The West Country has a well-earned reputation for serving up superb food, and Bath is one of the region’s key gastronomic hubs. Fresh local produce, award-winning restaurants and cosy bistros all help to make the city an ideal destination for a fabulous foodie break.
Clayton’s Kitchen
Fresh scallops at Clayton’s Kitchen
Clayton’s Kitchen is a perennial favourite for local foodies and discerning travellers. Robert Clayton, the restaurant’s Chef Patron since its inception in 2012, creates uncomplicated dishes that explore and showcase the freshest and very best ingredients. He is inspired by Mediterranean and modern French cuisine.
15A George St, Bath BA1 2EN
Menu Gordon Jones
For British – and European – inspired fine dining, the award-winning Menu Gordon Jones restaurant is an unmissable experience while you’re in Bath. Avoid this place if you don’t like surprises, however: this is central to the overall experience. Featured on many prestigious foodie lists, this intimate restaurant focuses on serving impressive, exciting food with an element of surprise. The menu is designed by talented chef and owner Gordon Jones. The restaurant’s set taster menu is an excellent option for first timers, with organic and biodynamic global wines to pair with each course.
2 Wellsway, Bath BA2 3AQ
Le Vignoble
Wine lovers won’t want to miss Le Vignoble
If you love wine as much as (or more than) your food, make your way to Le Vignoble, which was awarded IWC South West Merchant of the Year in 2019. They serve small plates of French tapas sourced from the famous Rungis market in Paris to accompany their selection of 32 different wines which can be sampled, or purchased by the glass or bottle. Wine lovers can even serve themselves using an Enomatic self-service wine machine!
12/13 Milsom Place, Bath BA1 1BZ
The Olive Tree
Caramelised cox apple, vanilla ice cream and puff pastry with lemon balm at The Olive Tree
For diners who would prefer to indulge in a fine dining experience without the formality, The Olive Tree is the only Michelin star restaurant in Bath, with an award-winning wine list and a reasonably-priced, contemporary Mediterranean-influenced menu.
Given the high quality of the dishes, this three AA Rosette restaurant offers excellent value for money. The split-level dining space is fairly sparsely decorated, situated in the basement of the boutique Queensberry Hotel, but it is the fresh, seasonal dishes that are the main focus of attention.
4-7 Russell St, Bath BA1 2QF
Circus Restaurant
Centrally located is the Circus Restaurant, a chic yet relaxed place perched on the corner of The Circus. It serves modern European food and old world wines. Chef and owner Alison Golden uses carefully-selected ingredients and cooks them simply, respecting their essential flavours while also putting her own stamp on many classical dishes to bring them up-to-date. She also uses gluten-free or no flour in most of her recipes.
34 Brock St, Bath BA1 2LN
Browns Bath
Dine in luxury at Browns Bath
Browns Bath re-opened recently after a major refurbishment. The city centre listed building, was formerly a magistrates’ court and police station, with an imposing entrance large enough for a horse-drawn carriage. The new interior takes inspiration from 1920s interiors, with Art Deco styling. Alongside the high ceilings and huge windows overlooking the Abbey, the refurbished brasserie and bar provides a stunning backdrop to enjoy the seasonal British menu, extensive cocktail list, wine and Champagne.
Old Police Station, Orange Grove, Bath BA1 1LP
Restaurant Hywel Jones by Lucknam Park
If you fancy dressing up and taking a trip out of town into the rolling countryside, six miles from Bath you can indulge in food cooked to perfection by a Michelin star chef Hywel Jones and his team at Restaurant Hywel Jones at Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa. With an à la carte and a gourmet menu to choose from, you will be transported to a bygone era once you’re seating in the sophisticated dining room.
Lucknam Park, Colerne SN14 8AZ
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