Bath, the world heritage spa city, is worth visiting any time of year. With its immaculate Georgian architecture, ancient cobbled alleys and historical sights such as the Roman Baths, its classical beauty makes visitors stop and stare at every corner. We’ve rounded up five top restaurants to try during a magical weekend away in Somerset’s most stunning city.
The Gainsborough is a five-star hotel with an outstanding restaurant that embodies the spirit of Bath. Its Georgian architecture, original artwork and impressive wine wall will make you feel as if you have been transported to a banquet plucked straight out of a Jane Austen novel. The restaurant’s head chef Dan Moon, who has previously been awarded three AA Rosettes as well as The Caterer’s Acorn Award, creates exquisite cuisine inspired by fresh, seasonal ingredients which are sourced locally. We recommend the six-course dinner tasting menu which will have your taste buds tingling with joy.
Steak lovers listen up: after a long day admiring Bath’s beautiful architecture and visiting the city’s sights, we recommend a visit to Argentinian restaurant CAU, whose hearty dinner offerings will re-energise you. The menu features delicious dishes from Argentina, as well as Italy and Spain. Must-try: Asado de Chorizo, a sirloin steak in a churrasco marinade of smoked paprika, aji molido, garlic and parsley – need we say any more?
If you are strolling around Bath’s city centre searching for the perfect place to have a bite to eat, look no further than The Marlborough Tavern, an 18th century pub located on the edge of Victoria Park, a mere stone’s throw from the mesmerising Royal Crescent. The food is outstanding and the atmospheric pub setting is well suited to low-key dinners and leisurely lunches. Two AA rosettes, a listing in the 2017 Michelin Guide and the title of the Bath Gastropub of the Year bear testimony to this establishment. Sit back and enjoy!
If you’re not pressed for time and love finding gems off the beaten track, pay The Hare and Hounds a visit. Situated in Bath’s countryside, this gastropub set in a stunning stone building offers spectacular views over the city. Whilst sitting down amongst the greenery in the garden (if weather permits), you can lose yourself in the picture-perfect countryside views that inspired Jane Austen’s great British classics. The traditional Sunday roasts are not to be missed.
Allium, located in Bath’s Abbey Hotel, overlooks one of the city’s widest promenades, North Parade. It was originally built for the city’s high-flyers to see and be seen. Undoubtedly, it still is a place for people-watching, but its food offerings are equally exciting. In addition to being a top spot for a fabulous dinner, we also recommend visiting for afternoon tea. The Observer’s Jay Rayner praised Allium for being “worth the visit to Bath alone”.
Still looking for more inspiration? Visit OpenTable to find more delicious dining destinations in Bath.
This is a guest post from freelance journalist Beatrice Clark. She has written for Vogue, Glamour and Vanity Fair, among others, and has spent the past 15 years living in France, England and Scotland. She is currently based in Berlin and is always on the hunt for the perfect Eggs Benedict.
