Restaurants in Bath (not Gordon Jones, sadly)

[LaMarschallin]

Help!
I've booked a few days away next week with DH in Bath.
I've got tickets for the theatre and a pre-theatre meal at the Circus booked for one evening. I thought I had a table booked at Menu Gordon Jones for another evening, but I'd heard nothing back. Rang tonight and they are closed all next week - curses!
I thought about Lucknam Park as I've stayed there before, but DH would prefer somewhere we can walk to rather than a taxi ride.
In a bit of a panic, I booked the Botanist. However, I'm looking at the reviews and it doesn't look good.
Any recommendations for a nice (doesn't have to be Michelin starred or anything) restaurant in Bath, walking distance from the Bird (30 mins at most).
Thanks in advance 😊

Erm, "fire-led"??

I'm feeling so much better. I've made a list of available places - and walk-ins as DH doesn't like being too organised, which means marrying me might have been a mistake! - and we'll go over them tomorrow.
Incredibly grateful for all the advice. As you can probably tell from the late hour, I've been panicking rather but feel fine now thanks to you all.
Good night for now x

Agree with Landrace, Ember, Beckford and Walcot House - all worth a visit.

The shopping in Bath has also got a lot better in the last 12 months.

Yep, that's how the restaurant is described on their website. Much of the menu is hearth-fired over charcoal and is an open kitchen, so you can watch them while they do it. Very nice food, including a full vegan menu.

Adding Raphael to the list, have been a few times and it’s always good.

Really grateful to everyone who has replied. Had an enjoyable time checking out menus, availability and distance from the Bird. It's going to be a hard job!
I'm definitely peckish and ready for my lunch now 😊

And you’ve got that lovely walk down Great Pulteney Street from The Bird into the city centre. Enjoy !

Thank you!
I'm getting really excited now 😊

It’s impossible to have a conversation in The Botanist - I don’t know if it’s the glass dome or the shape of the room, but it’s deafeningly loud in there

The botanist is definitely nothing special. I’ve been an extra in the background during filming for First Dates and the food was meh to be honest

Seems such a shame to go to the Botanist when there are an handful of excellent authentic restaurants in Bath. No local adult of any discernment would ever go to the botanist for a meal except for a teens birthday at their request.

We liked Sottosotto and the olive tree. We also had a historical brunch at Sally Lunns.

There’s so many places that are good, there’s a pub on Walcott Street called bell inn with live music and djs that has good pizza 4 nights a week for something different

Also there’s a nice Greek restaurant jars mezze

Was just coming on to recommend that, @bababamama !

Royal Crescent also, very friendly and welcoming staff.

Make sure to have a cocktail in Fidels especially if you like rum. The best. Ole tapas is fab as well, tiny inside but great food.

Also Rosarios (Italian café ) in Northumberland Place - the hot chocolate is to die for- and “take the cannoli” !
You really are spoilt for choice, @LaMarschallin .
Hope you have the very best time.

Another recommendation for Jars Meze. Wonderful authentic Greek food. Homely and you really feel they care about everything.

We also had a lovely time at SanRemo, Italian with excellent service.

I'm so grateful for all the recommendations. As I said, I panicked a bit when I realised Menu Gordon Jones was off the agenda and, initially, the Botanist looked nice.
Then I started reading the reviews...😱
It sounds rather like being featured on First Date (something I don't watch so wasn't aware of the association) has really spoiled it.
It's so reassuring to have good local knowledge from all of you.
Wondering if we can fit in some of these places for lunch too as we're spoilt for choice!

@OneoftheWeddingPeople
Seems such a shame to go to the Botanist when there are an handful of excellent authentic restaurants in Bath. No local adult of any discernment would ever go to the botanist for a meal except for a teens birthday at their request.

Fair enough.
That'll be why we're not going, as I'm sure you understand.
I think you recommended Pintxo - now that was a useful comment.

@Yiayoula

and “take the cannoli” !

😃 ...but leave the guns?

DH loves cannoli (yikes! Auto-carrot changed "cannoli" to "cannabis" - so glad I noticed) and I'm hardly averse myself.

Agreed. Great little place for coffee or lunch.

This was going to be my suggestion.

I’ve taken dc to the botanist twice and the first time was great, second was in 2025 and it was really shabby/run down. Wouldn’t go for a meal with dh. I do like the Ivy in Bath but the Francis Hotel is lovely. I also like Browns but it is a chain obviously.

Root, Beckford (Canteen or Bottle Shop), Circus is good (see you’ve already got a reservation), The Chequers is lovely (even if just for a pre dinner drink). The Botanist has its place, just not in Bath (unless you’re on a hen do).

Definitely one of our favourites 😊