The Pig sincerely hopes that our impressions of this recently revamped, intimate bar and grill don’t anger Christophe Lacroix, the local superchef at the hob helm here – after all, there’s nothing worse than a fired-up Frenchman to have to deal with (especially after one or two cocktails). But despite the danger, it has to be said that 1453 – formerly the Beau Bar, today named after the date the Hundred Years War ended with the expulsion of the Plantagenets from France – does have a distinctly 1980’s vibe about it, thanks in no small part to the super-glam regulars (think, the ladies from a Robert Palmer video meet the gentlemen from Miami Vice) who keep the tiny bar propped up during busy weekend evenings. Thankfully, the vibe on the food front doesn’t follow suit – you won’t find nouvelle cuisine here. Instead, a short but perfectly formed menu features upper-crust incarnations of seductive Franglais classics ranging from croque monsieur, omelettes, sophisticated burgers etc at lunchtime, giving way to more substantial but equally stylish options including snails, Henry iv beef en croute, cotes de boeuf for 2 (£40; pre-order 24 hours in advance) and daily fresh fish specials as the sun starts to set on Monmouth Street. Having said all that, the 1453 experience is most definitely not all about the food, and is as much of a contemporary urban neighbourhood bar (tasteful wine selection, cocky cocktails, etc) as it is a mini-foodie haven. Haven’t found it yet? Head for the Ustinov Theatre – 1453 is right next door. Alternatively, look for the Sade/Don Johnson lookalikes flirting on the pavement tables outside (just don’t tell Christophe we said that!).

Want to enjoy a taste of stylish Gallic charm slightly farther away from the madding crowd? The 1453 head honchos have recently magpied their way into the cosy nest recently vacated by the original owners of classy London Road gastropub One Beaufort.

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A-Z of Bath Restaurants • Alfresco hotspots • Lunch-time destinations • Party venues