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INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES
“We have more history than we know what to do with” One of our most famous guests was...
Nicholas Cage, who described dinner in Sally Lunn’s as ‘like time travelling’. Having our own business means...
SALLY LUNN’S
Based in one of the oldest houses in Bath, Sally Lunn’s is a historic tea and eating house, home of the original Bath Bun. Their kitchen is believed to originally have been the bakery of the young Huguenot baker – today their namesake patron – who came to Bath in 1680 after escaping persecution in France, and who created the first Bath Bun – a regional speciality. Today, centuries after the doors first opened, their menu blends tradition with contemporary flair, and their kitchen museum shows the actual space used by Sally Lunn in Georgian Bath. Here, Simon Lloyd-Williams, who now runs Sally Lunn’s, tells us more. Sally Lunn’s is an independent local treasure...
We have more history than we know what to do with but have evolved with our history – we call it ‘living history’. We’re based in what’s long believed to be Bath’s oldest house...
I have been running Sally Lunn’s for a couple of years, but Sally Lunn’s owner, Jonathan Overton, has been here for more than 30 years. We have focussed on serving historical comfort food with huge hospitality. I am very proud of the changes we have made to our dinner menu – our handmade savoury pies, just like our famous buns, are, we think, the best in the world. The building has a fascinating history...
It’s home to Bath’s original bun, enjoyed by Jane Austen; it’s a unique house, with an oven in the cellar dating back over 1,000 years; and we are open for dinner now – we’re making new history every day.
124 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
We can offer a very positive work experience for our large team. Big chains have rules and pay scales; we love to promote from within – our excellent restaurant manager, Danielle, for example, started as a 16-year-old part-time Saturday waitress. We also retain great staff; Francisco, for example, has worked here for over 30 years. Other indie businesses I respect are...
the independent guest house and hotel owners of Bath; each offers a very special experience in a very special city. Richard and Jo Bertinet – of The Bertinet Bakery – and their high standards are an inspiration, too. And Richard Buckley and his team at Acorn have redefined what a meat-free fine dining restaurant can be. We work closely with other Bath independents...
Our recently completed five-year restoration project has been overseen by local interior artist Adam Calkin. We are a proud associate member of BIGHA, members of Bath BID, Visit Bath and the Association of Bath Restaurants, too. The community of independent businesses in Bath...
has a common bond. We care more than we need to; we see what we do as a reflection of ourselves, and not just a job. It’s a privilege to work in such a beautiful city...
The light on the golden stone feels unique and is a blessing every time I see it. 4 North Parade Passage, Bath; www.sallylunns.co.uk For more, see www.visitbath.co.uk