Although I’ve lived in Bath for more than five years,
when my chum Laura suggested we meet at this place for lunch, I must confess I
had to Google it. It turned out that I’d walked past the shop on the ground
floor many times, and never seen the café tucked away above it. But it was
entirely my loss, because this is a little gem – warm and friendly, with
delicious, reasonably-priced food and a surprising amount of space. Candles on
the tables and brightly colour artwork on the walls give it a cosy feel, and
the staff are polite and cheery. Something about this place feels hidden away,
almost as if it’s a secret only for the initiated – sitting in the window and
peeping out at the narrow pedestrianized street below, lined with independent
shops and bustling with shoppers, is part of this place’s special charm.
In keeping with the shop below, which sells a huge
variety of handmade, Fairtrade gifts and trinkets, the café offers freshly-made
dishes and responsibly-sourced ingredients. Although the menu isn’t
particularly extensive, the sandwiches, toasties and salads available are all
presented with care and very appetising. I’d particularly recommend the Greek
toasty – warm, melted halloumi with pesto and peppers, served with a dressed
salad, handmade chutney and crisps – and the homemade cakes are delicious too.
There’s also breakfast on offer, which I haven’t tried but would confidently
expect to be fab. Pop in here on a grey and chilly day, order a pot of tea, and
just relax in the warm and friendly atmosphere. Oh, and remember this place is
a secret, ok? We’ll just keep it between ourselves…
