fine dining guide
best of the rest: fine dining restaurants Menu Gordon Jones
2 Wellsway, Bath BA2 3AQ Tel: 01225 480871 www.menugordonjones.co.uk
Gordon Jones is cooking up a storm with his surprise tasting menus. Just a short stroll from the city centre, this temple of fine dining is disguised in rather unassuming surroundings, but there is no doubt that dining here is an event you won't forget. The food cooked by the Michelin-trained chef is breathtakingly beautiful, and above all it is mouth wateringly delicious. The waiting list for a table in this 20 cover restaurant is long, so book early to avoid disappointment.
The Olive Tree Restaurant at The Queensberry Hotel 5-7 Russell Street, Bath, BA1 2QF Tel: 01225 447928 www.olivetreebath.co.uk
Olive Tree Restaurant has long been associated with informallyserved, but exceptional, modern British food. Head Chef Chris Cleghorn was the protégé of Michelin-starred chefs Heston Blumenthal and Michael Caines and has drawn from this background to create his own unique style. His seasonal, local produce dominates eclectic and innovative menus, whether great value fixed-price seasonal dishes or a full à la carte experience. Full vegetarian, vegan and dairy-free menus are available too, meaning there is something for everyone. Pre-dinner drinks are prepared by expert mixologists at The Old Q Bar using traditional recipes and fine artisan spirits.
Cloisters Restaurant at Bailbrook House Hotel
Eveleigh Avenue, London Road West, Bath, BA1 7JD Tel: 01225 855100 www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/bailbrookhouse
Tucked away in Bailbrook House Hotel is their Cloisters Restaurant, where the heritage of the historic mansion really comes into its own. Cloisters has a cosy ambience with original archways made from traditional Bath stone adding to the intimate feel, plus plenty of tables overlooking the beautiful grounds and countryside beyond. Head Chef Michael Ball has designed a menu that celebrates classic ingredients and modern flavour combinations to create an exceptional modern British dining experience for guests. Taking inspiration from the natural larder on his doorstep and from foraging within the estate, Michael’s dishes are vibrant and colourful with a focus on seasonality and provenance.
The Dining Room at Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa
Whatley Manor, Easton Grey, Malmesbury, SN16 0RB Tel: 01666 822888 www.whatleymanor.com
Holding one Michelin star, Executive Chef, Niall Keating overlooks The Dining Room restaurant at Whatley Manor. Niall’s menus showcase his skills, influenced by his world wide travels and matched to seasonal produce to create a Modern British dining experience. In 2018 Niall was awarded Michelin’s European Young Chef of the Year. The Chef’s menu experience is enhanced with expertly matched wines by sommelier Daniel Davies to accompany each course. There is a choice of two wine flights or wines by the glass if you prefer. For group bookings of ten or more please contact events on 01666 834 026 or email events@whatleymanor.com
32 inbath
What does a 3AA Rosette dining experience taste like? Dan Moon at The Gainsborough isn’t just a restaurant. It’s an experience. You walk through the doors into the warm and welcoming ambience of the beautiful historic building. A friendly member of the waiting team takes your coats and – if you’re in the mood for a cocktail or aperitif - ushers you into the sleek Gainsborough Bar. Then you take your seats in the elegant yet informal dining area, where you’ll be offered a choice of menus. What follows next can only be described as culinary bliss: mouthwatering combinations of perfectly cooked seasonal ingredients, the freshest fish and the very best cuts of meat. Each creation is delicate, beautifully presented and wonderfully flavoured. Head Chef Dan Moon is continually developing his menus, meaning you’ll always find something different to try each time you visit. Warm fragrant breads served with churned-on-site butter; meltingly soft chicken liver parfait; still-smoking smoked salmon; Dan’s signature Creedy Carver Duck; butternut squash croquette; dark chocolate delice with salted caramel sorbet... and these are just a few of the options on offer. How will you choose?
Oh-So-Lovely Lunches
If you visit at lunchtime you can enjoy the beautifully presented three course lunch menu – perfect for business or leisure. Currently two-forone, two guests can enjoy their meals for £38 (excluding weekends). Served 12:00 to 14:30, Monday to Friday. Sunday Roasts are available 12:30 to 15:00 every Sunday - three courses for £30, with a complimentary glass of Prosecco.
Decadent Dinners and Tasting Menus
For a special occasion why not visit in the evening and sample the à la carte dining menu – served 18:00 to 21.30? Or if you have plans in the evening but still want to dine you can enjoy the pre-theatre menu: three courses for £35, 18:00 to 19:00. For an extra special treat, try our new five and seven course tasting menus.
It’s time to experience Dan Moon at The Gainsborough
Book your table today - call 01225 358 888 or visit thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk