Bath Restaurants

If you ignore the fact that Sawclose has temporarily turned into a building site (see the Going Out blog for an update), Bath is looking bloomin’ lovely at the moment – not least of all on the foodie front. And if you’re planning to restock the larder with suitably fresh produce, there are a couple of options The Pig urges you to make the most of if you’re in search of inspiration.

First off, there are two very welcome recent additions to the food shopping scene.

While The Pig mourns the passing of the Epicurean Deli in Northumberland Place, replacement venture Roscoff Deli offers a lighthearted blast of condolence displacement. “My granny has always cooked for me and shown me how to make her specialities, so now I can share them with others and perhaps even make them famous!”, Sicilian-born Roscoff head honcho Rosario Bavetta tells The Pig. As you might expect from such a mission statement, dolce vita themed loveliness goes large here. But specialities sourced closer to home aren’t overlooked; having co-owned the Bath branch of the Boston Tea Party before moving on to be their regional operations manager, Rosario is no stranger to the glories of our local produce. “I just want to serve people great food and make them feel special – that’s what I’m good at” explains Rosario. Indeed you are, Mr Bavetta – indeed you are.

Meanwhile, the Guildhall Market is becoming an increasingly foodie experience, buoyed along by the arrival of Jack’s greengrocers and bakery at the heart of the action. At long last, the Guildhall – already home to a fabulous deli (Deli Shush), an excellent cheesemonger (Nibbles) and the lively retro Americana experience that is the Time Out cafe (plus a darn good greasy spoon for hungover days) – has become a one-stop shop for the thoughtful larder stocker.

If, however, you’re one of those fashionable foragers who prefer to take your custom to the great outdoors (and fingers crossed, we’ve got the weather for such shenanigans), then keep a close eye out for the abundant crop of wild garlic that’s lining Bath’s lanes, hedgerows and even city parks right now. Look for rocket-like vivid green leaves that, when rubbed, give off a mildly garlicky aroma and use them to add a vibrant seasonal dimension to salads, hot dishes and the classic Easter Sunday dish that is roast spring lamb. But act fast; wild garlic – like the Easter bunny himself – doesn’t linger for long.