This is one of those places, so rare in Bath, where you can turn up in jeans or a cocktail dress, trainers or Manolos, and still feel right at home. Sun-seekers, meanwhile, should definitely pack a pashmina and head straight for the peaceful walled garden: yet another of Bath’s ‘secret’ alfresco hotspots.

The properly French chef here once cooked at the Ritz (don’t you know), but he’s clearly at home at the helm of his own little Franglais bistro, more Marais than Monaco in ambience and irrefutably oozing Gallic charm. Décor is quietly chic, with sturdy furniture softened by white linen and fresh flowers, but when busy, the table next door to you can feel a little bit too close for comfort. Having said that, once the aromas from the kitchen float into your very British attitude to personal space, the soul-soothing begins: this is very classy French comfort food indeed. Be nice and the owners might treat you to a snifter of their homemade orange liqueur to at coffee time.

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A-Z of Bath Restaurants • Alfresco hotspots • Gourmet restaurants • Lazy cafes & restaurants • Lunch-time destinations • Romantic restaurants