La Flamenca is fantastic. As you walk down the winding steps into the vaults it's like walking into Spain. The tapas is great (spinach and chickpeas is amazing). I've been told the paella is fab too, and it certainly looks it. At the tapas bar you sit on stools with high barrels for tables. A must if you adore Spanish food, and very reasonable: two people, several dishes and a number of beers cost £24!

12a North Parade (vaults), Bath;
tel: 01225 463 626

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This YHA is set in a grand old mansion. When I was there, the elegance of the common dining and lounge areas was enhanced by the presence of rather bookish types ranging in age from their mid-20s to 50s, rather than the unsettlingly young and just-discovered-alcohol kind of guests that hostels can attract.

Set on one of Bath's most presigious streets, on a hill leading up to the university, it has lush green grounds and is far enough from the city to feel secluded. But it's just a short walk down to the town centre. Don't walk along the road; ask the staff about the shortcut that follows the edge of nearby pastures - with views across the city - and crosses lochs before reaching the town centre.

Staff are friendly, food is good value, and the rooms are cosy and - given that your roommates are obliging - comfortably quiet.

Bathwick Hill, take the number 18 bus from the bus station, or it's a 15-minute walk from the centre of town.
www.yha.org.uk/hostel/hostelpages/85.html; 0870 770 5688

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Tucked away in a courtyard setting just off Broad Street, the M&S is quiet, private, romantic and feels deliciously secret.

The food is modern, simple and well presented. The wine list is long and not prohibitively expensive.

The M&S is not the cheapest place to eat in Bath but its one of the very best and always frequented the in-the-know locals who love it.

Broad Street, Bath, just behind Shires Yard

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Walking into The Bell felt as good as discovering buried treasure.

They have an unparalleled selection of local ales and ciders and a beautiful (and partially covered) beer garden.

The sandwiches are large, inexpensive, and delicious. If memory serves me correctly, all sandwiches are veggie-friendly.

We intended to stay for an hour, and ended up staying all night.

Walcot St, Bath

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