Alexa’s Personal Recommendations
23 February 2018Here are Alexa’s personal recommendations for dining, drinking and dancing!
Please refer to the Bath Holiday Rentals map for location reference.
My Favourites
My favourite way of eating is to share food so my 3 favourites are:
- Corkage. Is located at 5 Chapel Row which is close to Queen’s Square. You generally need to book. Good size tapas plates. They make the dishes fresh every day depending on fresh ingredients they get in. Amazing wine selection, really tasty food and very personable attentive service. 01225 423417 (chapel row) . C5
- Yak Yeti Yak. It is a Nepalese restaurant and, in my opinion, better than any Indian restaurant I have been to. It is one of my favourites. The Owners and staff are so lovely. They also do take away. They are located on Pierrepont street (on the way to the train station). Telephone 01225 442299. FG/7
- Robun. This is a Japanese Fusion restaurant. Pricey but fabulous food. Some of the best sushi I have had but a large selection of different food so not just for sushi lovers. Best way to enjoy it is to share the dishes. Private room upstairs for larger groups. Located at 4 Princes Buildings, George street. Telephone 01225 614424. E/4
My Favourite Italian & Spanish/Tapas
- Sotto Sotto. Located on 10 North Parade. Tel. 01225 330236. Very popular Italian so not always so easy to get a table but worth trying to get in. G/7
- The Oven. If you are wanting a great pizza this is where to go. Next to the theatre and opposite the casino (opening spring 2018). Lots of restaurants around there. D6
- Corkage. Is located on 5 Chapel Row. You generally need to book. Good size tapas plates. No menu. They make up fresh every day depending on fresh ingredients they get in. Amazing wine selection, really tasty food and very personable attentive service. One of my top 5 favourites. 01225 423417 (chapel row) . C5
My favourite French
- Chez Dominique. It is located on argyle st between pulteney bridge and the roundabout with fountain in it at the start of Gt Pulteney st. Really great lunch and early evening deals. Friendly service. Fantastic food. F5
£££ Restaurants
- The Ivy Brasserie on Milsom St. This is my favourite for food, décor, atmosphere and service. I have yet to have a bad meal. It is the old Natwest bank and truly stunning inside. You need to book as they get busy. It is spread over 2 floors plus a roof terrace. The 2nd floor and roof terrace will open in Spring 2018. 01225307100 E/4-5
- Claytons’s Kitchen Restaurant. The main restaurant is on the ground and 1st floors. Fantastic menu. Circo nightclub on the bottom level so it can cater for all needs. They also have a fabulous big private room on the 2nd floor for special parties. George St. Tel 01225 585100. D/E 4
- Robun. This is a Japanese Fusion restaurant. Pricey but fabulous food. Some of the best sushi I have had but a large selection of different food so not just for sushi lovers. Best way to enjoy it is to share the dishes. Private room upstairs for larger groups. Located at 4 Princes Buildings, George street. Telephone 01225 614424. E/4
- Although it’s not a regular haunt of mine I have had too many Guests rave about it not to mention it. The Circus Restaurant on Brock St. Tel. 01225 466020. D/3
My favourite Asian Restaurants
- Yak Yeti Yak. It is a Nepalese restaurant and, in my opinion, better than any Indian restaurant I have been to. It is one of my favourites. The Owners and staff are so lovely. They also do take away. They are located on Pierrepont street (on the way to the train station). Telephone 01225 442299. FG/7
- Thai Balcony. This is one of my favourite Thai restaurants in Bath. Lovely restaurant and fantastic food. There is also Thai Tappas on broad st. Lots of bite size dishes. Traditional Thai food with a twist. E/4-5 Thai Balcony is on 0871 811 4393 and is located next to the Theatre Royal D/6
- Yen Sushi. If you like Sushi and don’t want to pay Robun prices, then this is the place to go. It is located on Bartlett street just off George street. Can get busy around lunch time but the quick conveyor belt way of eating keeps the people on their seats for a short time. If you can get a seat in front of the chef grab it as it’s great to see him make the sushi. Teriyaki prawns are heaven! E/4
- Indian Temptation or Mantra restaurant. I have to say that since finding Yak Yeti Yak I rarely go to Indian restaurants but I know that many Guests do love it so I have listed 2 which I think are worth a visit. Indian Temptation (vegetarian only) is on 9-10 High st which is sort of the back of the Abbey opposite a camera shop. Tel. 01225464631 F/6
- Mantra Indian restaurant is not your typical Indian, ie you won’t find a tikka masala. It is very typical to being in India though so truly authentic and really fantastic. Located at 5 Bladud Buildings which is on London Road at corner of broad st. Close to George st at top of the high street. Tel. 01225 446332 E4.
My Favourite Steakhouses
- Hudsons. If you like steaks this is probably the best place to have them in Bath. However, their starters are all fantastic as well. Lovely restaurant upstairs with a nice bar downstairs. Located on London street at the end of Walcot street. Tel 01225 332323 F/1
Looking for fish/seafood
- The Scallop Shell at 22 monmouth place. Relaxed setting but great food. Won independent fish and chip restaurant of the year in 2016 as well as many other awards. Tel. 01225 420928. C-D/5-6
My Favourite Gastro Pubs
- The White Hart is located in Widcombe which is an area of Bath on the south end behind the train station. It has a great reputation in Bath and fantastic food. Telephone is 01225 313985. H/10. Great for people staying around Widcombe
- The Boater. Located on 9 Argyle st so perfect for people staying around Pulteney bridge / great pulteney st area. Spread over 2 floors and also has a huge area outdoors which gets very busy pre rugby matches. Downstairs area shows sports on TV. Upstairs nicely done up for drinks and dinner. 01225 464211 F/5
- If you are looking for a traditional British pub for drinks then try The Pulteney Arms (on Sutton st behind Gt Pulteney st by the park) or Queen St in the center has The Raven or The Salamander. Queen st runs parallel to the main high street. Go down Quiet st opposite Lloyds bank on the high street. Quiet st leads to Queen st. A couple others are the Crystal Palace located between the roman baths and marks and spencers in Abbey Green or the Huntsman is also close to the Crystal Palace. The Garricks head near the theatre is also very good for drinks and atmosphere.
Looking for a traditional Sunday Roast?
- The gastro pubs always do a good Sunday Roast and I can recommend The Marlborough Tavern on Marlborough Buildings behind the Royal Crescent (B/2) or The White Hart in widcombe. (H/10). Telephone no’s above
- The Boatman down on the river does a quality Sunday lunch. Not your usual pub setting which some people like but family run restaurant and very good quality. You could hire a rowing boat or punt first and then have lunch. (I/1). Tel: 01225 428844
- The Bird Bath. This is a hotel as well as place for dining and drinks. Indoor seating and outdoor pods. The menu during the week I find limiting but the Sunday lunch, especially the beef, is fabulous. Located not far from the Holburne so if you are staying near the Great Pulteney side of Bath, then easy access. 18-19 Pulteney Road. Telephone. 01225 425003. HI/5-6
- Walcot House. Although I have put this down for Sunday lunch because it is fabulous, it has a bit of everything. You can enjoy Breakfast, lunch, dinners, Sunday lunches, small plates in the bar off the restaurant. On the weekends there is a cocktail bar downstairs and also a nightclub (please note, you have to apply for membership online first but not expensive for one off visits). 01225 530499. E-F/3
Vegetarian Options
I have to go on recommendations as I am a meat eater so favour those restaurants.
- Nourish isn’t as central as down the A4 London road so about a 20 minute walk from the center. They offer a full vegan menu. 01225 334050. Just north of G/1
- Acorn Vegetarian Kitchen. Located in one of Bath’s oldest buildings. 2 North Parade Passage. 01225 446059. F7
- The Green Rocket Café & Restaurant. Vegetarian and vegan cafe for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea all days, plus supper Wed-Sat.1 Pierrepont st. 01225420084. F7.
Looking for child-friendly?…
- The Boatman Restaurant. An old rowing clubhouse converted into a restaurant boasts a great balcony and views along the river. Family run and quality food is served. Closed Mondays and on Sundays it serves fantastic traditional roasts only. After lunch you can pop downstairs and hire a punt or rowing boat and cruise down the river. Forester Road at the end. Tel:01225 428844. Boat hire: 01225 312900. I/1
- Marlborough Tavern gastro pub. Has a very large outdoor seating terrace so when the sun is out it is a great place to be. Located just behind the Royal Crescent on Marlborough Buildings. Tel 01225 423731. B/2
- Cote Brasserie. Located in Milsom place which is off the main high street, Milsom st. Chain restaurant but often have very good lunch and early evening deals. Tel 01225 335509 E/5
Looking for somewhere when the sun is out?…
- Hall and Woodhouse has a great sun roof. Open for food or drinks until 10pm on the sun roof. Food is only average but the building itself is impressive and it caters for those wanting breakfasts, just coffee, lunch, dinner, sitting in the sun or lively drinks in the bar in the evenings. Located on Old King st, 01225 469 259. E/5
- Marlborough Tavern, Cote brasserie, the boatman restaurant, The White Hart, adventure café, all have outdoor tables.
- Ivy Brasserie. Can’t book the roof terrace but if you can get a table, it is one of the nicest roof terraces I have been on. Heated umbrella’s, outdoor fire, fabulous greenery. My favourite place to sit at the Ivy.
Looking for somewhere for breakfast?
- Adventure café for breakfast or brunch/lunch in a large outdoor garden for when the sun is out. Also around the corner on Bartlett st is Same Same But Different who also do great breakfasts in a relaxed setting. E/4-5
- Kingsmead kitchen at 1 Kingsmead square which is located between the Theatre Royal and the Odeon cinema. They do all day breakfast. There are in fact quite a few around the Kingsmead square. Society café is great though if you have children. D6
- If staying around the Circus, Royal Crescent, Catharine place areas then there is the Boston Tea party on Alfred st, Circus restaurant on Brock st, or Green Bird café on Margaret’s buildings. People rave about it and fab coffee.
- If you are staying around the Pulteney Bridge area then there are a few cafes on the bridge and either side of it.
- Walcot House as advised above under the Sunday lunch section or the Ivy brasserie which is also listed above.
For those who can’t decide
If you are not sure what you want to eat and want to go to an area with lots of different restaurants for you to choose from then I would suggest going to the following areas:
- Saw Close. D6. This is where the Theatre Royal is. You have pizza, pubs, Italian, tapas, Mexican, Thai as well as wine bars. Tons to choose from.
- Kingsmead Square. D/6-7. Just behind the theatre royal and before the Odeon cinema there are street food places, cafes, Chinese, cider and pie restaurants, fish and chips and more so great for either eating in or taking away back to the property.
- Southgate. In amongst all the clothing shops you have a few restaurants. Thai, Lebanese, Pizza and Gourmet burgers, Prezzo and Graze by the train station. F8
- Milsom Place which is opposite Jolly’s on Milsom street high street. Less restaurants than it used to have but cote brasserie is here and also Bosco Italian which I really like as well. Ivy Brasserie is next door as well.
Places to Drink, Dance and/or Listen to Music
George Street, which runs along the top of Milsom street, has a large selection of restaurants and bars so if you are looking for a bit of life in the evening, this is the place to go.
- Opium. A concept bar where customers can buy everything from drinks to the bar stools they are sitting on. Every room has a different theme. Difficult to find but worth the visit. Located ‘under the street’ on grove street where the road forks and leads to spring gardens road. Go over Pulteney Bridge and turn left onto grove st at the McColls convenience store. (F/5)
- Sub 13. This is a great little bar with a good atmosphere. Like most of Bath busiest from Thursday to Sunday. Known for its great cocktails and does happy hour cocktails until 8pm. There is also a very large garden area. Dance floor can get busy on the weekend nights. Located on George Street. (D/E-4/5)
- Gin Bar. Also has Martini bar upstairs. This is as close to a London bar atmosphere you will get in my opinion. Small intimate bar. Great vibe. Every kind of gin you could imagine and the Owner distils Bath Gin where you can also buy as a souvenir. Located on Queen st. E/6
- Taco and Tequila Bar. Dos Dedos. This is new to Bath and tons of fun. Located just around the corner from George street at Edgar Mews on Bartlett Street. It is a small place, very relaxed, good music and fantastic tequila cocktails and shots as well as other drinks. More snack type food. Great vibe. www.dosdedos.co.uk. E/4
- Walcot House. Located on Walcot st just past the red telephone box on your right. New to Bath and wanting to be similar to Soho house. Very large bar area. On the weekends often have bands until 11pm and then a DJ until 3am. Nightclub is members only so jump online first. They do deals for 1 time visits. Restaurant and bar upstairs. All ages. E-F/3
- Circo Bar – Nightclub under the Claytons restaurant on George St. Lots of different rooms and areas. (D/E-4)
- Opa. This is a Greek Restaurant and bar and comes complete with the traditional plate smashing at the end of the meal. One of the only restaurants in Bath which then turns into a club with DJ music. Fantastic area outside to have your drink along side the River. It gets extremely busy on Fridays and Saturdays but great party music. Located on North Parade. Open until 2am. (H/7)
- Hall & Woodhouse on Old King St. Large restaurant with roof terrace but sociable place for having drinks as well on the ground floor. (E/5)
- Green Park Brasserie. Plays Jazz on Wed to Saturdays. (C/D-6/7)
- The Bell, Walcot Street. – Live music Mon & Wed evenings & Sunday lunch- Not everyone’s cup of tea as down to earth shall we say but for those music lovers who fancy a traditional pint and live music then this is worth a visit. A lucky dip of music – you never know quite what you are going to get! (F/4)
- Turtle Bay Caribbean. Very relaxed and fun atmosphere. Loud inside so more for the fun loving. Restaurant with large bar area. Great 2 for 1 cocktails 12-7pm and then 10pm onwards. Located at the back entrance of Waitrose with lots of outdoor seating. Tel 01225 444052. F/5-6
- The Boater pub. Located on Argyle street near Pulteney bridge. Huge outdoor seating area for when the sun it out. Often show sports on big TV’s/screens and close to the Rec for rugby games. Tel: 01225 464211. 9 Argyle Street. F/5-6
- Bath Brewhouse. Next door to the Odeon cinema. Huge selection of ales and other drinks. Food served. Brewery tours. 14 James St West. Tel: 01225 805609. D7