AL FRESCO
railway station. “The iron girder structure and glass canopy was restored in the 80s after the last passenger train left in 1966, and our al fresco space is a terrace area under this magnificent structure,” says director Alex Peters. “The front Brasserie terrace can seat another 80. For bigger events, we can welcome up to a thousand guests.” Vibe The live music nights create great atmosphere, and with the beer, the pizza oven blazing away, and huge, handmade oak benches and tables, Alex feels the al fresco hub offers an almost Oktoberfest feel. There are plenty of events coming up there, too, including Bath Folk Festival in August, and they’re currently planning a large-scale Pizza & Prosecco fest. We’re ordering The £10 ‘pizza and pint or glass of prosecco’ deal. Green Park Station, Bath; www.bathpizzaco.com
Gardens HARE & HOUNDS
H&H’s outdoor area consists of two parts: the raised sun terrace, and the picnic benches on the lawn. The former has table service and views overlooking the rolling green of the Charlcombe valley, and the lower area is ideal for overseeing the children’s play area and boules court while also taking in the Solsbury Hill vistas. Menu It’s modern and British in style, offering bar bites and pub classics such as burgers, and fish and chips. Our choice is the pearl barley risotto with goats’ curd, walnuts, asparagus and peas. Lansdown Road, Bath; www.hareandhoundsbath.com
The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa’s manicured acre of secluded gardens make for a charming dining-in-the-sun spot
THE QUARRYMANS ARMS
After a country walk with the dog, take a seat either at the front of this quaint ivy-covered pub or in the tiered beer garden at the back. The countryside view is Instagrammable, and the spot offers a great escape from the bustling city centre. We’re ordering Stilton and asparagus pancake to start, and steak and ale pie for main. Box Hill, Corsham; www.butcombe.com
THE METHUEN ARMS
There are plenty of options for dining outside here: there’s a courtyard at the back, sprinkled with fairy lights and surrounded by old coach houses; the restaurant opens out onto a patio; and there are romantic ‘secret’ tables nestled into corners of the garden, which overlooks the new chef ’s garden. “A refurbishment means that all our al fresco areas have had recent uplifts,” says general manager Ash Harlow. “Think wicker furniture, cream cushions and parasols, beautiful green shrubs and flowers.” Menu It’s full of dishes which champion the best of Wiltshire’s larder (and their own back garden). Our order is the stone bass with crab cake, tempura prawns and crab bisque. High Street, Corsham; www.themethuenarms.com
46 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
The countryside setting at The Quarrymans Arms offers a great escape from the bustling city centre