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.
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.
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.
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.
This little deli is tucked away in the corner of the main square in Newport, but it's worth looking out for because, once through the doors, you will find a clean and pleasant place to eat with a range of baguettes made to order. The main menu has all the usual baguette fillings, but for something different, check out the daily specials board. Examples of specials are mozzarella, basil and sun-dried tomato baguette and mushroom melt with tuna and cheese. There is also a range of unusual, mostly Italian, biscuits, cakes and ice-creams available.
A pretty little cafe and restaurant set on a side road close to the Cambrian Centre, the Upper Crust is decorated in country farmhouse style with lots of frills and flowers and pine furniture. The seating area is small so the cafe can become crowded, but catch it at a quiet time and you'll enjoy the cozy, friendly atmosphere. The menu covers everything from drinks and snacks to full lunches. Upper Crust is more popular as a take away joint.
Named for the Indian town of Vellore, this elegant dining room is in the original ballroom of this Greek revival mansion, built for a retired Indian Army officer in 1835. In its acres of grounds, which sweep down to the Kennet and Avon Canal, this haven of rest and tranquility is only minutes from the city center. The dignified ambiance of the restaurant is the confident setting for a menu of traditional English fare with a modern twist, featuring fresh local produce, particularly game, fish and cheese. As an alternative, a Mediterranean-style menu is available in the Alfresco Restaurant which has stunning views over the grounds. For more details, call ahead on the toll free number +44 844 879 9106
Strangers with Coffee is a charming cafe located in Wells. The cafe is owned and operated by the couple Ivan and Susan It offers freshly brewed Allpress coffee, homemade baked items, continental breakfasts and Mediterranean-inspired lunch specials.
Tare Restaurant is a lovely joint to enjoy a sumptuous meal and a prix fixe menu. Set at £44 per person, the prix fixe menu is dynamic and is constantly updated to suit the freshness and seasonality of products. You can always ask for vegan or vegetarian options while reserving your time here. A cafe-like setting with simple chairs and partially open kitchen counter gives a quiet, intimate vibe to savor your meal with family and friends.