Student Communications Ambassador Chiara Luongo shares her favourite places to eat in Bath.
Over the last three years that I've lived in Bath, I've learned about some really great foodie spots. In this post, I'll be sharing my personal favourites – ranging from where to enjoy a delicious roast dinner, to curbing that sweet craving with a stack of pancakes!
First, I must make you aware of the Bath Eats Instagram account. Bath Eats is a food guide to Bath that covers all pretty much everything, including takeaways, new openings and discounts that restaurants are currently offering. There's even a highlight reel dedicated to vegan-specific eateries! This account is a great guide for when you're looking for somewhere new to eat in Bath. As a foodie, when I was new to Bath I simply couldn't have lived without it!
Also, in light of the current circumstances, Bath Eats have been frequently updating their account to highlight restaurants and cafés who are doing takeaways or allowing customers to eat-in. It has been very helpful to see which places are still accessible.
Bath eateries: my favourites
Sunday roast: The Globe Inn
"My favourite place to go for a Sunday lunch..."
My favourite place to go for a Sunday lunch is The Globe Inn, based in Newton St Loe. I conveniently discovered The Globe in my first year, as it's next door to the University’s Newton Park campus! You'll most likely pass The Globe on your way to Newton Park as it's based on the roundabout just before the campus entrance.
My housemates and I visited The Globe frequently while living on campus, as it was a convenient way to indulge in home comforts. Not only do The Globe produce tasty Sunday roasts (with Yorkshire puddings the size of your head!) – they also have a diverse weekly menu with all the traditional pub classics like fish and chips and a heart-warming steak and ale pie.
The Globe’s take on coronavirus… The Globe Inn is currently operating within the guidelines, giving full table service indoors, with a few tables outside for table service. They highly advise to book ahead – they're taking groups of up to six people from up to two households – as they only have half the number of tables available at the moment due to social distancing. They're also following the government guidelines of track and trace, operating a one way system, and have hand sanitising stations at several points around the pub, including the entrance. The Globe Inn are looking forward to getting things back as close as possible to pre-lockdown, stating that as soon as any restrictions are lifted, they'll respond accordingly.
Pizza: Bath Pizza Co.
"An underrated and affordable pizza spot that everyone should try!"
Bath Pizza Co. is based at Green Park Station – a converted railway station that's now bursting with different eateries and food stalls. This is a casual, alfresco dining experience, which makes it a great place for students to grab a bite to eat with their friends. There are also lots of picnic tables dotted around.
They offer a range of wood-fired pizzas that are cooked in their impressive ovens, including vegan and vegetarian options. An underrated and affordable pizza spot that everyone should try!
Bath Pizza Co.’s take on coronavirus… Bath Pizza Co. have confirmed that they've complied with the government’s guidance on managing the risk of Covid-19 through risk assessments, maintaining social distancing and regular cleaning, hand washing and hygiene procedures in-line with the guidance. They're fortunate enough to have a large alfresco dining space to accommodate customers who want to eat-in, and no booking is required. However, if it becomes too busy, I think a great idea for students would be to get a takeaway from Bath Pizza Co. and eat it in the grassy area outside Bath Spa's Green Park House accommodation (which is a minute's walk from Green Park Station!).
Pub: The Cork
"My housemates and I spent most of our hot-weather-days soaking up the sun in the beer garden..."
The Cork is without a doubt one of the most popular pubs students go to in the city centre. With three floors, two bars, two karaoke rooms and a large beer garden/alfresco dining area, there's something for everyone.
My housemates and I have fond memories of The Cork, as we spent most of our hot-weather-days sitting in the beer garden, soaking up the sun, with ciders and a large sharing portion of loaded nachos! The Cork offer a large range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as a diverse and delicious food menu… I recommend the nachos!
The Cork’s take on coronavirus… The Cork are following government guidelines through social distancing, regular cleaning, and track and trace. The pub has introduced the City Club app to order from your table (avoiding the bar as it is table service only) or for takeaways. This has also helped avoid handling cash, as you can only pay through the app. They advise you to book and be prompt for your booking. Additionally, they are using environmentally friendly disposable crockery, cutlery and glassware.
Fancy cocktails: Slug and Lettuce
"Heavenly cocktails ranging from classics such as Mojitos to their own specialities, such as Raving Rainbow Vibes."
When I say fancy, I mean save this for someone's birthday! Make an occasion out of your trip to the Slug and Lettuce, as it probably isn’t feasible to visit every weekend on a student budget. However, Slug and Lettuce do offer 2 for 1 cocktails during a certain part of the evening.
Slug and Lettuce produce heavenly cocktails ranging from classics such as classic Mojito and Piña Colada to their own specialities like Raving Rainbow Vibes and Berry Nice Fizz. There are also other alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available. They can be found at the top of the city centre on George Street.
Slug and Lettuce’s take on coronavirus… They've developed a new Slug and Lettuce app that allows you to easily view menus, place food and drink orders and pay from the comfort of your table. They've also recommended booking a table in advance through the app. Additionally, Slug and Lettuce have introduced designated ordering areas in their bars for customers who don't have a smartphone. Contactless payment is available for all orders of up to £45. They're also following governmentsocial distancing guidelines.
Dessert: Swoon Gelato
"A satisfying treat and lovely date location for those summer months."
Swoon Gelato is great for takeaway ice cream. You can indulge in smooth, creamy gelato and refreshing sorbet. They do have a small seating area, and as they're based in Kingsmead Square, there are plenty of benches dotted around that you can sit on. Swoon is a satisfying treat and lovely date location for those summer months.
Swoon Gelato’s take on coronavirus… Swoon Gelato are following the government guidelines carefully, with contactless payment at the cafés, and click and collect via Giftup or Deliveroo. They stated that their menu is limited but still perfectly formed, with eight flavours of Gelato or Sorbetti for you to choose from.
Brunch: Sweet Little Things
"If you have a sweet tooth, this is the place for you."
Sweet Little Things is probably the most girly, Instagramable café you’ll find in Bath! Not only are they known for their pink and floral aesthetic, but also for their delicious sweet treats and afternoon tea.
Sweet Little Things is based in the heart of the city centre, just a two-minute walk from the Roman Baths. I love going here for birthday brunches, where friends and I will indulge in a stack of pancakes and a pot of tea to start the birthday celebrations. Sweet Little Things is also perfect for those short but sweet coffee dates that can be accompanied by seasonal cupcakes. If you have a sweet tooth, this is the place for you.
Sweet Little Things’ take on coronavirus… The following precautions have been put in place by Sweet Little Things: a one way system, social distancing by removing tables, a santising point at the entrance and they're accepting card payments only. They're still accepting bookings for two to four people with an hour slot, or six people within a one and half hour slot. Sweet Little Things have had to put a time limit on tables at the moment due to having less seating. In addition, they've introduced a new click and collect system on their website, and also provide delivery hampers and afternoon teas, meaning you can still support the this local business without sitting in the café!
Support local
The majority of the businesses mentioned in this post are local to Bath, and I'd like to highlight the importance of supporting local businesses. Supporting local – especially during these unprecedented times – helps keep these delicious food and drink businesses running. I encourage students to bond with their new and current friends at Bath Spa by grabbing something to eat-in or takeaway from one of these lovely eateries.
I hope these recommendations were helpful. Let us know if you try any of them out!