Ian Waller and his wife enjoy a midweek meal out at a classy new venue with excellent service
What makes a good meal out? Certainly the food is top of the list, but also the service, setting and general ambience of the eatery are all so important as well. Fortunately, The Bath Townhouse, Bath’s newest city centre restaurant and bar, scores well in all areas.
We called along to The Bath Townhouse, part of The Coppa Club range of restaurants, on a balmy Wednesday evening, with the venue lively but by no means full. Situated on Old Bond Street, where Gap used to be, we were immediately greeted at the door and within no time led to our table for two in one of the diner style booths that shares the space with more traditional tables for parties of all sizes. Straightaway the atmosphere was positive, with the overly loud background music at the front more thankfully muffled where we sat towards the rear of the venue, and superbly considered interior design, encompassing elements of ever-elegant art deco with that soothing petrol blue that seems to be so en-vogue in Bath just now.
If there’s one minus point here, it was that the air con was actually a little too effective, meaning my wife did wish she had bought a jacket (and yes, I did offer mine…).
The menu was impressive in that it catered for plates small and large, with meat, fish, pizza, fresh pasta, vegetarian and vegan options all available. What’s more, among the steaks and burgers were a few more unexpected options, including spice roasted cauliflower (£14), sea reared trout on the plancha (£18.50) and roasted halibut fillets (£24). Actually, this did lead to a slight problem with both my wife and I eyeing up the halibut, with the realisation that as we were reviewing, we really should go for separate dishes.
I eventually gave in and chose the wild prawn spaghetti (£22.50) instead, a decision I was to later feel very happy about…
Before the mains, we plumped for starters of seared king prawns (£9.50) and – on the recommendation of Ben, our waiter – the zucchini fritti (£5), along with a bottle of the house red, a Jacques Veritier Rouge (£21.50). Yes, I know, red wine and fish was meant to be a no-no, but you know, times changed and we fancied it…
Talking of Ben the waiter, thanks to him and the rest of the team, the service throughout our visit was superb. Clearly it’s a team that has benefitted from excellent training, showing a keen knowledge of the menu and wine list, prepared to stop and chat with the customers, and happy to offer suggestions.
As for those starters, they really were superb. The zucchini was served in a tempura style batter and were delicious (yes, I nicked a few from my wife’s plate…), fresh and tasty, and a real surprise. Similarly, the prawns were cooked to perfection, moist, full of flavour and well seasoned with the garlic, lemon, chilli and parsley accompaniment. And yes, the French red did work with the food, just in case you wondered, arriving at the perfect temperature and very drinkable.
While we waited for our mains, I took a quick look around, including a peak up the art deco stairs to the club lounge and private dining room. If you remember the venue as Gap, this is where the men’s clothes were displayed. This is a great space to enjoy a social drink of an evening or make the most of the delightful private dining area, which is ideal for parties.
Back downstairs, apparently the front bar area is popular during the day with locals and visitors, as well as being an ideal place to catch up on emails and work, while enjoying a coffee, breakfast or lunch. It also helps that the wifi is pretty decent.
Back at out table, the mains arrived and I’m kind of glad that I settled for the spaghetti. OK, it actually it wasn’t spaghetti but the slightly thicker Spaghettoni (thank you Google!) – Ben had mentioned they were running short of the standard variety – and very slightly undercooked. Still, with a wonderful chilli, garlic, white wine and tomato sauce, rich and full of flavour, it was still a very decent and filling meal.
As for the halibut, while the fish itself was perfectly prepared – moist, firm and really tasty – the chickpea and green harissa stew and mint yoghurt lacked a presence on the plate and could do with a rethink to bring in a little more flavour. On a plus note, the side of skinny fries (£4) which was a really good call.
As our meal progressed, so the venue started to fill, with a group of friends taking the booth next to us and most of the tables hosting couples. I was a little worried that the high ceilings and large rooms might mean that the place could become very loud, but to be fair, the noise level was fine. Children are very welcome at The Bath Townhouse, with a typically predictable menu available on request.
For dessert, I went for the Basque cheesecake with orange creme fraise (£8), while Ellen chose the vanilla and raspberry creme brulée (£7.50). OK, neither were the best part of the meal, but they was well presented, fine to eat and perfectly partnered with an after-meal coffee.
As parents of three, our evenings out these days generally start and finish way earlier than they used to, and we were on our way home by 8.30pm, happily dined and still talking about the excellent service and how unexpectedly good the zucchini was. There is a lot to like at The Bath Townhouse and it is set to do well against the ever changing range of restaurants and eateries springing up around the city.
www.coppaclub.co.uk/the-bath-townhouse/