The magnificent Venetian facade of the Browns building matches its high-quality food and drink and the somewhat lavish ambiance inside. The outside tables serve as a hip student/professional hang-out, making it very much a place to be seen. Everything is rather grand and impressive: the food ranges from Mediterranean-inspired dishes to old favorites such as steak and Guinness pie. As for drinks, you could stick to wine or beers, but when you can get cocktails mixed and shaken before your very eyes, why would you have anything else? It really comes alive in the summer, with barbecues held on the terrace and there's live jazz on Friday and Sunday evenings throughout the year.
At the top of Lansdown Road on the way to Bath racetrack (for horses), this large pub has possibly the best view in the city. Situated almost on the site of the major civil war site of the Battle of Lansdown, on a clear day visitors can just about make out Roundway Hill, just outside Devizes, where Cromwell's lot got beaten again; lots of Royalists around Bath, then and now. There's a lovely garden here with tree covered lawns, and if it's raining there's a huge conservatory too so you can still admire the view. With plenty of food and drink available here, a couple of cozy bars and an air of slightly faded gentility, this is an ideal spot for viewing the world through rose-tinted spectacles.
Sally Lunn's is the oldest known house in Bath. The present timber-framed building dates from 1492 and Roman and Medieval remains have been found below the cellar floor. Sally Lunn, a young French girl, did not arrive until 1680. She brought with her a recipe for the sweet, brioche-style bread that has become known as the Sally Lunn Bun. The tearooms are sadly not designed for the numerous visitors wanting to experience a taste of the famous Sally Lunn Bun, which makes for a cozy dining experience. You can, however, savor the exceptional light bites dating back to those times that are still offered here. For history enthusiasts, the kitchen museum is a great avenue to check out the historic kitchen used by none other than the lady herself.
First opened in 1706 to provide a place to drink natural spring water, the Pump Room is decorated in 18th century style. Commanding a certain prestige with its double-story windows and crystal chandeliers, the restaurant is still the place to be seen taking tea. There is no age restriction or dress code, but be prepared to pay as though you are a member of the elite. For afternoon tea, choose between High Tea, Cream Tea, and Tompion Tea. You may also order natural spring water, which feeds the Roman Baths, contains 43 minerals, and is supposed to have curative properties.
The Eastern Eye occupies an enviable position just off of Milsom Street at the top of the city. It is a family run business with a solid reputation for providing excellent service and delicious traditional Indian cuisine. The restaurant is huge and well-lit; the decor is uncomplicated and the tables are well-spaced. The Georgian interior has survived the transformation to restaurant and the elaborate ceilings make a visit worthwhile in themselves. The menu is fairly comprehensive and the dishes are always popular. Listen to your waiter's recommendations, he is almost always right. The restaurant has a formidable reputation has one of the city's best. Need more proof? The restaurant won the coveted "Restaurant of the year" award by none other than Les Routiers.
Opened in 2007 by renowned chef Ron Faulkner, Ronnies of Thornbury has been delighting patrons with modern European cuisine. Elegant, lamp-lit and spacious settings, rich variety of dishes on menu, attentive staff and a tranquil atmosphere make for a perfect date or family gathering. Native British dishes like Trealy Farm Black Pudding, Gressingham Duck and Sticky Toffee Pudding are on offer along with an extensive choice of gourmet dishes. They also have fix price lunch and dinner menu, an a la carte menu, special Sunday lunch menu, brunch and Tapas menu along with a great selection of wines. They are also open for events throughout the year. With all this Ronnie's continues to pull crowds and grab headlines.
Full Court Press takes its name from a defensive basketball tactic that calls to mind a no compromise, maximum effort approach, and takes its coffee very seriously. The coffee shop offers courses covering advanced brewing and barista methods, paying particular attention to chemistry, machinery, water quality, and other essential facets of coffee brewing. The shop also prides itself on its varieties of specialty coffees, and encourages customers not to add sugar to their brews, which are more balanced than traditionally acrid coffees.
Located in a historic building in the Old City Quarter, The Rummer Hotel is a classy establishment for dining and drinking. Dining here is amusing as the inn has been host to various historical events in the past. The kitchen produces mouth watering dishes, from continental to traditional English recipes. Their Sunday Roasts are widely popular and are a must-visit for foodies! The restaurant plays host to many events, from private dinners to weddings and business meetings, with all modern facilities like WiFi and projectors available. There are two bars on site, a cocktail bar and another bar located in their cellar, to keep you in 'high spirits'.
Vegan or vegetarian, lactose intolerant or otherwise, there is something for one and all here. Carrot, beet, raspberry, lime, cranberry, cucumber, wheat grass, and other juices await the health-conscious and those who want to try living healthy. Smoothies and organic ice-creams also come in many flavors. The friendly staff knows all about the raw fad and can help you with tips. A great experience is guaranteed here. Visit the website for more details.
The sunny and brick-walled Small Street espresso house is a cheerful place for an espresso or snack fix. The coffee shop, tucked away on the aptly-named Small Street, serves good coffee, pastries, cakes, and toasted sandwiches. The menu of coffee blends changes often, and is luxurious for a place so homey and simple, with blends from Ethiopia, Rwanda, Columbia, and the world over.
Want to eat Italian but are sick of red-and-white checked tablecloths and Pavarotti pictures on the wall? Then give San Carlo a try. It's certainly not the cheapest, but then, this is not your average Italian eatery. The spacious, impressive and highly sophisticated interior, plus the buzz of activity from the attentive staff, and you begin to see why this place is the favorite with Bristol's professionals. The menu is vast, and offers Italian delicacies you won't find elsewhere, Insalata (calamari, prawns, mussels and garlic in lemon sauce) and Bistecca al Dolcelatte (sirloin steak with dolcelatte sauce), plus all the usual like antipasti, pizza, steak, fresh fish and pasta dishes. House wine is available by the bottle and glass. Check website for more.
Hidden away in a small recess in St Nicholas Market, this place offers quality Indian food, which you can eat at one of the few tables on the cobbled alley outside, or takeaway. There's very much a casual, cafe feel, but the food is definitely restaurant-quality, making this place a real find. There are snacks - pakoras, bajis, samosas; main courses such as Kori Gashi (chicken with rich tomato and coconut sauce), Aloo Methi (potatoes with fenugreek leaves) and always a couple of dal dishes, plus all the usual accompaniments of nan, rice, popodams etc. They also sell home-made Indian ice-cream - kulfi and coconut supreme - and soft drinks, tea and coffee.