An authentic version of the ‘third space’ (neither home nor office) concept that the high-street coffee chains so desperately try to construct, this café/bar/bistro hybrid almost effortlessly creates a home-from-home ambience. Chunky furniture scattered with magazines and books offer an eclectic mixture of regulars (from yummy mummies to office bods) lounging opportunities all day long, with pavement tables for smokers and sunseekers. Lunchtime sandwiches are sturdy, to say the least, there’s excellent coffee, and, from Thursday to Saturday evenings, the tapas platters are among the best the city has to offer. However, service can be a little erratic and the artwork on the walls is almost always amateur. As for the perilous journey down the twisty staircase to the loos… all we can do is wish you luck.

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