The Best Cafés and Coffee Shops in Bath

Recently named as one of the best coffee shops in the UK, Colonna & Small’s is something of a Bath institution. Here, baristas with a genuine passion serve up seriously good coffee, in the coolest of settings (this place is an Instagrammer’s dream). The coffee on offer is rotated on a weekly basis, and there’s a tasty selection of cake to choose from if you’re feeling peckish.

Both kid-friendly and dog-friendly, Society Café is a stylish, welcoming place to grab a fantastic coffee, pot of tea or indulgent hot chocolate (seriously, SO good!). There’s also a very tempting menu of cake and pastries, or if you’re after something savoury you can pick form the list of freshly made sandwiches. Children will love it here, with the choice of healthy snacks and a fun creative space to get arty.

Serving coffee, craft beer and food throughout the day, Hunter & Sons is a foodie’s dream. They work closely with local farmers to make the most of fresh, seasonal produce, which is reflected in the top-quality menu (the breakfasts in particular are amazing). If craft beer is your thing, you’ll love the original drinks list, with bottles from around the world.

This authentic Italian café is run by Bristol-born but Sicilian-bred Rosario Bavetta and his team. Housed in a beautiful Grade II listed Georgian building, the café has a great buzz and welcoming atmosphere. With a delicious choice of home-made cakes and imported Cannoli, a traditional Sicilian cake, as well as light bites like paninis and salads and hearty pasta dishes, it’s a great place to head for a real taste of Italy.

Looking for coffee heaven? Then this is it! These guys take their coffee seriously, from the growing and the picking to the roasting and brewing, but you won’t find even a hint of pretentiousness here. The café itself is bright and airy, with colourful, quirky décor. The menu is packed with fresh soups and sandwiches, making it an excellent spot to stop for a lazy lunch.

With its unbeatable central location, just a stone’s throw away from The Royal Crescent, The Green Bird Café is a cosy retreat after a morning sight-seeing. If it’s chilly, take a seat inside and soak up the relaxing atmosphere, or if the sun is shining head to the secluded courtyard – a real suntrap! The menu focuses on excellent local produce including delicious offerings from the nearby Bertinet bakery, as well as freshly made tarts and stews.

As one of the oldest houses in historic Bath, Sally Lunn’s is a must-visit during a trip to this beautiful city. Home of the original Bath bun, an authentic regional speciality to be enjoyed sweet or savoury with a pot of tea, this quaint café will really take you back in time. In fact, there’s even a museum on site where you can find out all about the story of the Bath bun and Sally Lunn herself. Culture and food in one!