FOOD AND DRINK
AL FRESCO
TIMBRELL’S YARD
In the sunshine: In the courtyard of Timbrell’s Yard, diners can look out over the River Avon and the medieval arched bridge while admiring theHoly Trinity Church and the buildings of Bradford on Avon. “Timbrell’s mixes traditional features with contemporary design and vintage finds,” says general manager Henry Gray. “This combination is reflected in the courtyard with its country flooring, galvanised planters and mellow fencing. You’ll often find pop-up bars and live DJs on warm evenings and bank holiday weekends.” The food: “The kitchen is overseen by Tom Blake, former executive chef at River Cottage,” says Henry. “Think innovative, fresh, seasonal produce showcasing the very best that the West Country has to offer.” The history: “It was once an 18th-century dye factory,” says Henry. “The Grade-II listed building was the family home to the owner, Charles Timbrell, and a copy of an early 19th-century painting, showing the yard as it was then, hangs in the restaurant.”
THE CLIFTON SAUSAGE
BATH
DOESN’T GET MUCH
MORE
SPECTACULAR THAN WHEN IT’S
DAPPLED WITH THE GOLDEN LIGHT OF
SUMMER
What makes the outdoor area special? Overlooking the paragon, the pavement bistro area at the front of the restaurant makes for the perfect people-watching spot, and, at the back, you’ll find a terrace which boasts some of the best views of Bath and the surrounding countryside. “The terrace has a peaceful vibe, with wisteria tumbling over the fencing,” says sales and marketing manager Lauren Clarke. “The views are incredible – and can also be enjoyed from the upstairs glass conservatory – and special touches include a herb garden, blankets for when it’s cold, and parasols for shade.” The menu: Of course, the appellation already gives this away, but in addition to sausages, you’ll find classic British cooking, which is overseen by head chef and owner Simon Quarrie. As for the drinks, there’s a two-for-one cocktail offering here every day until 7pm, along with a broad list of beers, ciders and ale. We’re ordering: The ‘Ben Tapuai’ fundraising dish. The Clifton Sausage are shirt sponsors of Bath Rugby’s Ben Tapuai, and £1 from each sale goes to the Bath Rugby Foundation.
Don’t miss: “Our big gathering on 27 August,” says Henry. “There’ll be food stalls, cocktails, Balearic beats, smoked meats and vegan treats.”
Don’t miss: The Casa Rojo wine-tasting dinner on 14 July, or the bottomless brunch on the first Saturday of every month.
49 St.Margaret’s Street, Bradford on Avon; www.timbrellsyard.com
5 Bladud Buildings, The Paragon, Bath; www.cliftonsausage.co.uk
Indulge in an open-air meal at Timbrell’s Yard where Tom Blake, formerly of River Cottage, is head chef
84 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk