Cafes

Bath

ADVENTURE CAFE
5 Princes Buildings, George St, BA1 2ED
Tel: 01225 462038
Part cafe, part bar, with a buzzing sunspot outback and a menu that covers all eventualities at all times of the day (robust breakfasts, sandwiches, smoothies, salads, snacks, homemade cakes and fantastic shakes, with light bites for those who find a drink too wet without such things from 5-9pm). The cafe is licensed, so the Adventure continues during the evening: take your nightlife in any direction here, - make the most of the continental beers, cool cocktails and thoughtful wine list, or copy our European cousins and drink espresso till bedtime. Open Sun-Tue 10am-5pm, Wed-Sat 10am-11pm

BEN’S COOKIES
21 Union Passage, BA1 1RD
Tel: 01225 460 983, web: www.benscookies.com
Dinky little cookie bakery specialising in funky, chunky fresh cookies (priced by the kilo) to take away or enjoy at a table on the traffic-free lane out front. Excellent cappuccino, too. Open Mon-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm

BONGHY-BO’S
2-3 Barton Court, Upper Borough Walls, BA1 1RZ
Tel: 01225 462276
An almost hidden gem, loved by those who claim to have ‘discovered it’ and always, always reliably charming. Gorgeous little split-level cafe courtyard makes way for a friendly, funky refectory within, perfect for lounging while skiving off work. Food is of the ‘smart caff’ variety (good coffee, thoughtful teas, superb cakes), it’s fully licensed and, if you’re craving something substantial, a classy quiche/jacket spuds/salad selection snuggles up alongside Asian-themed crowd pleasers, with all manner of wallet-friendly noodle and rice bases served up by staff who demonstrate a genuine delight in guiding your choices. Open Daily 9am-6pm (hours vary depending on season and various local events - call for updates)

BOSTON TEA PARTY
Kingsmead Square, BA1 2AE
Tel: 01225 313901, web: www.bostonteaparty.co.uk
There’s a strong emphasis on ethical sourcing, environmental responsibility and charitable causes at the heart of the Boston Tea Party ethos, so rest assured that by indulging yourself at this much-loved hotspot on the Bath cafe scene, you’re doing legions of others a big favour in the process. Offering requisite cool in summer (big terrace, chill-out smoothies) and snug cosiness in winter (hot chocolate, wholesome cakes), real tea is served in real china pots, real coffee comes in all sizes, and real food (healthy, hearty, largely wholemeal) is offered at very reasonable prices. Breakfasts are particularly splendid, but whatever time you choose to drop by, the living is easy. Open Mon-Wed 8am-6pm, Thur-Sat 8am-9pm

BRIDGE COFFEE SHOP
Pulteney Bridge, BA2 4AY
Tel: 01225 483339
Breakfast specials, sturdy sweet treats, filled baguettes, panini and a huge range of baked-on-the-premises pasties, sausage rolls, pies, etc, all at non-scary prices and in a great location, too - no wonder this place gets packed to queuing capacity at peak times. Regularly changing morning coffee/afternoon tea offers. Open Sun-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-6pm

CADBURY COCOA HOUSE
23 Union St, BA1 1RS
Tel: 01225 444030
Specialists in all things chocolate-related, plus sandwiches, soups and light meals, and takeaway breakfast sarnies till midday. Open Sun-Fri 9.30am-5pm, Sat 9am-6pm

CAFE RETRO
18 York St, BA1 1NG
Tel: 01225 339347, web: www.caferetro.co.uk
Easygoing cafe-restaurant and continental-style wine bar serving stylish all-day breakfasts, pastas, sandwiches and plenty of vegetarian options at bargain prices in gently chic surroundings. Great views of the abbey from the first floor. Retro to Go (next door) sells baguettes, panini and smoothies to Bathonians in a hurry. Open Mon-Sat 9.30am-5pm.

CAFE ROUGE
15 Milsom St, BA1 1DE
Tel: 01225 462368, web: www.caferouge.co.uk
See Restaurants, French. Open Mon-Sat 9am-11pm, Sun 10am-10.30pm

CAFFE NERO
11 Old Bond St, BA1 1BP Tel: 01225 470390
21 High St, BA1 5AJ Tel: 01225 462504, web: www.caffenero.com
Caffe Nero may be the largest independent coffee retailer in the UK, but the experience at either of the Bath branches is far from bland – more European coffee house than high-street chain. Find seriously good coffee (inc Fairtrade) alongside a range of Italian-influenced ciabattas, panini, salads, fresh soups, biscotti, sweet stuff, wide range of drinks (hot and cold, inc smoothies) and fresh croissants/continental pastries well worth getting up early for. Takeaway, Wi-Fi. Open Mon-Sat 7am-7pm (High St branch: Sat 7.30am), Sun 9am-6pm

CHANDOS DELI
George St, BA1 2EH
Tel: 01225 314418, web: www.chandosdeli.com
Stylish deli-cafe with a strong emphasis on classy foodie inspirations from around the world. Menus feature superb sandwiches, salads, soups and gorgeous antipasti options, all based around fresh, seasonal ingredients. See also Egg Cafe. Open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm

CIRCUS CAFE & RESTAURANT
34 Brock St, BA1 2LN
Tel: 01225 466020; web: www.thecircuscafeandrestaurant.co.uk
Stylish contemporary bistro. See Restaurants, English. Open: Mon-Sat 10am-12midnight

EGG CAFE
St John’s Place, BA1 1ET
Tel: 01225 823408, www.chandosdeli.com
One of the most cheerful refreshment pit-stops in town (courtesy of those lovely Chandos Deli folk – see above), attached to one of the most prestigious young people’s theatre projects in the country (Bath Theatre Royal’s Young People’s Theatre). Find some very grown-up flavour combinations (ploughman’s, crayfish and rocket, etc) in among appropriately kiddie-themed treats like salami and ketchup or good old ‘just ham’ (all on Hobbs House bread) alongside oven-fresh cookies, sumptuous cakes, sticky flapjacks, Hershey bars, sugar mice, organic chocolate and fashionably retro jelly beans. Excellent coffee, too, and tables on the traffic-free street outside. Open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun: one hour prior to curtain-up till start of last performance if there’s a show on

NEW
FEARLESS GREEN CAFE
14 Union Passage, BA1 1RE
Tel: 01225 429775, web: www.fearlessgreencafe.co.uk
Founded on the core principles of supplying quality local and largely organic foods at affordable prices, this cheerful little refreshment pit-stop, tucked away behind the main high-street drag, is a welcome newbie to the Bath cafe scene. Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm

GUILDHALL MARKET CAFE
Guildhall, High St, BA1 5AW
Tel: 01225 461593
It may not be one of Bath’s most glamorous cafes, but the utilitarian furnishings belie the friendly surroundings and welcoming, traditional downhome treats at this wallet-friendly market caff, specialising in generous portions of fried loveliness - including full English breakfast and heavenly chip butties - at the epicentre of an increasingly foodie market. Open Mon-Sat 9am-4pm

HANDS TEAROOM
1 Abbey St, BA1 1NN Tel: 01225 463928
Established as a dairy in 1850, this family-run coffee shop and traditional tearoom (in a Georgian townhouse just off Abbey Courtyard), serves snacks and light bites (breakfasts, ploughman’s, quiches, pies, baguettes) throughout the day. The tearoom really comes into its own at high-tea time, when clotted cream teas are a speciality, or you might want to sample the famous Bath Bun, created by 18th century physician Dr Oliver and still keeping the rabble satisfied today. If you like what you sample here, visit the Hands Deli just round the corner for a take-out (see Sandwich Shops, Bath). Open Mon-Sat 9.30am-5pm

HANSEL UND GRETEL SHOP & STRUDEL BAR
9 Margarets Buildings, Brock St, BA1 2LP
Tel: 01225 464677, web: www.hanselundgretel.com
Once you’ve browsed the street-level shop packed with traditional and contemporary Tyrol/Alpine-related knick-knackery, pop downstairs to sample what’s undoubtedly the best strudel in Bath (which aficionados swear isn’t complete without a mug of proper hot chocolate to accompany it) in gently kitsch, quietly camp but properly cosy surroundings. Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm

JAZZ CAFE
Kingsmead Square, BA1 2AA
Tel: 01225 329002
Friendly, independent cafe-bistro (recently under new management) serving homemade food including excellent breakfasts (with superb vegetarian options), and laidback lunchtime treats of the tortillas/ciabatta/salad persuasion. Licensed. Open Mon-Sat 8.30am-6pm, Sun 10.30am-4pm

KINDLING
9a Claverton Buildings, BA2 4LD Tel: 01225 442125
8e Chelsea Rd, BA1 3DU Tel: 01225 444005, web: www.kindlingcoffee.co.uk
Local, organic, homemade and fairly traded food and drink, a warm and welcoming atmosphere, free Wi-Fi, toys for the kids, their own football team (Kindling United, yay!), a book club and a mini-wholefood store (Chelsea Rd branch). Proprietors Rod Bond and Roger Woods, two Bathonians who say they’re “passionate about serving simple, straightforward food and creating a warm, welcoming and relaxed space”, certainly have their USP just right. Ace breakfasts (bacon rolls are the stuff of local legend), scrumptious sarnies, homemade sausage rolls (including veggie options) and cakes to die for are the order of the day at either branch, while brunch (inc full English) goes on until a very civilised 2.30pm every day at the Chelsea Rd branch, all day at weekends. Open Mon-Fri 7.30am-4.30pm, Sat-Sun from 10am

LA CROISSANTIERE
14 Northumberland Place, BA1 5AR
Tel: 01225 469641
Good-quality, reasonably priced eat-in or takeaway pasties, baguettes, pastries, soups and coffees, especially popular with tourists. Open Mon-Sat 8.30am-5.30pm, Sun 9am-5pm

LE PARISIEN & CAFE RENE
Shires Yard, BA1 1BX
Tel: 01225 447147
A little corner of France at the heart of the newly renovated, upmarket Shires Yard/Milsom Place shopping complex, one of the loveliest urban oases in Bath. Both Le Parisien and little sister Rene (next door) get very busy at weekends and when the sun comes out, but there’s plenty of alfresco seating (with heaters for winter months) in the very pretty courtyard, while both cafes offer the full-on brasserie experience indoors. A varied breakfast menu gives way to French-themed classics - croque-monsieurs, moules-frites, proper patisserie - as the day rolls on, guaranteeing an authentic Gallic vibe. Generously filled baguettes and homemade daily specials bolster the crowd-pleasing vibe - and in true French style, it’s licensed, too. Open Mon-Sat 8am-6pm, Sun 9am-5pm (selected eves during summer months)

NEW
LENNIE’S DELI & COFFEE SHOP
18 Claverton Buildings, Widcombe, BA2 4LD
Tel: 01225 313037
Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, fruit juices, cream teas, fine wines and filled rolls to eat in or take away, all within a charming, friendly environment. Fresh bread delivered daily. Open Mon-Sat 9.30am-5pm

MANGIA BENE
5-6 St James St, BA1 2TW
Tel: 01225 336106
Charming Mediterranean deli in gorgeous surroundings with a small cafe attached, serving classy breakfasts, stylish lunches and plenty of yum-yum at teatime. Great coffee, takeaway sandwiches and superb outside catering, famous homemade cakes and renowned charcuterie. Alfresco, too. Open Cafe: Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm, Sat 8.30am-4.30pm. Deli: Mon-Sat till 5pm

METROPOLITAN CAFE
15 New Bond St, BA1 1BA
Tel: 01225 482680, web: www.bloomsburystore.com
Gorgeous little cafe above an equally gorgeous gift shop. Locally sourced, largely organic and totally vegetarian goodies, from all-day breakfasts through ciabatta, bruschetta and sarnies to tarts, salads, soups and fabulous cakes, all served up with Illy coffee, organic and herbal teas, joyous juices or indulgent hot chocolate. Open Mon-Fri 9.30am-5pm, Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm

PRET A MANGER
2 Stall St, BA1 1QL
Tel: 020 7932 5370
Another link in this popular, successful Pret chain specialising in additive/preservative-free fast food, including ‘gourmet’ sandwiches, fresh soups/salads, falafel wraps, healthy snacks, sweet treats, fruit juices and smoothies, etc, all made from responsibly sourced ingredients wherever possible. Gluten/wheat/GM/dairy-free options proliferate throughout the menu; coffee is Fairtrade and organic. Open Mon-Sat 8am-6pm, Sun 9am-5pm

PUMP ROOM
Abbey Churchyard, BA1 1LZ
Tel: 01225 477782, web: www.romanbaths.co.uk
In the elegant environs of the Roman Baths complex, staff in pristine uniforms, a live classical music combo and a butler dispensing complimentary glasses of spa water turn this neo-classical salon into what’s probably the most civilised, traditional mid-afternoon refreshment experience in Bath. Lunch is available (from a classic modern British menu) but really, afternoon tea (from 2.30pm daily) is where it’s at. Find proper Welsh rarebit, scones and all manner of afternoon delights on the ALC menu, or go for a set deal (inc a champagne version) and enjoy delights such as smoked salmon sandwiches, cheese tarts and your pick from the pastry tray - eclairs, mille-feuille, cream horns, petits fours. Open Daily 9.30am-5pm

REAL ITALIAN ICE CREAM CO
17 York St, BA1 1NG
Tel: 01225 330121
Icy, creamy delights by the cone or tub, suffused with magical flavours: tiramisu, pistachio, hazelnut and the only green apple gelato available outside Harrods. There are shakes, hot chocolate and proper coffee, too, and fresh crepes to eat in or take out. Turn every day into a sundae here, or visit the equally charming Real Italian Pizza Co next for further dolce vita. Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm (Sun during summer months)

REGENCY TEA ROOMS
40 Gay St, Queen Square, BA1 2NT
Tel: 01225 443000, web: www.janeausten.co.uk
Fancy a nibble on Emma’s English muffins, Mr Bennet’s rich tasty toasties or cousin Collin’s crumpets? Heck, you might even fancy taking tea with Mr Darcy. If a ‘regency-style’ taste of afternoon delight appeals to your sense and sensibilities, this themed tearoom above the Jane Austen centre (in a Georgian townhouse, of course) has much to persuade you through the door. Non-Austen fans, meanwhile, are asked to leave their pride and prejudices with the top-hatted doorman. Open Daily 9.45am-5.30pm Apr-Sept (and till 7pm July-Aug), 11am-4.30pm Nov-Mar

RIVER COTTAGE CANTEEN AT KOMEDIA
22-23 Westgate St, BA1 1EP
Tel: 0845 293 8480, web: www.komedia.co.uk/bath
Freshly cooked seasonal and local treats. See Restaurants, English.

RIVERSIDE CAFE
17 Argyle St (below Pulteney Bridge), BA2 4BQ
Tel: 01225 480532, web: www.riversidecafebath.co.uk
Fully licensed cafe-restaurant offering fabulous weir views from the alfresco tables and unique, barrel-vaulted cave-like surroundings within. Get the day off to a flying start with some seriously good breakfast options before moving on to an amazing array of pan-global cuisine (pastas, enchiladas, soups, nachos, fish dishes) alongside scrumptious homemade desserts and cakes. The superb specials board hikes up a notch in readiness for evening service, and vegetarian options are superb. Open Mon-Sat 9am-5.30pm (Mar-Oct till 10pm)

ROYAL PAVILION CAFE
Royal Victoria Park, BA1 2NR
Tel: 01225 448860
Handy for the indoor tennis centre, bowling green, crazy golf course and that crescent, and boasting an alfresco balcony with spiffing views and tables under the trees out front, this is the Bath version of parklife. Swiss mountain chalet meets traditional British tearoom here, resulting in a low-key high-tea hotspot, offering sarnies, sausage rolls, homemade cakes and proper, potted tea at very reasonable prices alongside sturdy lunchtime specials (including, if you’re lucky, a full-on roast dinner). Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm (winter), Mon-Sun 9.30am-5.30pm (summer)

SALLY LUNN’S
4 North Parade Passage, BA1 1NX
Tel: 01225 461634, web: www.sallylunns.co.uk
See Restaurants, English.

SAME SAME BUT DIFFERENT
7a Princes Buildings, BA1 2ED
Tel: 01225 466856
Charming double-fronted cafe-bar on a traffic-free cobbled lane, with a couple of tables out front for summertime people-watching. Daytime menus boast hearty Mediterranean-themed snacks, platters, salads, etc, alongside lovely cakes and pastries, gradually giving way to sturdier goodies (tapas a speciality) as day turns into evening, from Thur to Sat. Good job it’s fully licensed, then. Open Mon-Wed 8am-6pm, Thur-Fri 8am-12midnight, Sat 9am-12midnight, Sun 10am-5pm

NEW
SECRET GARDEN CAFE AT PRIOR PARK GARDEN CENTRE
Prior Park Rd, BA2 4NF
Tel: 01225 427175, web: www.priorparkgardencentre.co.uk
Friendly, relaxed cafe at the heart of a lively garden centre. Freshly baked pastries (including superb croissants) at breakfast time, homecooked light-bite lunches and cream teas, sumptuous homemade cakes at teatime. All ingredients locally sourced from the producers who supply the garden centre’s farm shop (see Specialist Food Suppliers). Open Mon-Sat 8.30am-5.30pm (6pm summer months), Sun 10.30am-4.30pm

SHOON
14 Old Bond St, BA1 1BP
Tel: 01225 445309
A trendy urban outfitter’s on street level, with a lovely cosmopolitan cafe upstairs, perfect for modern-day ladies (and gentlemen) who lunch. Superb bagels are a must-try, with the exceedingly well-dressed salads coming a close second. Then again, you could just head straight for a slice of homemade cake at teatime… very yummy mummy. Open Mon-Sat 9.30am-5pm, Sun 11.30am-4pm

SPRINGS CAFÉ & RESTAURANT
Thermae Bath Spa, Hot Bath St, BA1 1SJ
Tel: 01225 331 234, web: www.thermaebathspa.com
Georgian meets contemporary in this airy café/restaurant for those using the spa facilities, serving up a wide range of healthy, locally sourced options, from tasty soups to omelettes. Check out their current Twilight Package: 3-hour spa session plus a main course and drink for £37.50.

STARBUCKS
13 Old Bond St, BA1 1BP
Tel: 01224 443409, web: www.starbucks.co.uk
Grab a tall skinny half-caff hazelnut latte with whip or strawberries & cream Frappuccino to go, or sit down inside with a Tazo Refresh while you discover the meaning of ‘third space’ philosophy (and of course there’s Wi-Fi access), or enjoy a cup of coffee (Fairtrade available) and a panini/sandwich/muffin at one of the pavement tables out front. Open Daily 8am-7pm

NEW
TEAHOUSE EMPORIUM
22a New Bond St, BA1 1BA
Tel: 01225 334402, web: www.teahouseemporium.co.uk
Stylish, tranquil teahouse in an atmospheric 18th century cellar. Vast selection of expertly brewed traditional and specialist teas, tisanes and infusions and freshly ground coffee. Open Sun-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-6pm

WAVERLEY CAFE
Kingsmead Square, BA1 2AF
Tel: 01225 462553
Busy, buzzy, crowd-pleasing affair specialising in traditional Brit-caff menu treats. Leave the cholesterol counter at the door and enjoy dead cheap fry-ups from breakfast to closing time (the all-day breakfast is superb), alongside standards-with-chips (lasagne, pies, roast dinners, omelettes), sarnies, cakes and endless mugs of tea and coffee. Open Mon-Sun 7.30am-5.30pm

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