11 Best Restaurants in Bath and the Cotswolds, England

The Find

$ Fodor's choice

An artisan kitchen and coffeehouse, the Find is one of the best places in Cheltenham for afternoon tea. The Regency drawing room is an elegant spot, and the tea menu perfectly balances savory and sweet treats, incorporating British favorites, such as sausage rolls and coronation chicken sandwiches, with a contemporary twist. The fruit scones are fluffy, and you can add a glass or two of Champagne for the ultimate indulgence. There's also a tasty breakfast, brunch, and lunch menu if you are peckish earlier in the day.

The Pig Near Bath

$$$ Fodor's choice

The Bath outpost of the growing Pig empire is a funky but chic "restaurant with rooms" in a converted country house in the Mendip Hills. It's all about the local and seasonal here (everything comes from within a 25-mile radius): kale, arugula, and other leaves and veggies are sourced from the Pig’s kitchen garden; apples, pears, and apricots come from its orchard; and pork, chicken, quail, and venison are provided by animals raised on the property. Salmon, pancetta, and bacon are smoked on-site. The results are exceptionally fresh and flavorsome dishes like loin of home-reared venison or “Kentucky-fried” wild rabbit. Dining alfresco in summer, when the wood-fired oven gets going, is a delight. The 29 comfortable and reasonably priced rooms are decorated with an elegant simplicity and have glorious views. It's located about 8 miles from Bath, off the A368.

Boho Marché

$$

At Boho Marché, Morocco meets the Mediterranean, with delicious platters featuring dishes such as marinated eggplant, jben cheese, and a zingy green slaw for lunch. In the evening, start with a cocktail and then order from the a la carte menu; the seared salmon carpaccio and slow-braised ox cheek with creamy mash and red wine jus are particularly good. On a nice day, you can eat outside on the terrace.

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Boston Tea Party

$

Sit in this bustling café and watch the comings and goings of the Bath square outside and take your pick from the all-day menu. Impressive choices include everything from croque monsieurs to Cuban sandwiches. There's also a wide range of teas, coffees, and smoothies.

Broadway Deli

$

A bustling small café, Broadway Deli serves breakfasts, coffee, and light lunches. You can browse local cheeses, honey, fresh fruit, and vegetables amid a constant stream of locals and visitors alike. Take a seat and enjoy your meal, or stock up for a picnic.

Eight Bells

$$

Close to St. James Church, this traditional tavern has low beams, a flagstone floor, and a small courtyard. The long menu includes daily specials, local ales, and enticing dishes like confit duck and deep-fried fish-and-chips. Freshly baked ciabatta sandwiches served at lunchtime are easy on the wallet. The service is swift and ideal for those in a rush. There are also six rooms where you can stay.

Huxleys

$

At this beamed and buzzing little café, locals drop in to discuss horses and dogs over a glass of wine, families gather around the big round table for lunch, and tired shoppers sink into armchairs for a reviving coffee. The Italian-inspired menu is filled with light dishes like antipasti, bruschetta, soups, baked potatoes, and salads. An English baker makes the cake specials on-site daily. There's also a terrace for warm days; the café stays open for dinner Thursday through Saturday.

MBB Brasserie

$

There's energy and buzz at this plate-glass-and-chrome eatery, situated right by the Cornhall, which serves late breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks with a smile. Light bites like buffalo mozzarella, hot smoked salmon Nicoise, and deep-fried calamari with fennel salad are particularly tasty. You can also pick something up from their sister company, Corn Hall Deli, for a picnic.

The Angel at Burford

$$

At this informal eatery in a 16th-century coaching inn, the farmhouse-style tables are filled with traditional dishes with locally sourced ingredients. The secluded garden is the perfect place to enjoy lunchtime baguettes or sandwiches in nice weather. There are also three individually furnished guest rooms upstairs.

The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie

$$

Set in an opulent Regency building with a statement bar, the Ivy Brasserie serves first-class food with British and European specialties. In its heyday, the Rotunda building was a bathing pool with spa water on tap, and its domed roof and seating area have been exquisitely restored to house the smart restaurant. Racehorse murals line the walls in a nod to Cheltenham's equestrian heritage. Choose from dishes such as apple and Stilton salad, aromatic duck curry, or crab linguine. The Ivy also serves a classic afternoon tea. Reservations are advised, especially when there are race meetings and festivals.

Wheatsheaf Inn

$$

This popular pub dating from the 17th century specializes in modern British cuisine with choices ranging from local venison to fresh fish. The courtyard garden is a delight in summer. There's also a snug coffee lounge, and an inn that offers 14 stylish, uncluttered bedrooms and a spa.