Visit Bath and Visit Bath’s Best Independent Cafes

Visiting Bath, or in fact visiting any city on a city break, is a good opportunity to try out new food and to sample new places to eat.

The problem is that sometimes you only discover the unique gems a city like Bath has to offer on the last day of your visit. After all, city centres are very good at providing chain-restaurants, but you don’t find all that many independents there unless you know where to look, or you are lucky enough to stumble across them by accident. So, if you’re looking for refreshment and don’t want to visit a Bath Costa or Starbucks, these are our top recommendations.

For a quintessential English experience: Bea’s Vintage Tearoom 

They’ve got plenty of atmosphere and plenty of vintage fine bone china; as well as a large selection of unusual teas, freshly baked cakes, and a wide selection of options for lunch. Bubble and Squeak, toasted sandwiches, salads, and beef bourguinon to name a few. Bea’s can be found just a few metres from Bath Assembly Rooms at 6 Saville Row.

For vegetarians: The Metropolitan Café  

The Metropolitan Café can be found just above the Bloomsbury shop on New Bond Street in the centre of Bath. It specialises in tasty and innovative vegetarian fare. Their latest creation is a brie, chestnut mushroom, leek, thyme and rosemary frittata. They also serve delicious cakes and their windows give you a good opportunity to watch the hustle and bustle of Bath.

For a posh lunch (or dinner): The Circus Restaurant 

A highly popular choice. The Circus Restaurant can be found on the corner of the Circus as you head up Brock Street towards The Royal Crescent. They’re open from 10am until midnight each day (last orders at 10:30pm), and offer fine dining in the main restaurant area inside the Georgian townhouse, or dining alfresco; though perhaps that option is not so tempting at this time of year! Their menu changes each month, their wine list is varied and unusual, and their ingredients are locally sourced and in season. Except dishes such as mussels and crème brulee.       

For a quick bite: Society Café 

They have a branch on Kingsmead Square and in The Corridor, so they’re very convenient if you’re shopping or have just come out of the Abbey. They’re very welcoming to all and welcome bikes, buggies and dogs. Their pastries and cakes are made by the local independent Bertinet Bakery, and their sandwiches and toasties are also made with local ingredients. Perfect for a quick stop, or if you have longer, they have books to browse and also exhibitions from time to time.   

For a little of all of the above: The Holburne Museum Garden Café 

Just across the road from us (almost), is the light and airy Garden Café. It focuses on seasonal, fresh food and is the winner of the Restaurant and Bar Design Awards (and all of their food is delicious!).