Bath is my favourite British city to visit, especially in the snow. It is small enough to walk round; beautiful when the winter sun glints off the buildings; there are plenty of independent, quirky shops for loitering; and my treat veggie restaurant, Demuths, for dinner.
Demuths has its own cookery school and I treated myself to their Edible Gifts Workshop. This was the perfect combination of making it yourself and eating as you make!. We made dark chocolate, rum-truffles; white chocolate and pistachio snowflakes; then chocolate coated peppermint creams & caramelized hazelnuts. We learned to create perfect cantuccini and mince pies; a delicious chilli and persimmon jam plus an infused cranberry gin that looked lovely and tasted divine. What I don’t eat when I make it at home will be amazing homemade presents.
To sate my Christmas fetish, I also joined Demuths Christmas Cookery Course to get more imaginative with that standard and somewhat unexciting dinner. Brace yourselves parents and in-laws. We created a centre piece Moroccan style bastilla, to go with saffron roasted parsnips and griddled squash and fennel, followed by an over the top Dark Chocolate and Chestnut Roule. And we will start with that cranberry gin I have just decided not to give away this year.
It is in a listed Georgian building with gloriously distracting views of the Abbey from back windows.

www.vegetariancookeryschool.com
6 Terrace Walk, Bath, BA1 1LN
+44(0)1225427938
Google map: bit.ly/w3V80q

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The Wheatsheaf is a beacon of excellence in a sea of mediocrity that is now the chain filled restaurants of Bath. The setting is beautiful and the food and wine are exceptional - it's must if you are in the area.

www.wheatsheafcombehay.com

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A warm summer's day, a table on the balcony by the River Avon eating home-made pasta and watching people almost capsizing punts. The location is great but actually the food is what it's all about.

www.bathwickboatman.com/index.htm

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Not always popular, this is a pub turned country bar/restaurant with rooms. It has however managed to preserve the welcome comfiness usually associated with a pub atmosphere. Here dogs are welcome and dress code is casual but equally as smart as you like. The location, just 4 miles south of Bath is not only highly accessible but absolutely stunning - so close to the city yet in the very real and beautiful countryside. In summer the terrace beckons, overlooking the lovely country garden and in winter the smell of wood smoke from the log lures you inside to the modern yet rustic interior. Real Ale and local cider are there to tempt the traditional taste accompanied by a surprising and outstanding european wine list. (The owner is passionate about his wine and this is not only reflected in the selection but also the price - some bargains to be had here!) The food is top shelf quality, simple yet sumptuous. The Wheatsheaf has its own kitchen garden and hens - this is genuine homemade stuff. Chef Lee Evans is surely a rising star, ingredients sourced locally and cooked simply, combining flavours with a modern theme without using unneccessary fuss. Homemade breads served with local butter and indeed local rapeseed oil - which gives the usual olive oil a run for its money. The staff are friendly and efficient, the whole experience was delightful and the good news is they have a few rooms as well.

The Wheatsheaf
Combe Hay
Bath
Tel:01225 833504
email:info@wheatsheafcombehay.com
www.wheatsheafcombehay.com

Bath Spa Station

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Brilliant old fashioned curry house with slow service but excellent, excellent food - subtle, restrained and delicious unlike most in-your-face curries that seem to be all the rage nowadays.

www.rajpoot.co.uk


4 Argyle Street
Bath
Somerset
BA2 4BA

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La Flamenca is an authentic Spanish restaurant, run by a Spanish family in the traditional way. We had delicious chicken in garlic tapas. Wonderful, succulent pieces of tender chicken poached in a delicious liquor of garlic and white wine.

There was ample fresh bread to mop up the juices. Extra virgin olive oil brought from Spain was also provided to drizzle on the bread as the Mediterraneans do. The service was also attentive and excellent.

La Flamenca,
12a North Parade,
Bath
(01225)463626

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Food was overcooked and oversweetened mush. Cramped tables and friendly staff, whose only reply to our complaint was a silent smile. Run from it.

Bath

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