As I sat eating my breakfast at No.15 Great Pulteney in Bath, I began to write my list of all the independent shops, cafes and restaurants I wanted to hit up to include in this blog post. I’d asked the glorious Instagram community the day before for their favourite independent spots in Bath, and they came up trumps.
My list was growing…. and growing…. and the result is that this may be the most photo-heavy blog post I’ve ever written. I do hope you enjoy…
The city’s independent retailers are what makes shopping in Bath truly special, with so many unique and individual shops offering beautiful items that simply can’t be found elsewhere. I’ve explored the city from top to bottom and this is what I uncovered in just one day. Imagine what you could uncover in a week…
Magalleria – an independent magazine shop in Bath – ” ‘We love magazines’ is our rallying cry; it reflects our belief that editorial design is an ever-developing discipline that continually adapts to new technologies and circumstances. The work of our design studio reflects this too: from blurring the line between books and magazines to adapting long form essays to the screen, we enjoy testing our design principles.”
Grace & Ted – an award-winning designer re-sale boutique. They specialise in the sale of genuine pre-owned designer clothing, shoes, bags, jewellery and accessories for men and women
The Makery – a place to meet, learn how to sew/knit/craft and above all, creating no waste! Since opening in 2009, they’ve taught over 80,000 people a new skill in their workshops, parties and events.
Rossiters of Bath – Rossiters is an award-winning design-led department store set over four floors of a beautiful historic building right in the heart of Georgian Bath’s shopping district. This store is much more than a shopping experience. It is an Aladdin’s Cave of interconnecting stairways and wood-panelled rooms that provide the perfect backdrop to its carefully curated selection of furniture, homewares, gifts and fashion.
The Foodie Bugle – “We source and sell delicious artisan food and drink and simple, useful homewares, both old and new. We also host and run workshops on life skills and crafts. Our Bath shop-tearoom is at 2 Abbey Street, Bath, BA1 1NN, next to the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey, in the Abbey Green square. You can sit and enjoy seasonal homebaked cakes and hot drinks, juices, wines, Prosecco and ales.”
A fabulous cheese shop in the heart of Bath. Paxton & Whitfield was first recorded as a partnership in 1797, but its origins began in 1742 when Stephen Cullum set up a cheese stall in Aldwych market. The Company’s reputation grew steadily, culminating in 1850 with the honour of being appointed cheesemonger to HM Queen Victoria!
Swoon – “We believe every life is made a little better by gelato and bringing people together over gelato is what we do: the very best in artisan gelato, made with love and laughter to lift your spirits.”
Article – “Situated in an arty pedestrian street in the heart of historic Bath, my shop sells my own careful selection of mostly handmade products, centred around nature-inspired illustrative design, across homewares and stationery. I work closely with my suppliers who are small businesses; individual makers, illustrators, ceramicists, artists and creatives located within a few hours of Bath, plus a few French brands unique to Bath.”Article
Cafe Lucca – “Our customers take delight in our fresh seasonal salads, gourmet panini and bruschetta, which are complemented by freshly ground coffee and handmade cakes.”
Topping & Co – a fabulous independent book shop in the heart of Bath, with a packed schedule of events, never ending tea & coffee and floor to ceiling walls and walls and walls of wonderful books…
Society Cafe – “Society Cafe is designed with all of us in mind. Come and park your bike, buggy or dog. Come with your friends, to maybe make some new ones or come alone for some solitude and people-watching.”Society Cafe
Boho – “an independent boutique, stocking an eclectic collection of inspired feminine designs in clothing, footwear, bags, a stunning range of jewellery and luxury gifts.”
There were hidden gems around every corner – Bath really did blow me away with its incredibly eclectic and vast collection of independent stores, cafes and restaurants. It was such a delight to explore…
The independent scene in Bath is unlike anything I’ve come across before. It’s extraordinarily vibrant, exciting, full of fun, creativity and is at the heart of the community.
Thank you for having me, Visit Bath – I didn’t think it was possible to love the city any more.
But as it turns out, I couldn’t have been more wrong.
I travelled to Bath in 90 minutes from London Paddington with Great Western Railway, who provided the ticket (thank you!) For further information visit gwr.com.
This post is sponsored by Visit Bath and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Nice trip down memory lane, didn’t see it in your photos but always remember the trend setting Michell Tonks restaurant and wet fish shop it was quite inspirational for its time.
Michael
Barn & Beach http://www.barnandbeach.com
Nice trip down memory lane, didn’t see it in your photos but always remember the trend setting Michell Tonks restaurant and wet fish shop it was quite inspirational for its time.
Michael
Barn & Beach
I went into a few of these independents when I visited but need to go back and explore more. Thanks for a great summary of so many 🙂
Holly x http://www.ldnmuse.com
Great photos. I was recently in Bath over the summer and it’s such a wonderful place for a summers eve walk. Cricket being played at the Bath Cricket Club and a slow meander into the town after dinner at one of the pubs in Widcombe. What more can you ask?
I’ve never been to Bath before, but after reading your article I am almost certain that it is cosy and friendly place filled with kind people. You have a very nice writing style, I feel like I got a great feeling of how beautiful Bath really is without ever being there. Thanks!
Michael
Nice trip down memory lane, didn’t see it in your photos but always remember the trend setting Michell Tonks restaurant and wet fish shop it was quite inspirational for its time.
Michael
Barn & Beach
http://www.barnandbeach.com
Michael
Nice trip down memory lane, didn’t see it in your photos but always remember the trend setting Michell Tonks restaurant and wet fish shop it was quite inspirational for its time.
Michael
Barn & Beach
Holly
I went into a few of these independents when I visited but need to go back and explore more. Thanks for a great summary of so many 🙂
Holly x
http://www.ldnmuse.com
Lins @ Boo & Maddie
You must have been walking non-stop!! What glorious finds though, worth all the research and miles
Leah Malschinger
Great photos. I was recently in Bath over the summer and it’s such a wonderful place for a summers eve walk. Cricket being played at the Bath Cricket Club and a slow meander into the town after dinner at one of the pubs in Widcombe. What more can you ask?
Bet
I’ve never been to Bath before, but after reading your article I am almost certain that it is cosy and friendly place filled with kind people. You have a very nice writing style, I feel like I got a great feeling of how beautiful Bath really is without ever being there. Thanks!
Melany
There are a lot of activities that everybody enjoy there. Bringing phone is fine, but ensure that you enjoy the place without it. !)