Eating & Drinking

There’s no shortage of delicious and unique places to eat and drink in Bath at Christmas time.

If you’re busy Christmas shopping, browsing the Market or coming to enjoy the city’s attractions, make sure you rest and refuel with a hot drink and something to eat at one of the local cafes.

The newly opened Roman Baths Kitchen is home to a great deli on the ground floor, which offers the perfect stop for grabbing a quick and tasty snack. For those who like to watch the world go by, wrap up warm and sit outside to soak up the surrounding architecture of the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey.

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, then make sure you pop into one of Bath’s best kept secrets, the Indulgence Café by Sydney Gardens. This artisan patisserie offers delectable homemade cakes, cookies, biscuits, fudge and preserves, all made from locally sourced ingredients. You might even pick up a festive gift or two…

You’ll be spoilt for choice of where to dine for an evening meal in Bath. For top quality food with style, try Allium Brasserie, whose head chef Chris Staines boasts a Michelin star-studded career. If you’re in need of a little spicy heat to warm you though, head to Panasia Thai Restaurant, where fresh, authentic Asian food is on offer at great prices.

For those who prefer British cuisine there are many excellent gastropubs in the city, such as The Marlborough Tavern just behind the Royal Crescent. Home cooked food and a welcome pub atmosphere awaits you, with fresh ingredients from local producers.

Another popular dining establishment is The Tramshed (which can be found on Walcot Street where trams once used to be stored), now home to a restaurant focusing on modern British food with Mediterranean influences – funky, contemporary décor with cowhide covered seats await you. For vegetarians, vegans and all lovers of good food, Demuths offers a unique dining experience with an adventurous menu full of exciting flavours, colours and detail – all completely meat free.

If you’re a fan of TV cookery shows and enjoy keeping up with celebrity chefs, then make sure you visit Brasserie Blanc, the recently opened Raymond Blanc restaurant. Or, if you prefer Italian, head up to Milsom Place and dine at Jamie’s Italian or Carluccio's. If you love what you’re eating, you can pop across to Jamie’s Deli to purchase the same ingredients used in your food, or pick up products sourced from artisanal specialist producers from Italy at the deli within Carluccios.

After dinner if you can still squeeze in a cocktail or two, try the chic Circo Bar and Lounge or Sub 13 - the mojitos are one of the best in town! If you’re more of a real ale lover then Bath has many excellent pubs that sell local brews. Small but snug, The Salamander serves a fine choice of cider and beers from Bath Ales and beyond, as does The Raven (also famous for its excellent pies.) Hall & Woodhouse, located in an impressive building that was once an old auction house, is also ideal to enjoy a relaxing drink, with plenty of board games to keep you occupied too.