Food and Drink
Take a look through our recommendations.
Eating Out near Tucking Mill
Our family love our little hamlet of Tucking Mill and we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to the local pubs and delis. We are blessed with five excellent pubs and a fantastic deli, all within walking distance of our cottages. Some walks are a little further than others but all go through lovely countryside in our Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Michael and I visit them all regularly as there seems to be many times we cannot be bothered to cook!
Venturing into the centre of Bath?
Have a read of our top dining destinations in Bath city centre down below.
Here’s a list of our favourite places to eat locally:
Superb, delicious pub food: Hope & Anchor, Midford
About 15 minutes’ walk towards Midford from our cottages. Hope & Anchor is a family owned and run pub that’s independent and excellent value. There’s a good selection of local beers and consistently delicious food cooked by host Richard. The walk is just along the canal bed, or you can go along the Two Tunnels Greenway cycle track towards Midford. This pub is one of our short distance favourites and the fish soup is to die for!
Hope & Anchor, Midford Rd, Midford, Bath BA2 7DD. Telephone 01225 832296, or email hopemidford@gmail.com. Booking essential!
Fantastic pub garden: Wheelwright’s Arms, Monkton Combe
15 minutes’ walk in the other direction towards the little village of Monkton Combe and you’ll find another family owned pub, Wheelwrights’ Arms. Richard and Sandra have just bought the Wheelwrights and refurbished the pub to a high degree. There’s a lovely garden area for outside dining and frequent music events planned. Easy to get to, with a short walk along Tucking Mill Lane. You can wander through the graveyard and spot Harry Patch’s grave on the way through, who was the last surviving Tommy. The Wheelies is a firm favourite. Good for breakfast, too!
Wheelwright’s Arms, Church Lane, Monkton Combe, Bath BA2 7HB. Call 01225 722287 or visit www.wheelwrightsarmsbath.com – Booking advised.
Great breakfast and dining experiences: Castle Farm Cafe, Midford
This one’s a little further, but well worth it! A good hill walk, it will take you along the Horsecombe Brook and up over the fields to Castle Farm. This cafe/restaurant is in a barn on an organic farm just outside Midford with stunning views over the valley. They work with local produce and have some great wines, with an eclectic mix of food experiences and tasting menus in a truly unique setting. There are a selection of breakfast and lunch dishes and evening meals on Fridays and Saturdays. Do check before you visit and booking is essential.
Castle Farm Cafe, Midford Road, Bath BA2 7BU. www.castlefarmmidford.co.uk to book.
Community owned pub: The Packhorse, South Stoke
This is the largest community venture in England, situated in the delightful village of South Stoke. Their values are described as such: “We succeed when we deliver moments of service that go above and beyond what is expected. We are guest driven.” Michael and I particularly enjoyed the ambience. The food is varied but always to a high standard. The cherry on the cake is that it’s a gorgeous walk to South Stoke that will be sure to whet your appetite for a good pub meal.
The Packhorse, Old School Hill, South Stoke, Bath BA2 7DU. Call 01225 830300. Booking recommended.
For the keen walker, visit Wheatsheaf in Combe Hay
It’s about an hour and 15 minutes’ walk to the Wheatsheaf, but you will certainly love it there. The walk is a great country stroll along the old canal and river. The country pub is owned by James and located in beautiful surroundings in the ancient village of Combe Hay. James prides himself on serving delicious food and some of the finest wines. We particularly like the Combe Hay wine and the local Midford Cider from Honey’s farm. There’s a lovely new outdoor dining space overlooking the valley. Wheatsheaf, Combe Hay, Bath BA2 7EG. Best to book 01225 833504.
Brunch, wraps and quick meals: The Darling Deli, Combe Down
This cafe in the suburbs of Combe Down is a hill walk away from the cottages and has won a coveted Great Taste Award for its meals. Serving up a delicious brunch, flavoursome wraps and hot ciabattas, it’s an immediate favourite. They also have some lovely frozen meals prepared by the kitchen that can make for a great cheat dinner during your stay at the cottages. They taste great! Do check the opening times on their website before you walk up to see them…
The Darling Deli, Isabella House, The Avenue, Bath BA2 5EH. View website.
Eating Out in Bath City Centre
Our family have lived in Bath for many years and one thing we always enjoy is Bath’s varied and exciting food scene. Whether you’re looking for fine dining, a quick lunch, some tapas, or a vegetarian-friendly favourite, Bath’s restaurants are there to please. Venture from one of our award-winning cottages into the foodie city centre of Bath and indulge in a host of exceptional dining!
Looking for somewhere to eat within walking distance of our cottage holiday lets?
Discover our local dining favourites above.
Here are some of our favourite places in Bath city centre to dine out, starting with the finer things:
Fine dining restaurants in Bath city centre
The Circus Restaurant, 34 Brock Street, Bath BA1 2LN
This is one of our favourite independent restaurants in Bath, housed in a Georgian building between The Circus and the Royal Crescent. It serves modern food on a seasonally changing menu with a very high quality wine list. Best to take a taxi! Make sure you book, as this restaurant is in high demand!
Call: 01225 466020 / Visit thecircusrestaurant.co.uk
The Bath Priory Restaurant, Weston Road, Bath BA1 2XT
Award-winning 3 AA Rosette fine dining with a magnificent 4-acre private garden and spa. Their seven course tasting menu with wine flight is our personal pick for any fine dining fan. Located away from the hustle and bustle of Bath city centre just outside Weston. Round off a day’s sight seeing in Bath with a walk through the Royal Crescent and Royal Victoria Park on your way to the Priory for a dinner to remember!
Call: 01225 331922 / Visit thebathpriory.co.uk
Henry’s Restauant, 4 Saville Row, Bath BA1 2QP
This boutique, independent chef-owned restaurant was described as ‘A complete winner’ by Jay Rayner in The Guardian. It’s a great fine dining spot for vegetarians with a full lunch, A La Carte and tasting menu that caters as much for veggies as it does for meat lovers. You’ll find it by walking straight up Milsom Street, one of Bath’s shopping high streets, and onto the cobbled lane of Saville Row.
Call: 01225 780055 / Visit henrysrestaurantbath.com
The Olive Tree, 1 Michelin Star, 4-7 Russel Street, Bath BA1 2QF
This restaurant under the Queensberry is the only Michelin Star restaurant in Bath, a distinction gained in 2018 alongside its 3 AA Rosette award. The head chef Chris Cleghorn is a real talent in the kitchen who honed his craft alongside chefs like Michael Caines and James Sommerin. The wine list is also extensive and very well chosen, so worth a visit for a memorable fine dining experience.
Call: 01225 447928 / Visit olivetreebath.co.uk
Menu Gordon Jones, 2 Wellsway, Bath BA2 3AQ
Chef-owned Menu Gordon Jones has a vibrant reputation for creativity. Located in Bear Flat, there’s plenty of spaces to park local but it’s best to get a taxi, which will only take a few minutes from our cottages. This fine dining experience is for foodies who aren’t picky as you’ll be presented by Jones’ surprise tasting menu, featuring a melody of flavours, textures and temperatures with English, Indian and Asian influences – all paired by an ever-changing wine list.
Call: 01225 480871 / Visit menugordonjones.co.uk
Clayton’s Kitchen, 15A George Street, Bath BA1 2EN
Robert Clayton is the chef patron of this brilliant independent restaurant on George Street. Inspired by Mediterranean and modern French cuisine, this is fine dining with great service but no pretence. Everything from fresh market day fish to English fillet of beef or Wiltshire lamb, this is a hot spot for meat eaters who want food at that next level. Why not pop in for a lunchtime treat on your next wander into town from our apartment?
Call: 01225 724306 / claytonskitchen.com
Afternoon Tea in Bath
Regency Tea Room, Jane Austen, 40 Gay Street, Bath BA1 2NT
Enjoy an Afternoon Tea after your visit to the Jane Austen Centre and you’ll get a little saving off your bill, too. The venue has received the Tea Guild ‘Award for Excellence’ so you can expect superior service and a high quality tea!
Call: 01225 443000 / Visit janeausten.co.uk
Comins Tea, 34 Monmouth Street, Bath BA1 2AN
Bath’s best tea house, Comins even has its own Tea School every Saturday. Relax and enjoy a range of fine teas alongside a menu that’s been specifically designed to match the tea selection. This might not be the classic Afternoon Tea, but it’s certainly the best place for any tea enthusiast to visit in Bath. You can also buy a selection of your favourite teas to enjoy in the cottage garden later on!
Call: 01258 475389 / Visit cominstea.com
Sally Lunn’s, 4 North Parade Passage, Bath BA1 1NX
The world famous tea room Sally Lunn’s is also a kitchen museum, showcasing the original kitchen of the legendary young Huguenot baker Sally Lunn. It is the home of the Bath Bunn, Lunn’s speciality, and a hot spot for tip top traditional Afternoon Tea. Make sure you book early though, as it’s a very popular tourist destination.
Call: 01225 461634 / Visit sallylunns.co.uk
Our favourite quick lunch restaurants in Bath
Bath Pizza Co., Green Park Station, Bath BA1 1JB
Proper wood-fired pizza and many awards to its name, we love Bath Pizza Co. The restaurant is great for a quick turnaround and there’s plenty of outdoor seating (including lots under cover) so it works nicely for a quick al fresco bite. There’s also lots of regular live music and events, so it is one of Bath’s most lively lunch hotspots.
Call: 01225 588886 / Viist bathpizzaco.com
Dough Pizza, 14-16 The Corridor, Bath BA1 5AP
If you fancy good pizza but want a quieter lunch, then Dough in its original Corridor venue is a great atmosphere. The restaurant has a vast range of pizza bases and toppings, so you can essentially “build your own”. It’s located just off Bath’s high street, so easy to pop in for lunch during a wander around Bath.
Call: 01225 443868 / Visit doughpizzarestaurant.co.uk
Marlborough Tavern, 35 Marlborough Buildings, Bath BA1 2LY
For pub grub, we like the Bath Pub Company, who have a range of brilliant pubs all over the city. However, for lunch we want to recommend the sun trap garden at Marlborough Tavern. Enjoy a full, pub classics menu, local draughts and a decent wine list in the sunny outdoor terrace. You’ll find it just around the corner from the Royal Crescent!
Call: 01225 423731 / Visit marlborough-tavern.com
The Holburne Garden Cafe, The Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DB
For hot days, the Holburne Cafe lunch has a menu with an array of light dishes from salads and sandwiches to baked salmon and soup of the day. The food is always fresh and yummy, along with great service. Of course, it’s also attached to the superb Holburne Museum, a key art attraction in Bath.
Call: 01225 388572 / Visit holburne.org
The Scallop Shell, 22 Monmouth Place, Bath BA1 2AY
Some of the best fish and chips in the country can be found at The Scallop Shell, but the finest lunch to be had at Scallop is to indulge in its menu of shellfish. All sourced fresh, the mussels, scallops and crab are some of the best we’ve tasted. If you love fish, then this has to be on your list when you visit Bath.
Call: 01225 420928 / Visit thescallopshell.co.uk
Tapas, meze and sharing restaurants in Bath
Jars Meze, 6 Northumberland Place, Bath BA1 5AR
A truly marvellous Greek restaurant that’s family-owned and characterful to a tee. Serving up a whole host of Greek small plates, the best way to enjoy Jars is to take the pick n’ mix approach and try lots of different flavours. There are also daily specials and plenty of options for meat lovers, vegetarians and fish fans. It is a place we keep going back to, so it comes very highly recommended!
Call: 01225 471434 / Visit jarsmeze.com
Pintxo, 31 Barton Street, Bath BA1 1HG
An extremely popular Spanish tapas restaurant near the theatre, Pintxo also has an exciting list of cocktails, wines and sherries to enjoy alongside your tapas. The highlight of Pintxo is the outdoor terrace, so if you manage to book early or get in at the start of service, you’ll get the best seats.
Call: 01225 463861 / Visit pintxobath.com
Ole Tapas, First Floor, 1 John Street, Bath BA1 2JL
Ole is a tiny, independent tapas restaurant opposite Mr B’s Bookshop in the centre of Bath just off Milsom Street. It’s highly acclaimed and has a genuinely delicious array of tapas that makes you feel like you’ve been transported to Spain!
Call: 01225 424274 / Visit oletapas.co.uk
Comptoir + Cuisine, 5 George Street, Bath BA1 2EJ
Champagne and French small plates bar at the top of Bath and not far from our apartment, Comptoir+Cuisine is quite a new discovery for us but it’s easily one of Bath’s most characterful indie restaurants. A brilliant interior design inspired by the continent, a cheese-heavy menu that is bound to excite, and lots of Champagne by the glass, it’s already a favourite.
Call: 01225 684733 / Visit comptoirpluscuisine.com
Great vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants in Bath
Yak Yeti Yak, 12 Pierrepoint Street, Bath BA1 1LA
A charming Nepalese restaurant on the east side of Bath city centre with a scrumptious menu of curries, dals and small plates. Only a minute’s walk from Bath Spa Station. Yak Yeti Yak is always good, and a really exciting place to visit as a vegetarian diner as there’s loads of plant-based options. The curries here are much drier, rather than saucy, so the attention to detail on the spicing is key – and Yak master it!
Call: 01225 442299 / Visit yakyetiyak.co.uk
Indian Temptation, 9-10 High Street, Bath BA1 5AQ
One of our favourite Indian restaurants in Bath, whether you’re vegetarian or not, Indian Temptation only serve a traditional vegetarian menu. Options are varied and extensive, so there’s loads to choose from. Also, if you’re enjoying an evening in at our cottages, the restaurant offer home delivery so it’s a great choice for movie night, or a private dinner for two in the comfort of your home away from home.
Call: 01225 464631 / Visit indiantemptation.co.uk
OAK Restaurant, 2 North Parade, Bath BA1 1NX
Oak is Bath’s fine dining vegetarian destination. It serves brunch, lunch and dinner with a menu of fresh local produce, much of which the team grow themselves. Make sure you book in advance, as it’s a popular place for diners in Bath.
Call: 01225 446059 / Visit oakrestaurant.co.uk
Great for meat-eaters
Hudson Steakhouse, 14 London St, Bath BA1 5BU
This fabulous steakhouse is one of Bath’s best spots for red meat fans. The converted Victorian pub is instantly characterful and the independently-owned Hudson is always excellent in service, so you’ll feel right at home. As specialists in prime dry aged steak, the Hudson was named no. 3 in the country’s top 10 steakhouses. There’s also a full cocktail menu and a good wine list.
Call: 01225 332323 / Visit hudsonsteakhouse.co.uk
The Elder, 2-8 South Parade, Bath BA2 4AB
If you love game, then The Elder was designed for you. A menu inspired by the best game, local meat and a “field to plate” philosophy, restaurateur Mike Robinson and chef Gavin Edney have designed a seasonal menu that is bound to intrigue. There is also a bespoke veggie/vegan menu, too. The Elder is located on South Parade, just off from the hustle and bustle of Southgate shopping quarter.
Call: 01225 530616 / Visit theelder.co.uk
Firehouse Rotisserie, 2 John Street, Bath BA1 2JL
Some love Firehouse for its pizza (a delicious range of stone-baked pizzas) but we love it for its flagship rotisserie chicken. Tex Mex inspired with a trio of options from herb and lemon to two spicy options, the chicken is juicy and moreish. There’s also a massive chuck steak burger and grilled sirloin. It’s a proper meat lovers’ destination, but if you’re visiting with vegetarian friends then the choice of top flight pizza will make it a place for all.
Call: 01225 484070 / Visit firehouserotisserie.co.uk
Woods Restaurant, 9-13 Alfred Street, Bath BA1 2QX
One of the hallmarks of Bath, this independent and family-owned restaurant has a delicious menu of French-inspired cuisine. Highlights we’ve had here include fillet of salmon, or the chump of lamb, and the restaurant’s “Fish Friday” menu that features fresh caught fish from Cornwall throughout the A La Carte. Food is prepped by Stuart Ash who has been with Woods for 15 years. The wine list is also one of Bath’s best.
Call: 01225 314812 / Visit woodsrestaurant.com
Best breakfast places in Bath
Same Same But Different, Princes Buildings, 7A Bartlett Street, Bath BA1 2ED
One of our favourite places to go for a fried breakfast is Same Same But Different, just off George Street at the top of town, it’s worth an early wake up and a short journey into town from our cottages. The hash browns here are to die for! The independent cafe transforms by the afternoon into a Med-inspired tapas bar.
Call: 01225 466856 / Visit same-same.co.uk
The Green Bird Cafe, 11 Margaret Buildings, Bath BA1 2LP
Probably one of the best spots for a more continental style breakfast, and definitely one of the best breakfast places for veggies, Green Bird is a family-run cafe located on the picturesque Margaret’s Buildings’ cobbled side street. A stone’s throw from the Royal Crescent, it is the perfect place to being a day of sightseeing in Bath.
Call: 01225 487846 / Visit greenbirdcafe.co.uk
Cafe Retro, 18 York Street, Bath BA1 1NG
This cafe is more central and is a favourite for the “classic” Full English. The food is no fuss, generous and delicious, and the coffee is lovely, too. As much of a hit with meat eaters as vegetarians with their retro fry-ups. It is also one of our top hits for breakfast on the go if you’re tight for time and want a bap or toastie.
Call: 01225 339347 / Visit caferetro.co.uk
No. 15, 15 Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4BS
No. 15 is a great Bath breakfast spot for eggs, but note that breakfast is only served until 10.30am. If you like your eggs poached on toast, then this is a must-visit.
Call: 01225 807015 / Visit guesthotels.co.uk
