While the Moon and Sixpence, the Walrus and Carpenter, Jaflong, Onefishtwofish, No 5 and GG’s Steakhouse closed their doors for good in 2011, we welcomed the River Canteen, Cote Brasserie, La Perla, the Tasting Room, Sam’s Kitchen, the Mint Room and the Cosy Club with open arms. But although rumours of a triple-dip recession blights our larders, the Heritage City, it seems, has plenty more new restaurant openings to look forward to (or, in the case of those struggling independent ventures, dread) as the year rolls along.
It’s hotly tipped that both Raymond Blanc and Antonio Carluccio will be opening branches of their highly-acclaimed national chains in the city this year, with sites including the restaurant formerly known as Brasserie Gerard (Grand Parade) and the Francis Hotel dining rooms (Queens Square) both the subject of hot makeover gossip. Both Raymond and Antonio, however, could be considering new homes in the £12m scheme currently under wraps around Bath Spa railway station, resulting in the last phase of the £360m SouthGate redevelopment scheme. The flagship location at the heart of the project will be based at the top of the car park area and offer views across the railway lines (hoorah? Hardly!) while six other restaurant units are being built under the existing 19th century building itself. Development director Jon Munce says that head honchos are considering proposals from a mix of national and independent restaurateurs, but adds that ultimately, [the project] will be “commercially driven”. Meanwhile, it looks highly likely that Italian-themed restaurant chain Prezzo will be moving in to the controversial Bluecoat House redevelopment (Upper Borough Walls) while the whole Sawclose area in general is likely to be given some sort of commercial makeover courtesy of our friends at BANES council this summer. Doom or development? Only time will tell.
Elsewhere, the brand new Roman Baths Cafe is set to erase the nightmare that was Binks on Abbey Churchyard this spring, and brand new venture The Ivy is due to open at a site on Pulteney Bridge any moment now.
What next? Whatever it is, you’ll read about it here first. Got any hot gossip yourself? We’d love to hear from you! Happy New Year, one and all.
Comments