The Best Cafés and Coffee Shops in Bath

Bath coffee
Bath coffee | © Dmirty Mazurenko/Flickr
Sarah Dawson

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to excellent places to grab a cup of coffee or a bite to eat in the elegant city of Bath. From cool, minimalist cafés to cosy, historic tearooms, here’s our pick of the best…

1. Colonna & Small’s

Cafe, Coffee Shop, Coffee, Tea , Fast Food, Vegetarian, Pastries

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.

2. Society Café

Cafe, Coffee Shop, Pastries, British, Vegetarian, Coffee, Tea , Fast Food

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.

3. Hunter & Sons

Bar, British, Wine, Beer, Cocktails

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.

5. Picnic Coffee

Cafe, Coffee Shop, Coffee, Tea , Fast Food, Vegetarian, British

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.

6. The Green Bird Café

Cafe, Healthy, Soup, Pastries

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.

7. Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House & Museum

Cafe, Restaurant, Tea Room, Tea , British, Vegetarian, Fast Food

The blue-accented exterior of Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House & Museum on a cobbled alleyway
© Jim Monk / Alamy Stock Photo

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!

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