PHOTO BY OLSI HUTKA (@OLSIHUTKA ON INSTAGRAM)
STREET LIFE
two cafés in Bath, one in Oxford and another due to open in Bristol in November. “We loved Kingsmead the moment we saw it. We had visions for a real café culture on the square – a bit like in some European cities with loads of cafés all sharing the space. It has changed so much since we took on the shop. I’d now describe it as a society square, a place for everyone.” Other established spots are still going strong, such as the family-owned Boston Tea Party which opened in 1997, and newer favourites, like The Bath Coffee Company which moved onto the square two years ago, have been welcomed with open arms. Opened by Adrian Smith, who had worked in pubs for 15 years prior to pursuing his passion for coffee, The Bath Coffee Company – as well as his own commercial coffee roastery, Square Root Coffee Roastery – was born after Adrian began roasting his own coffee years ago. And the drinks-made-with-love-and-care offering doesn’t stop there. Kingsmead happens to be the home of The Dark Horse ¬ one of the four best bars in the world, according to this year’s Spirited Awards. This one-of-a-kind new kid on the block – which opened in December – is owned by Louis Lewis-Smith who, for the past 18 years, has worked with some of the most celebrated cocktail bars across the globe. “My last roles were as a bartender at London’s Milk & Honey, and brand ambassador for Hendrick’s Gin and Sailor Jerry,” says Louis. “Hospitality is an art form that takes a lifetime to perfect. I’ve taken the sum of my experiences and tried to create an environment as warm as the friendliest local pub with a service style as good as any five-star hotel bar.” Bar manager Sam Kershaw heads up the drink creation, and every element, down to the ice, syrups, cordials and shrubs, are made and grown by the staff. You’ll find the same discerning attention to detail at The Kingsmead Kitchen (formerly named the Jazz Café) which was taken over by Edi and Geraldine Rosic almost two years ago. The café is focuses on homemade offerings and almost everything is made on site, from the pickled peppers you’ll find in the smoked chicken salad to the fruity jam on the teacakes. “We are very lucky to be located on Kingsmead Square,” says Geraldine. “It’s a pretty part of town and there isn’t much traffic, so customers can enjoy watching life on the square without having to breathe the fumes from cars or lorries. We think that the square will become more and more lively thanks to its independent shops working together and doing everything they can to improve the atmosphere.” Foodie spots are jam-packed into every corner of the square – not forgetting the colourful Bath Bus Station Fruiterers stall in the middle. The restaurants embrace myriad cultures – from Mexican at Mission Burrito and Thai at Yum Yum Thai to British at Seafoods, British-meets- w www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 123