There are so many hidden gems in Bath and we know them all! We're here to give you perfect pointers, give you a taster and share a few of our favourite finds.
In a historical city, it’s only right to include modern history too! Maxwell Dashwood, founder of Colonna and Smalls is a renowned coffee connoisseur and a pioneer of what we know today as ‘barista quality coffee’. His coffee shop in Bath has been open 10+ years and still brings tourists from around the world to try high-end filter coffees and discover the science behind – a good cup of coffee. The perfect place for any caffeine addict or a food and drink connoisseur.Â
Nothing beats Al Fresco dining like a stone–baked pizza and an Aperol spritz – A Neapolitan bliss – in a secluded courtyard, hidden in a corner of Bath’s city centre. Bosco Pizzeria is an upcoming Italian restaurant meeting the new flavours of New York–style pizzas, not only do they offer a range of Italian dishes but complemented by a curated list of Italian cocktails and wines. Buon Apetitio.Â
This is a dream place of fine, independent and specialist magazines that source publications from around the world, with many being exclusive to the store. There’s a particular focus on art, design, interiors, travel and journals. But you’ll find it all within a range that runs to over 1,500 titles. With the owner’s expertise, (ask him quite literally anything!) He will provide you with the perfect match for any mag. Â
This boutique showcases hard-to-find designers alongside heritage labels in a genuinely welcoming environment. There are brands like Universal Works, YMC and Marimekko home. Plus, the street it’s on is home to loads of great independent businesses. So, you’re bound to find more to like than Found.
In this city famed for resident writers and their works, there are some tucked-away bookstores ripe for a rummage. Topping & Company is where to head for lively events and signed first editions. Proudly boasting their new building, floor to ceiling full of books, you can perch with a book or two whilst sipping on freshly brewed tea.
There’s some serious bakery mastery happening at Landrace. Using stoneground UK-grown grains, they create naturally leavened, truly delicious sourdough loaves, buns, rolls and other treats. With a tasty flat white to take away. In recent years they have opened ‘Landrace Upstairs’ a bar and bistro serving locally sourced produce as cuisine art dishes and a fabulous team to serve you. Â
This sweet wonder was started in 2018 by Taiwanese pastry chef, Fang. It brings a unique Asian twist to French patisserie, and the result is completely delicious. There’s a little shop on Grove Street, and you can also catch them at Bath Farmers Market. Specialities include macarons and choux pastry.
If you’re a Wes Anderson fan or love a cult classic, this is the place for you! The Little Cinema, tucked away behind the Thermae Spa, is the perfect place to visit on a rainy day in Bath. Screening some of the latest films and at the weekends a few of the true oldies. They also have a dog-friendly screening every weekend for those who have brought their four-legged friends to stay.
If you’re a fan of classicism, you’ll be in your element here amongst Sir William Holburne’s incredible art collection. The building itself is one of Bath’s most majestic buildings (and that’s really saying something). And being positioned in Sydney Pleasure Gardens, it is a very special spot.
This is a bit of a must, really. It’s a magnificent temple and bathing complex on the site of Britain’s only hot spring, which still flows with naturally hot water today. You can walk around the steaming Great Bath, see Sulis Minerva’s temple’s ruins, and learn a lot at the Roman Baths museum.
This beauty is the last remaining 18th century Pleasure Garden in the country. It was Jane Austin’s favourite green space in the city back in the day, and locals still escape to it for a little tranquillity. It’s an ideal spot for a picnic or a dog walk. And it’s nice and close to the hotel, too.
On the first Sunday of every month, Green Park Station turns into a bustling undercover flea, antique and vintage market. If you’re into collecting curios and one-offs, this is your Sunday morning must-do. You’ll find Militaria, fine china, art, jewellery, anatomical bits, toys and lots, lots more. Or, if you’re a lover of foods and fresh goods, the Bath Farmer’s Market is on every Saturday, with pastries, locally grown flowers and much more to snack on.Â
Founded by the owners of Cereal Magasine, we love this gallery in a Grade II Listed Georgian townhouse. It presents a wonderful curation of works by emerging international artists in a setting inspired by Korean aesthetics. In this relaxed space that evolves as exhibitions do, you’ll find paintings, sculptures and most definitely, inspiration.Â
In the ‘Artisan Quarter’ of Bath is this relaxed, family-run restaurant, cocktail bar and club with live music. You can enjoy a quick-and-excellent morning coffee, or you can settle in for an a la carte lunch or dinner. And there are two cocktail bars, an award-winning mixologist and host a variety of very familiar guest DJ’s every month.Â
Set in a former Georgian greenhouse, Beckford Canteen is a space for people to come together and share the joys of delicious food and great hospitality.
Pintxo de Bath is an authentically Basque-style tapas and sherry bar in the heart of Bath’s theatre district, tucked away in Barton Street.
This contemporary wine merchant and lovely bistro with traditional values sources wines from some of the best independent worldwide producers and vineyards. You can try and buy wine accompanied with selected British cheese and charcuterie, which we’re sure you’ll agree, is a great way to go.
Among the cobbled roads sits OAK, in a rustic little abode. OAK believes idea that great food puts the soil first. Dine and enjoy modern vegetarian dishes made with seasonal ingredients, served in one of Bath’s oldest buildings.
Wilks is a niche gastronomic restaurant offering a vibrant modern cuisine which specialises in noble produce, in particular wild fish and shellfish. Fitting in nicely among a parade of independent shops in the west of the city, this formerly Bristol based Michelin stared restaurant is an intimate operation with just five tables. Wilks restaurant is very happy to offer a complimentary glass of champagne to customers from No 15 by Guesthouse.
“DOUBT: A Parable” is an acclaimed drama by John Patrick Shanley that delves into themes of suspicion, morality, and the quest for truth. The play is scheduled to run at the Ustinov Studio of the Theatre Royal Bath until 8th March.
