Cafes

Bath

ADVENTURE CAFE
5 Princes Buildings, George St, BA1 2ED
Tel: 01225 462038, web: www.adventure.000space.com
● Part cafe, part bar, with buzzing sunspot outback and menu covering all eventualities at all times of the day – try the aptly named Hangover Breakfasts. Lunch includes gourmet sandwiches, panini and salads. Evenings see homemade burgers, steak-frites, fish & chips, pizzas and sharing platters. Continental beers, cool cocktails and thoughtful wine list, or drink espresso till bedtime. Open Tue-Sat 10am-12midnight. Breakfast 10am-12noon, lunch/light bites 12noon-6pm, dinner 6-9pm

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. Open Mon-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm

BONGHY-BO’S
2-3 Barton Court, Upper Borough Walls, BA1 1RZ
Tel: 01225 462276
● Gorgeous little split-level alfresco courtyard, and friendly, funky, fully licensed refectory within. Food is ‘smart caff’ (good coffee, thoughtful teas, superb cakes). Classy quiche/jacket spuds/salad selection, plus Asian-themed crowd pleasers and wallet-friendly noodle/rice bases served by staff with a genuine delight in guiding your choices. Open Daily 9am-6pm (hours vary with seasons and local events - call for updates)

BOSTON TEA PARTY
Kingsmead Square, BA1 2AE
Tel: 01225 313901, web: www.bostonteaparty.co.uk
● Much-loved Bath cafe society hotspot, with a strong emphasis on ethical sourcing, environmental responsibility and charitable causes. Offers requisite cool in summer (big shaded terrace out front) and snug cosiness in winter (hot chocolate, wholesome cakes). Real tea in real china pots, real coffee in all sizes, and real food (healthy, hearty, largely whole meal) at very reasonable prices. Breakfasts are particularly splendid. 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 baked-on-the-premises pasties, sausage rolls, pies, etc, at non-scary prices and in a great location. Gets packed to queuing capacity at peak times. Regularly changing morning coffee/afternoon tea offers. Open Sun-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-6pm

CAFE DU GLOBE
1a North Parade, BA1 1LF
Tel: 01225 466437, web: www.cafeduglobe.co.uk
● Large bay window offers excellent people-watching opportunities at this cheery little caff by day. Come evening, candlelight and fresh flowers add a romantic spin. Lunch menus concentrate on shoppers’ fare (pizza, pasta, omelettes, wraps, big salads, toasted sandwiches). Afternoon tea served 3.30-5pm. Evenings are largely given over to Moroccan classics, reflecting the owner’s Casablanca roots. Open Daily 10am-10.30pm

CAFE RETRO
18 York St, BA1 1NG
Tel: 01225 339347, web: www.caferetro.co.uk
● Easygoing independent cafe-restaurant serving boisterous breakfasts, pastas, sandwiches and plenty of vegetarian options at bargain prices in characterful surroundings. Fully licensed, and great Abbey views from the first floor. Retro to Go (next door) sells baguettes, panini and smoothies to Bathonians in a hurry. Open Daily 9am-5pm (10am Sun)

CAFE ROUGE
15 Milsom St, BA1 1DE
Tel: 01225 462368, web: www.caferouge.co.uk
● Friendly, authentic French cafe-bar/brasserie/restaurant serving high-quality food in convivial surroundings. See Restaurants, French. Open Mon-Sat 9am-11pm, Sun 10am-10.30pm

CAFE SHOON
14 Old Bond St, BA1 1BP
Tel: 01225 445309, web: www.cafeshoon.co.uk
● Lovely cosmopolitan cafe with rooftop views, above a trendy urban outfitter’s upstairs - perfect for modern-day ladies and gentlemen (and smart children, who get their own ‘Little Persons’ menu) who lunch. Superb bagels, exceedingly well dressed salads and yummy homemade cakes. Open Mon-Sat 9.30am-5pm, Sun 11.30am-4pm

CAFFE NERO
11 Old Bond St, BA1 1BP Tel: 01225 470390
21 High St, BA1 5AJ Tel: 01225 462504, web: www.caffenero.com
● More European coffee house than high-street chain in ambience. Seriously good coffee (including Fairtrade) and Italian-influenced ciabattas, panini, salads, fresh soups, biscotti and sweet stuff. Lots of drinks (hot and cold, smoothies) and fresh croissants/continental pastries. Takeaway, Wi-Fi, and small pavement patio at Bond St branch. Open Mon-Sat 7am-7pm (High St: Sat 7.30am), Sun 9am-6pm

CHANDOS DELI
12 George St, BA1 2EH
Tel: 01225 314418, web: www.chandosdeli.com
● Stylish deli-cafe drawing classy foodie inspirations from around the world. Menus feature superb sandwiches, salads, soups and gorgeous antipasti, based around fresh, seasonal ingredients. See also Egg Cafe. Open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 11am-5pm

NEW
CHAPEL ARTS CENTRE CAFE
Lower Borough Walls, BA1 1QR
Tel: 01225 461700, web:  www.chapelarts.org
● Bright and breezy vegetarian cafe beneath the community arts mecca that is the Chapel Arts Centre. Open Mon-Sat 11am-6pm (and also occasional events – see website for details)

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
● Cheerful Chandos Deli refreshment pit-stop attached to one of the UK’s most prestigious young people’s theatre projects. Smashing sarnies (freshly made using Hobbs House bread), oven-fresh cookies, sumptuous cakes, sticky flapjacks, sugar mice, organic chocolate and fashionably retro jelly beans. Excellent coffee, and tables on traffic-free street outside. Open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun: if there’s a show on, one hour prior to curtain-up till start of last performance

NEW
GOURMET SCOFFS
9 Terrace Walk, BA1 1LN
Tel: 01225 471137
● Freshly cooked, downhome goodies and treats all day, from full English breakfast to sandwiches, sausage rolls, scotch eggs, fishcakes, chunky chips, homemade cakes, pastries, etc. Open Mon-Sat 8am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm

NEW
GREEN ROOM AT THE MISSION THEATRE
32 Corn St, BA1 1UF
Tel: 01225 428600, web: www.missiontheatre.co.uk
● Characterful, vibrant, totally vegetarian theatre-cafe, open for elevenses and lunch (and during the evening in line with selected performances). Food (cakes, soup, salads, sandwiches, tagines, etc) is all freshly prepared on the premises. Licensed – see website for forthcoming ‘Supper and Dine’ events. Open Tue-Fri 10.30am-2.30pm

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. Specialise 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
● Family-run coffee shop and traditional tearoom. Snacks and light bites (breakfasts, ploughman’s, quiches, pies, baguettes) throughout the day. Comes into its own at high-tea time, when clotted cream teas are a speciality. Serves cutesy cupcakes and the famous Bath Bun, created by 18th century physician Dr Oliver. Visit Hands Deli just round the corner for a take-out. 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
● Street-level shop packed with Tyrol/Alpine-related knick-knackery and, downstairs, 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, properly cosy surroundings. Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm

JAZZ CAFE
Kingsmead Square, BA1 2AA
Tel: 01225 329002, web: www.bathjazzcafe.co.uk
● Friendly, independent cafe-bistro serving modern Med/global flavours, with big breakfasts, Euro-bread sarnies/wraps and salads available all day. Substantial treats (fishcakes, etc) on the specials board, and cupcakes on the counter come tea-time. Licensed. Open Mon-Sat 8.30am-6pm, Sun 10.30am-4pm

NEW
JIKA JIKA COFFEE HOUSE & CANTEEN
4a Princes Buildings, George St, BA1 2ED
Tel: 01225 429903, web: www.jikajika.co.uk
● The brainchild of Bath, England and British Lions rugby stars Lee Mears and Matt Stevens, this lively venture offers fresh coffee, leaf teas and a simple, straightforward menu driven by locally sourced inspirations, including substantial breakfasts, hearty sandwiches, real pizza and some interesting Medi-themed specials. Free Wi-Fi, small library, licensed. Open Mon-Fri 7.30am-8pm (9pm Fri), Sat 8.30am-9pm, Sun 10.30am-4pm

NEW
JUICE MOOSE
6 Abbey Churchyard, BA1 1LY
Tel: 01225 758132, web: www.juicemoose.com
● Sit upstairs, downstairs or on the covered patio with Abbey Churchyard and Pump Room views. Fresh, wholesome grub with an emphasis on local, organic and free-range. Their Super Food Powder is a balanced formulation of the most easily digestible fat-burning compounds and nutrient-dense herbs and foods on the planet, blended into a variety of smoothies. Open Daily 8.30am-5pm (10.30am Sun)

KINDLING
9a Claverton Buildings, BA2 4LD
Tel: 01225 442125
● Ace breakfasts, scrumptious sarnies, homemade sweet and savoury pastries (including veggie options) and cakes alongside local, organic, homemade and fairly traded food and drink. Warm, welcoming atmosphere, free Wi-Fi, toys for the kids. Open Mon-Fri 7.30am-4.30pm, Sat-Sun from 10am

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

LE PARISIEN
Shires Yard, BA1 1BX
Tel: 01225 447147, web: www.leparisien.co.uk
● A little corner of France at the heart of the upmarket Shires Yard/Milsom Place shopping complex. Very busy at weekends and when the sun comes out, but there’s plenty of alfresco seating (with heaters for winter months) in the pretty courtyard. Full-on brasserie experience indoors. Varied breakfast menu, and French-themed classics (croque-monsieurs, moules-frites, proper patisserie) as the day rolls on. Generously filled baguettes and homemade daily specials. Licensed. Open Mon-Sat 8am-6pm, Sun 9am-5pm (some eves in summer)

NEW
LIME LOUNGE
11 Margarets Buildings, BA1 2LP
Tel: 01225 421251, web: www.limeloungebath.co.uk
● Chic, charming, fully licensed cafe/bistro on one of Bath’s prettiest traffic-free lanes. Breakfast rolls, pastries and thoroughly decent coffee. Gourmet sandwiches, salads, etc, dominate proceedings at lunchtime. Enjoy a lively, modern-Brit bistro menu (scallops, steaks, fresh fish dishes, homemade puds) four evenings a week. Open Sun-Tue 8am-3pm, Wed-Sat 8am-10.30pm

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, lunches and teatime treats. 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 and ciabatta, bruschetta and sarnies to tarts, salads, soups and fabulous cakes. Illy coffee, organic and herbal teas, nice juices and indulgent hot chocolate. Open Mon-Fri 9.30am-5pm, Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm

NEW
MOLES MUSIC CAFE
14 George St, BA1 2EN
Tel: 01225 404405, www.moles.co.uk
● This lovely, lively, laidback cafe - serving comforting, wallet-friendly homecooked treats all day - is a welcome addition to the Moles mini-complex. Open Daily 11.30am till late

PRESTO
7 Abbey Churchyard, BA1 1LY
Tel: 01225 338803, web: www.pastypresto.com
● Sandwiches, salads, soups and pastries alongside pasties and savouries freshly baked on the premises each day, plus Fairtrade coffee. Pavement seating with excellent views of live street entertainment opposite the Pump Room. Open Mon-Sat 9am-5.30pm

PRET A MANGER
2 Stall St, BA1 1QL
Tel: 020 7932 5370
● Popular chain specialising in additive/preservative-free fast food, including gourmet sandwiches, fresh soups/salads, falafel wraps, healthy snacks, sweet treats, fruit juices and smoothies, made from responsibly sourced ingredients wherever possible. Gluten/wheat/GM/dairy-free options proliferate. 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, uniformed staff, live classical music and a butler dispensing complimentary glasses of spa water turn this neo-classical salon into one of Bath’s most civilised, traditional afternoon tea (from 2.30pm daily) experiences. Lunch is classic modern British (there’s proper Welsh rarebit on the ALC menu). Set deals, too, including a champagne version. Smoked salmon sandwiches, cheese tarts and 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: tiramisu, pistachio, hazelnut, and the only green apple gelato available outside Harrods. Shakes, hot chocolate and proper coffee, plus fresh crepes to eat in or take out. Find the equally charming Real Italian Pizza Co next door. Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm (Sundays in summer)

REGENCY TEA ROOMS
40 Gay St, Queen Square, BA1 2NT
Tel: 01225 443000, web: www.janeausten.co.uk
● Regency-style afternoon delights at this themed tearoom above the Jane Austen centre (in a Georgian townhouse, of course). Non-Austen fans are asked to leave their pride and prejudices with the top-hatted doorman. Open Daily 9.45am-5.30pm Apr-Sept (July-Aug till 7pm), 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 courtesy of Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. See Restaurants, English. Open Mon-Sun 9am-4pm, Wed-Sun 7-9.45pm. Bakery: Wed-Sat 9am-3pm.

RIVERSIDE CAFE
17 Argyle St (below Pulteney Bridge), BA2 4BQ
Tel: 01225 480532, web: www.riversidecafebath.co.uk
● Charming cafe-bar in a unique location right on Pulteney Weir, serving fabulous breakfasts and fresh, homecooked lunches and, from March-October, thoughtfully eclectic suppers on a modern British/Mediterranean/global theme. See Restaurants, World & Pacific Fusion. Open Mon-Sat 9am-5.30pm (Mar-Oct till 10pm)

ROYAL PAVILION CAFE
Royal Victoria Park, BA1 2NR
Tel: 01225 448860
● Swiss mountain chalet meets traditional British tearoom. Low-key high-tea hotspot - sarnies, sausage rolls, homemade cakes and proper and potted tea at very reasonable prices, plus sturdy lunchtime specials (including, if you’re lucky, a full-on roast dinner). Spiffing views from the alfresco balcony and tables under the trees outfront. 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
● Quintessentially English afternoon teas, and dinner later on. See Restaurants, English. Open Mon-Thur 10am-9pm, Fri-Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 11am-9pm

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

SECRET GARDEN CAFE AT PRIOR PARK GARDEN CENTRE
Prior Park Rd, BA2 4NF
Tel: 01225 427175, web: www.priorparkgardencentre.co.uk
● Friendly, vibrant cafe at this lively garden centre. Freshly baked pastries (superb croissants) at breakfast time, homecooked light-bite lunches and cream teas, sumptuous homemade cakes at teatime - and excellent chips. Ingredients locally sourced from producers who supply the garden centre’s farm shop. Open Mon-Sat 8.30am-5.30pm (summer 6pm), Sun 10.30am-4.30pm

SPRINGS CAFE & RESTAURANT
Thermae Bath Spa, Hot Bath St, BA1 1SJ
Tel: 01225 331 234, web: www.thermaebathspa.com
● Airy cafe/restaurant for the exclusive use of those using the Thermae Spa facilities. Healthy, locally sourced options, from tasty soups to omelettes. Their current Twilight Package means a three-hour spa session plus main course and drink for £39.

SQUEEZE JUICE CAFE
7 Pulteney Bridge, BA2 4AX
Tel: 07726 101755, web: www.squeezejuicecafe.com
● Healthy, principled juice bar and cafe with lively, vivid, fresh decor. Choose from life-giving elixirs and power juices (Energy, Revive, Detox), create your own blend or customise your shot with superfoods like spirulina or wheatgrass. Traditional, upmarket coffee and tea if you can’t live without caffeine. Healthy breakfast menu, salads, sandwiches, pasta, homemade muffins and yoghurts all feature on the massive menu. Open Mon-Fri 7.30am-6pm, Sat 8am-6pm, Sun 9am-5pm

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. Or enjoy a coffee (Fairtrade available) and panini/sandwich/muffin at a pavement table out front (avoiding massive branding/marketing overload in the process). Wi-Fi access. Open Daily 8am-7pm

NEW
TEA TIME
12 Dorchester St, BA1 1SS
Tel: 01225 444990
● Charmingly pretty traditional cafe offering welcome respite to SouthGate centre shoppers and travellers using Bath Spa Railway Station (just across the road). Sandwiches and plenty of sweet treats all day - gorgeous cupcakes and sticky buns. Open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm

TEAHOUSE EMPORIUM
22a New Bond St, BA1 1BA
Tel: 01225 334402, web: www.teahouseemporium.co.uk
● Tranquil teahouse in an atmospheric 18th century cellar. Vast selection of expertly brewed traditional and specialist teas, tisanes and infusions, and freshly ground coffee. Highly trained staff can talk you through the brews. Street-level shop does a roaring trade in stylish teatime accessories. Open Sun-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-6pm

NEW
TIME OUT
Guildhall Market, BA2 4AW
● American diner/milk bar-themed cafe at the heart of the Guildhall market, where high stools at the counter focus on a bustling kitchen that serves up sandwiches, filled bagels, cakes, tea-time treats and all manner of downhome loveliness all day long. Open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm

WAVERLEY CAFE
Kingsmead Square, BA1 2AF
Tel: 01225 462553
● Busy, buzzy, crowd-pleasing and 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 (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

NEW
WILD CAFE
10a Queen St, BA1 1HE
Tel: 01225 448673, web: www.wildcafe.co.uk
● Making full use of the empty nest left behind by Blackstone’s Kitchen, this cheerful cafe uses local, seasonal, sustainable produce. Satisfying breakfasts, lunches and downhome tea-time treats, mostly cooked before your eyes in an open kitchen. Highlights include the flexible brunch menu, power-packed salads, mussels cooked in cider and perfect fish & chips. Open Mon-Sat 8am-5pm (eves in the pipeline)

YMCA
International House, Broad St Place, BA1 5LH
Tel: 01225 325900, web: www.bathymca.co.uk
● One of Bath’s ‘best-kept secrets’ (until now), tucked away behind a courtyard reached via a quaint little alleyway or ancient stone steps. Homecooked favourites at extremely wallet-friendly prices, including continental and full English breakfasts, lunch specials like fish & chips, proper pies and fresh salads. Sweet treats go large here, and there’s alfresco courtyard seating. Open Breakfast: Mon-Fri 7am-9am, Sat-Sun 8am-10am. Lunch: Mon-Fri 12noon-2pm

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