W H AT ’ S NEW?
NEW and IMPROVED Take a look at the myriad new clubs, boutiques, restaurants and spas that emerged in 2017, and also see which ones will launch in the new year, and which ones have transformed, expanded, rebranded and relocated. Here’s what’s going on right on your doorstep with 28 of Bath’s big and little businesses By L I SA E VA NS NEWBIES
THE COLOMBIAN COMPANY
BUSINESSES NEW TO BATH IN 2017
WALCOT HOUSE
When did it open? December 2017. What is it? “It’s an independent destination bar, restaurant, event space and club in an industrial, luxe space,” says co-owner Martin Still. The building: It’s the former Red House Bakery, which was established in 1739 and used to be the space in which Club XL nightclub was housed. “Bath is an interesting and quirky city with people to match; Walcot House is for them. We noticed a desperate need for a late-night entertainment space for the discerning.” The owners: “It’s owned by the Still family. We’re currently owners of Mother & Wild in Corsham, and were previously owners of The Methuen Arms and The Pear Tree. We’ve been planning this for 12 months. What makes it stand out is the quality and difference we offer.” In the pipeline? “We’ll establish Walcot House as a leading destination cocktail bar and restaurant, being renowned for live entertainment and club nights. In the new year, we’ll use the dancefloor as a studio space for fitness; we’ll convert the upstairs space into an all-day café and restaurant; and we’ll set up events and a membership scheme.” 90.b Walcot Street, Bath; www.walcothousebath.com
NÃM STORE
Opposite page: a sneak peek inside Walcot House, Bath’s new bar, restaurant, event space gym and club
6 Abbey Gate Street, Bath; www.thecolombiancompany.com
BEFORE OPENING THE BUSINESS, I WAS A PRIVATE DETECTIVE
When did it open? September 2017. What is it? A homeware and accessories store specialising in French ceramics. Its inspiration? “I believe in surrounding ourselves daily with things that bring us pleasure as well as purpose; beautiful handmade objects that nurture your soul,” says owner Sharan Oberai. “We want our customers to feel the spirit of the artisan that has made the pieces to adorn their homes.” 22c New Bond Street, Bath; www.namstore.co.uk
When did it open? November 2017. What is it? “It’s an independent venture; our first little shop,” says director Jhampoll Gutierrez Gomez. “About a year ago, we started sourcing and importing speciality green coffee beans from Colombia that we sell online, to coffee shops, restaurants, delis and pubs as well as in independent markets. Due to the success of this, we started sourcing single-origin chocolate and Colombian panela (unrefined cane sugar). Because of our customers’ requests, we decided to have a go at a shop, and found the perfect premises for our cool and welcoming coffee house.” Why Bath? “My wife, Veronica Ganan, and I have lived here for 18 years. Before this, I was a manager for Chandos Deli, and my wife, as well as helping in the shop, is still nursing in the local hospital.”
BEERCRAFT OF BATH
When did it open? August 2017. What is it? An independent craft beer and homebrew shop with over 500 beers from all over the world, as well as ingredients and equipment to brew your own. What’s the story? “The business was originally set up by myself and James Oliver in 2004,” says Davin Kenwood. “It was a Bristol-based mailorder business selling guitars; then we expanded into homebrew and chocolate. In 2017, we split the business up. An employee took on the guitar side and moved it to a new shop in Bath – Guitarbitz – and James and I, who both love beer, opened Beercraft. We now have Bath’s biggest range of beer.” What’s in the pipeline? We have a huge downstairs area we would like to develop in the New Year for ‘meet the brewer’ nights, tastings and other events.
3 Argyle Street, Pulteney Bridge, Bath; www.beercraftbath.com
THE ITALIAN FOOD HALL
When did it open? November 2017. In a nutshell: “It’s an independent Italian food shop that aims to offer a real Italian shopping experience,” says co-owner Laura Doria. What to try: “Ubriaco cheese – known in Italy as ‘drunken cheese’ – and marsala cake sacripante. What’s the story? “We couldn’t find a proper Italian grocery selling affordable, genuine products from Italy. We wanted to give locals a chance to taste and buy them. Before doing this, I was teaching, and, before that, I was a private detective!” 8 Edgar Buildings, George Street, Bath; www.theitalianfoodhall.com w www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 109