Jamie’s Italian

Depending on your personal opinion of the man behind the brand, Jamie’s Italian is either good-looking, great fun and excellent value for money or a ruthlessly commercial venture that poses a huge threat to local businesses. After much deliberation, The Pig declares both perspectives to be entirely valid, offering the rejoinder that this smart 140-seater diner employs hundreds of local people, bulk-buys produce from local suppliers and attracts yet more visitors to Bath as a thoughtful teaser to the ‘threat’ debate. The long queues that build up at peak times are frustrating, portion sizes can be inconsistent and fast turnover sometimes gets sacrificed in favour of attention to detail (we recommend that you take your own loo paper). But if you want wallet-friendly, low-fuss, big-flavour food served up in a lively atmosphere, you can’t beat it. Meanwhile, the alfresco terrace should win an award for offering what’s probably the prettiest rooftop view of Bath. Oliver’s Army is here to stay: pukka up!