Eating green in Bath

In recent history you may have struggled to find a good non-meat option on most menus in the busy tourist city of Bath Spa – or any other city for that matter – but like so much of the UK that has changed dramatically in the last few years with plant-based options not only appearing on menus but dominating them in some cases.

What better excuse could there be for a predominantly herbivore to do some serious sampling and document the findings? This hungry writer is not a food critic so you’ll find no ratings here but you might end the article with some great new spots added to your visit list. And apologies the sun wasn’t shining when the shots were taken, this is the UK after all.

Cascara – Upper Borough Walls

Let’s start at the sweet end. I visit Cascara when I have a sweet tooth (which is more often than I’d like to admit). If you like a flapjack, a bit of rocky road or a slice of peanut butter & banana cake with a decent tea, coffee or smoothy then you’re in the right place. Cascara is a thriving little two-story establishment with a big heart and an impressive array of smoothies; I recommend the ‘Monkey Nut’, which is not only very pleasant indeed but is also a good option for pre/post gym visits as it doubles as the best protein shake you’ve ever had.

Roots & Shoots cafe – Brunel Square (just along from the train station)

I have a huge amount of time for this place. Of all the green eateries in Bath this one has perhaps the warmest atmosphere, which is no mean feat given most of the seating is outdoors and I discovered it in the frosts of January. OK, it’s tiny and I’ve only ever visited in the months that demand a coat & scarf but these guys work hard to make you welcome and to include you in their story. There’s a big soft drinks cabinet offering vegan colas, kombucha and lots more. The coffee is good. The cakes are great. The mac & (vegan) cheese is delicious and the fishless finger sandwich is something else. To top it all off, they’re always perfecting their next breakfast or sausage roll and are always keen to offer a sample and get your views. It’s the perfect pit stop for refuelling on a day in Bath.

The Vegan Cafe – Moorland Road

Unfortunately I can’t tell you much about this place as both times I tried to visit, it was closed (I think the proprietors were on holiday). What I can tell you is that on the main road running through Bath’s student quarter there is an independently-run cafe serving vegan fair. I did have the opportunity to speak to the owner some weeks before (we talked only briefly, annoyingly I didn’t catch his name) and I can tell you that he’s very much an activist so you can expect a 100% meat & dairy-free zone. Reviews are good so perhaps it’s a case of third time lucky.

The Green Rocket – Pierrepont Street

The Green Rocket is one of the first veggie hangouts I came across in Bath and has been in residence at No.1 Pierrepont Street since 2016. Perfectly punctuating the corner where Parade Gardens meets Bog Island and The Abbey Hotel, it serves as a great meeting point and will prop you up with a good coffee and a slice of tiffin (who doesn’t love a bit of tiffin?). But it also crosses over into a great little restaurant with an impressive menu. I still have a few dishes left to try (don’t worry, I’ll complete it in good time) but so far the risotto burger is the winner for me.

The Acorn – North Parade Passage (next to Sally Lunn’s)

The Acorn is a grown-up plant-based restaurant for serious eaters. They also take their wine seriously and I can personally vouch for some pretty excellent wine pairing skills. If someone showed you a menu where the first listed starter was ‘Old donkey carrots’ you could be forgiven for discreetly edging your way out of the building but the classic decor and quiet confidence of the staff will keep you curious…and you will not be disappointed. This isn’t just amazing veggie food, it’s amazing food full-stop and I highly recommend it for vegans and carnivores alike when seeking an incredible night of eating. And drinking. If you like that sort of thing.

The Olive Tree – The Circus

Did you know there is a two Michelin star restaurant in Bath? Nor did I, let alone the fact it offers both a vegetarian and a vegan set menu of up to seven courses. I discovered it in fact so recently that I haven’t had chance to visit yet but I think a Michelin star plant-based menu deserves a little fanfare so next time you’re in the market for an upscale foodie celebration, this may be worth bearing in mind.

Other options

This is by no means an exhaustive list and there are new places popping up all the time. Among other recommendations I’ve received since beginning my research is the Chapel Arts Cafe (Lower Borough Walls). I think the bottom line is that as long as you walk around our limestone city with your eyes open, you’re going to be pretty spoilt for choice even if you’re among the hardcore #gamechangers who are now taking over the world one tofu burger at a time. Happy eating.

Tom Corneill

Tom is a writer, musician and watchmaker based in Bath. When not playing with words or watches you might find him in his daytime alter ego as an Investments Consultant. Follow on Instagram or Twitter @tomcorneill