: Feb / March 09
The Moon and Sixpence
27, Milsom Place,
Bath
Tel: 01225 320088
www.moonandsixpence.co.uk
Opening hours: Lunch, midday – 2.30pm. Dinner: Sun-Thurs 6-10pm; Fri & Sat 6-10.30pm
We visited: Wednesday evening
Prices: No set meals. Starters £6.95-£8.95; mains £13.95-£18.95; side orders £2.50-£3; puddings from £6.25
Would you take young children? It has more of an adult ambience
Vegetarian choice: 2 starters, 1 mains
Disabled access: OK
Wine list: Extensive
Service style: Very smooth and professional
"We reckon that the Moon will really come into its own once again when the weather warms up, and the courtyard takes up its rightful place in the heart of Milsom Place café society. At the moment, though, it does have an appealingly secretive quality, the fact that the website gives no clue to the menu somehow adds to the sensation of mystery (others might just find this annoying)."
Reviewed: 124
Published: Feb 09
Issue 123 - The Big Breakfast Review
Brasserle Blanc
The Friary Building,
Cabot Circus,
Bristol
Tel: 01179 102412
www.brasserieblanc.com
Opening hours: Lunch midday–3pm; Snack menu 3-5.30pm; Dinner 5.30-10.00pm
We visited: Wednesday lunchtime
Prices: Set lunch £11.50 2 courses, £14 3 courses; a la carte starters £4.25-£6.45, mains/grills £7.50-£26; puds £4.75-£6.50
Do they welcome children? Mais oui
Vegetarian choice: A couple of options
Disabled access: Good
Wine list: Dedicated
Service and atmosphere: Service delightful, atmosphere buzzy
Reviewed:Issue 122
Published: Jan 09
Banglo
44 Lower Bristol Road
Bath
BA2 3BD
Tel: 01225 345442
Opening hours: Banglo serves breakfast, lunch and dinner but has a snack bar menu available all day (until 9.30pm)
We visited: Tuesday evening
Prices: Starters are around £5, mains, £10
Do they welcome children? Yes
Vegetarian choice: Very good for starters, one for main
Disabled access: A little awkward
Wine list: Succint but balanced
Service and atmosphere: Beautiful staff with a wonderfully relaxed and friendly attitude
Reviewed: Issue 121
Published: December
Popham’s Restaurant
Hunstrete House,
Pensford,
BS29 4NS
Tel: 01761 490490
www.hunstretehouse.co.uk
Opening hours: Lunch: Mon-Sat 12-2pm, Sun 12.20-2.30pm; Dinner: Daily 7-9 pm
We visited: Tuesday evening
Prices: Two courses £37.50, three £47.50
Do they welcome children? During the day, but under-12s are not permitted in the restaurant during the evening
Vegetarian choice: One per course
Disabled access: Yes
Wine list: Extensive without being daunting
Service and atmosphere: Extremely professional, attentive and helpful
Reviewed:Issue 120
Published: November / December
The Castle Inn Hotel
Castle Combe,
Nr Chippenham,
SN14 7HN
Tel: 01249 783030
Opening hours: Mon-Sun: lunch 12-3pm, dinner 6-9pm
We visited: Sunday lunch
Prices: Mains range from £8-£12
Do they welcome children? Yes
Vegetarian choice: A few
Disabled access: Difficult due to the age of the building
Wine list: Pleasing
Service and atmosphere: Very relaxed and friendly without being complacent
"The Castle Inn Hotel strikes the perfect balance. It is charmingly, quintessentially English, without being twee, and the food is reassuringly good without being pretentious or over-fussy (although if you do want to try something more sophisticated than a pie, they have a very promising a la carte menu). Great for any kind of weather."
Reviewed:Issue 119
Published: November
Bistro La Barrique
31 Barton Street,
Bath,
BA1 1HG
Tel: 01225 463861
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 12-2.30pm, 5.30pm-late
We visited: Saturday 5.30pm
Prices: Petit plats start at £4.95 and go up to £6.50
Do they welcome children? Of course
Vegetarian choice: Plenty
Disabled access: Yes
Wine list: Predominantly French, with everything by the glass
Service and atmosphere: Laid-back and polite, with a cheery French bistro buzz
“The mousse was not such a hit with the Northerner, who judged it it ‘super sickly’ – but for me it was absolutely transcendental. Beneath a light, sweet vanilla cream was rich, dark mahogany chocolate mousse, airy but with body, and at the very bottom some booze-soaked crushed macaroon biscuits. Each mouthful became more and more ambrosial.
“Finished and full the Northerner and I had a contented glow, the sort that can only come from several, five in fact, good meals. A superb modern take on classical French cuisine.”
Reviewed:Issue 118
Published: October / November
Las Iguanas
12 Seven Dials,
Sawclose,
Tel: 01225 336666
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs midday-11pm; Fri-Sat midday-12am; Sun 12pm-10.30pm
We visited: Sunday lunchtime
Prices: Tapas £1.60-£5.50; mains £7.90-£14.50; desserts £3.80-£4.80
Children welcome? Very much so; they’ll love it
Vegetarian choice: Excellent
Disabled access: Some steps
Drinks list: Don’t miss the caipirinha
Service and atmosphere: Upbeat, friendly, funky, Latino!
“The great thing about eating in a group is that you get to try practically everything on the menu. While I tucked into my Xinxim – tender lime chicken in a rich, creamy crayfish and peanut sauce – the children’s father tried to keep his salmon moqueca to himself. I couldn’t leave it alone; the coconutty favour reminded me of a Seychellois recipe I used to cook, while the lightly curried pepper and tomato sauce imparted a zingy freshness.”
Reviewed:Issue 117
Published:October
The Hole in the Wall
16 George Street,
Bath
tel: 01225 425242
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 12-3pm, 6-10pm; Sunday 6.30-9.30pm
We visited: Wednesday lunchtime
Prices: Lunchtime set menu £9.95 for two courses, £13.95 for three, à la carte starters begin at £4.25, mains at £10.95
Children? Welcome
Vegetarian choice: One per course
Disabled access: not good due to position
Drinks list: extensive and varied
Service and atmosphere: Friendly and homely
"There was no need to book it seemed, as we were one of only three tables; but despite its distinct lack of customers, the restaurant still had a pleasant ambience. Decorated in calming greens and creams, with soft lighting and unfussy tables, The Hole in the Wall is clearly going for ‘relaxed’ fine-dining – my favourite kind…"
Reviewed:Issue 116
Published: September / October
The Chequers
50 Rivers St,
Bath
tel: 01225 360017
Opening hours: Mon-thur 5-11pm; Fri & Sat 12 noon-11.30pm; Sun 12 noon-10.30pm
We visited: Monday evening
Prices: Starters £4.50-£6.95; Mains £9.95-£11.95; puddings £5.95
Children? Suitable
Vegetarian choice: at least one choice
Disabled access: Downstairs room
Drinks list: Local ales and an interesting international wine list
Service and atmosphere: Relaxed, friendly
Chequers (locals never seem to pronounce the ‘The’) is just far enough off the beaten track to lend the place an in-the-know, non-touristy feel; it’s also close enough to the centre of Bath to give it a happening, city vibe.
Reviewed:Issue 115
Published: September
The Olive Tree
Queensberry Hotel
Russel Street, Bath
Tel: 01225 447928
Opening hours: Tues-Sun (12-2pm), Mon-Sun (7pm-close)
We visited: Tuesday lunchtime.
Prices: Lunch – two courses £16, three £18; Dinner – starters from £6.75, mains from £16.25
Do they welcome children? Yes
Vegetarian choice: Limited
Disabled access: Tricky
Wine list: Extensive and well categorised e.g. ‘nutty whites with intense aromas’ and ‘mouth-watering sweet and sour reds’
Service and atmosphere: Expert and friendly
Reviewed: Issue 114
Published: September
demuths
North Parade Passage
Bath Ba1 1nX
tel: 01225 446059
'I really wanted to love this place - it was just all a little bit samey"
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10-5pm, 6-10pm; Sat 9-5pm, 6-10pm; Sun 10-5pm, 6-10pm
We visited: Monday lunchtime
Prices: For lunch dishes range from £6.25 to £10.95; for dinner £7.50 to £13.50
Do they welcome children? Yes
Vegetarian choice: Yes, and vegan, and wheat free, and gluten free
Disabled access: awkward
Wine list: all organic, predominantly new World with a few english varieties
Service and atmosphere: Cosy and relaxed
Reviwed: Issue 113
Published: August
Calcot Manor
Near Tetbury
Gloucestershire GL8 8YJ
tel: 01666 890391
"This place has it all; a sybaritic spa, resplendent rooms and no less than two restaurants that feature in the latest Michelin guide – in short, we were expecting a lot."
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 12-2pm, 7-9.30pm; Sun 12-2pm, 7-9pm
We visited: Tuesday evening, 7.30pm
Prices: From the à la carte menu starters begin at £8.50, mains at £18.50, and desserts at £8
Do they welcome children? Yes, there was everything from newborns to teens dining
Vegetarian choice: Poor
Disabled access: Good
Wine list: Fairly traditional but well considered with a helpful 100ml ‘tasting’ option
Service and atmosphere: Unfailingly attentive
Reviewed:Issue 110
Published: August
The Horse and Groom Inn
The Street,
Charlton,
Malmesbury
SN16 9DL
tel: 01666 823904
Opening hours: Food is served 12-2.30, and 6.30-9.30 Mon-Sat
We visited: On a Wednesday night
Vegetarian choice: Very limited
Prices: Starters are around £5-£8, while mains can be anything from £8 to £20
Children: Yes – it’s a pub!
Service style: Relaxed but unfailingly polite
Disabled access: Yes
Service charge: Not included
Wine: A great selection, including cheap but palatable prosecco, a reasonable rosé (£16.95) and a French dessert wine (£18.95)
Reviewed: Issue 109
Published: July 4
Fiorelli
39 Gay Street
Bath BA1 2NT
tel: 01225 427919
Does Bath really need yet another Italian restaurant? When it’s as delightful as Fiorelli then it probably does, concludes Deri Robins.
"Fiorelli occupies one of those narrow Gay Street town houses and is an altogether cosier affair."
Opening hours: Every day midday-2.30pm; 6-10.30pm
We visited: Tuesday lunchtime
Vegetarian choice: Good
Prices: Antipasti, £5-£6.90; pasta £7.90-£11.50; pizza £7-£10.25; meat and fish £9-£14; puddings £ 4-£5.25
Children: Welcome
Service style: Attentive, charming, Italian
Disabled access: Limited
Service charge: 10% on groups of 6 or more
Wine: Mainly Italian with some New Worlders; bottles start from £11.50
Reviewed: Issue 108
Published: June 20
Ask
George St
Bath, BA1 2EH
tel: 01225 789997
How do you find a decent pasta/pizzeria among the huge choice available in Bath? It’s not that big an Ask, says Deri Robins.
“A nice, relaxed, chilled-out atmosphere, quite Mediterranean. The best of the bunch was definitely V’s calzone con funghi e capra.”
Opening hours: Sunday-Thursday midday-11pm; Friday and Saturday midday-11.30pm
We visited: Friday lunchtime
Prices: anti-pasti, £3.95-£5.95; pastas £6.95-£8.95; pizzas £5.95-£8.55
Do they welcome children? Of course they do, it’s an Italian restaurant
Vegetarian choice: Limited
Disabled access: Good
Wine list: The usual Italian suspects predominate
Service and atmosphere: Relaxed and friendly
Reviewed Issue 107
Published June 6
Homewood Park
Abbey Lane
Hinton Charterhouse
Bath
tel: 01225 723731
www.homewoodpark.co.uk
Some of the best summer lunch deals are available at Bath’s most luxurious hotels, as Deri Robins discovers..
We went in search of summer dining paradise, and found it in this idyllic country house hotel on the fringes of Freshford. Haute cuisine at a very affordable price. “No dish that is not a pudding has any right to look so pretty”
Opening Hours: Lunch midday to 1.45pm; dinner 7-9.30pm
We visited: Tuesday lunchtime
Prices: Set lunch £14.50-£18; early-bird dinner £19-22; à-la-carte starters £12.50, mains £23.50, desserts £8. Light lunches also available
Vegetarian choice: Not all menus list veggie options, but they’re always available on request
Children: It’s really not a chicken nugget zone; only the most preternaturally sophisticated kid will appreciate the menu
Disabled access: Good
Service charge: At your discretion
Reviewed Issue 106
Published May 23
Café Maitreya
89 St Mark’s Road
Easton
Bristol
BS5 6HY
tel: 0117 951 0100
www.cafemaitreya.co.uk
Given Bath’s varied restaurant scene, there’s little point going further afield in order to dine. Make an exception for Café Maitreya, says Vicky Green. “Food of this calibre isn’t usually served in such a relaxed environment. We jealously eyed up the pre-dessert
amuses bouches”
Opening hours: Evenings only, from 6.30pm, Tuesday – Saturday. Last orders 9.45pm
We visited: Tuesday evening – and it was buzzing
Vegetarian choice: The best in Britain, according to some
Prices: Reasonable given the quality. £18.50 for two courses or £21.95 for three. Glass of wine from £4.55
Do they welcome children? Yes
Disabled access: Yes
Reviewed Issue 105
Published May 12
Raphael
Gascoyne House
Upper Borough Walls
Bath
tel: 01225 480042
www.raphaelrestaurant.co.uk
Lunch at the site of an old Café Rouge had Nicola Cunningham favourably impressed with its replacement.
OUR VERDICT
A great little place that serves something for everyone, where you can eat well and not too expensively
Opening Hours: Lunch, 12-3pm; dinner, 5.30-10pm daily
We visited: Thursday lunchtime
Prices: Set lunch, £10.95 two courses; pre-theatre supper from 5.30-7pm £13.95 two courses; à la carte starters from £4.50, mains from £9.50
Vegetarian choice: not huge
Children: welcome
Disabled access: yes, but loos upstairs
Total covers: 45 approximately
Service charge: only for groups of six or more
Reviewed Issue 104
Published April 25
The Dining Room,
Whatley Manor
Easton Grey, Malmesbury SN16 ORB
tel: 01666 822888
www.whatleymanor.co.uk
Laura Rowe basks in the splendour of the newly refurbished Dining Room at Whatley Manor in Malmesbury.
OUR VERDICT
The new look Dining Room at the wonderful Whatley Manor effortlessly complements its Michelin-starred cuisine. The staff know their stuff, the courses keep on coming, and the food is faultless. For a gastronomic experience hard to match the Dining Room is certainly worth a visit.
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday 7-10pm (Booking for non-residents is essential)
We visited: A Wednesday night
Prices: £65pp for the three course à la carte tasting menu; £80 for seven course tasting menu
Vegetarian choice: One intelligently and inventively designed dish per course
Children: No – this is an adult zone
Disabled access: Difficult
Total covers: 40
Service: Staff were impeccably presented, thoroughly knowledgable and reassuringly attentive
Reviewed Issue 103
Published April 11
Bramleys,
25 Claverton Buildings,
Widcombe, Bath
tel: 01225 338007
www.bramleysbath.co.uk
OUR VERDICT: IIn which Kate Authers enjoys a midweek candlelit dinner for two at Widcombe’s latest eatery . “The apple-iness of Bramleys is imaginative and surprising...After just one bite he declared it one of the nicest steaks he’s ever eaten”
This ‘modern British’ restaurant effortlessly combines a stylish and imaginative décor with simple, superbly cooked food, served by friendly staff. Be sure to book, as it seems we’re not the only ones who have discovered the delights of Bramleys.
Opening Hours: Lunch Tues-Fri 12pm-2.30pm; dinner Tues-Sat 6pm-10pm
We visited: Tuesday evening
Prices: Starters £5-£6.85; mains £11.75-£15.50; puddings/cheese £6-£7
Service style: friendly but very efficient
Vegetarian choice: Two starters, two mains
Disabled access: Tables at ground-floor level
What else do I need to know? Bramleys offers a children’s menu as well as a separate light lunch and sandwich menu
Reviewed Issue 102
Published March 28
Same Same But Different
Bartlett Street, Bath
tel: 01225 466856
OUR VERDICT:
Café society is alive and well at this characterful little eatery on Bartlett Street – long a favourite of the Bath Life editorial team. “It’s a place that manages to be a lot of things to a lot of different people ”
Famously attractive, very helpful staff preside over this little corner of Bath café society; ideal for anything from a quick coffee with the paper to light snacks to a full meal. The tapas are generous and colourful, and ideal for sharing with friends for a quick lunch or more leisurely dinner
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm; Sat 8am-11pm; Sun 10am-5pm
We visited: Thursday lunchtime
Prices: Tapas £4-£5 each; one makes a snack, two or three a filling meal; sandwiches, soups, salads and pastas also available
Service style: Very sweet staff manage to keep things moving even when the place is packed.
Vegetarian choice: Good
Disabled access: Restaurant at ground level, loos downstairs
Kids? Yep; sometimes it’s pushchair central
Reviewed Issue 101
Published March 14
The Circus
34 Brock Street
Bath
tel: 01225 466020
www.thecircuscafeandrestaurant.co.uk
Triumphantly reopened as a café and restaurant, this ‘refined rustic’ eatery has a good chance of becoming your favourite new local, as Deri Robins discovers.
It may have only opened in January, but you already need to book in advance to make sure of a table. The Circus combines style with affordability, and offers simply presented, top-quality food served by personable young staff – everything, in short, that you need from your favourite local
Opening Hours: 10am-midnight Mon-Sat. Elevenses served until midday; afternoon tea 3-5pm. Last orders for dinner 10pm
We visited: Tuesday evening
Prices: Starters £5-£6.50; mains £9-12; puddings/cheese £3.50
Cuisine: ‘refined British rustic’
Service style: Friendly and professional Vegetarian choice: One starter, one main
Disabled access: Tables at ground-floor level
What else do I need to know? You can pop in any time of day just for a coffee and snack
Reviewed Issue 99
Published Feb 15
Yen Sushi
11-12 Bartlett Street, Bath BA1 2QZ
tel: 01225 333313
For a city with such a thriving and varied food scene it was only a matter of time before a sushi bar arrived. Laura Rowe went to sample Yen Sushi’s fare.
Located on the charming Bartlett Street, Yen Sushi is a welcome addition to Bath’s foodie scene. Inviting, inclusive and fresh – the sushi, sashimi and Japanese delicacies here will satisfy both aficionados and timid beginners alike. And, if this wasn’t all, it is quite possibly one of the most reasonably-priced restaurants in Bath.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday; lunch 12pm - 3pm; dinner 5.30pm - 10.30pm
We visited: Thursday lunchtime
Prices: Plates are colour-coded according to price; from £1.50 - £4 (very reasonable), set menus range from £5.50 - £30
Cuisine: Traditional sushi and sashimi along with other Japanese classics
Service style: Charming and informed
Vegetarian choice: A few, but predominantly fish based sushi
Disabled access: Yes, but no disabled toilets
Reviewed Issue 99
Published Feb 15
White Hart
Widcombe Hill
Bath BA2 6AA
Tel: 01225 338053
Fed up of the winter blues, Laura Rowe ventured out of the city centre to enjoy a midweek supper at Widcombe’s White Hart.
Now established as a gastropub, the White Hart in Widcombe is fast gaining a reputation as a top foodie destination. While on our trip we felt a couple of items on the British/ Mediterranean-inspired menu needed a little refinement, the atmosphere in this trendy pub is unsurpassable and well worth the venture out of the city centre.
“It was only a Wednesday evening and yet there was a steady flow of enviably chic locals”
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11.30am-11pm (lunch 12-2pm and dinner 6-10pm), Sun 12-4pm (lunch 12-2pm)
We visited: On a wet Wednesday evening
Vegetarian choice: One dish per course
Prices: Tapas from £3, starters from £5, main courses from £10.80 to £13.90 and puds are £6 each
Service style: Laid-back and chilled out
Wine list: Wonderful array of reasonable wines and bubbles as well as a choice of finer bottles
Do they welcome children? Well-behaved ones before 8.30pm
Disabled access: There is no ramp as such but there are very few steps
Reviewed Issue 98
Published Feb 1
The Pear Tree Inn
Top Lane, Whitley,
Melksham
Tel: 01225 709131
www.thepeartreeinn.com
Bored with sterile gastropubs? Deri Robins suggests a trip to Melksham, where The Pear Tree offers fine dining in traditional surroundings.
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday midday-2.30pm, 6.30-9.30pm; Sunday midday-3pm, 7-9pm
We visited: Saturday evening
Prices: A la carte starters £5.50-£8.50, mains £11.95-£19.50, puddings £5.95
Cuisine: Classic with an imaginative twist
Service style: Efficient and friendly
Vegetarian choice: Good
Disabled access: Dining rooms on ground floor; a few shallow steps from the bar
Reviewed Issue 97.
Published Jan 18.
The Real Italian Pizza Co.
16 York Sreet
Bath
Tel: 01225 330121
Probably the best pizza we’ve ever eaten, in a stylish and relaxed, friendly family atmosphere.
Opening hours: 11am-11pm Mon-Sun
We visited: Tuesday evening
Vegetarian choice: There is a vast choice of vegetarian options available
Prices: Starters £3.55-£10.95; mains £5.95-9.95; desserts £4.95
Children: Smaller pizzas are available
Service charge: Not included
Disabled access: There is a step outside up to the main entrance
Total covers: 75 over two floors
What else do I need to know? Sit downstairs if you want to see the magnificent pizza oven and the chef in action. They are also open for takeaway.
Reviewed Issue 96.
Published Jan 4.
The Bath Priory Hotel & Restaurant
Weston Road,
Bath, BA1 2XT
tel: 01225 331992
web: www.thebathpriory.co.uk
"Serious foodies all over the country rate Chris for his innovation and experimentation, and his menu made engrossing reading.
"He introduces his style of cooking to the diner with a bit of blurb at the start of the menu. There is a clearly defned concept to his food and part of the experience is understanding exactly what you are eating. Chris describes his food as a three-dimensional story, with presentation, favour and nutrition as the three main stars of the tale. And, when we were given the frst of two complimentary pre-starters, it was clear that the meal we were about to sample would be a theatrical masterpiece rather than a poorly played farce."
When is it open? Food is served 12-2pm, Mon-Sun and 7-9.30pm Mon-Sun
We visited: Tuesday evening
Prices: Lunch starts at £20 for two courses, and £25 for three, dinner is £55 for three courses
(Prices now: Lunch starts at £22 for two courses, and £27.50 for three, dinner is £65 for three courses)
Vegetarian choice: There is a separate vegetarian menu on request with 4 or 5 dishes per course
Children: Welcome at lunch but not for dinner (which in my book is no bad thing)
Disabled access: Yes
Total covers: 64 – not too big and not too small
What else do I need to know? The décor is being updated in the new year to refect the contemporary style of food.
Reviewed: Issue 94
