Winter is the ultimate time to bring texture and warmth to the home. Not only because of that inevitable drop in temperature, but also as indoor aesthetics, and the comfort they bring, start to take greater precedence during the shorter days and longer nights.
While we’re accustomed to introducing velvet cushion covers, thick, fluffy throws and flickering candles to create a warm winter ambience, we often ignore our curtains, keeping them the same all year round. But given the role windows play in adding privacy, conserving energy, regulating temperature, and bringing an extra element of visual intrigue, we think it’s folly to so often overlook them.
A twice-yearly approach to dressing your windows, then, is the answer. Indeed, one of the easiest and most effective ways to decorate your home for winter while keeping it warm is to finesse your windows. With this in mind, here are 7 stylish ways to dress your windows this winter.
More Swagger, Less Glare
If you’re squinting at the screen trying to read this, with the glare of the sun shining directly on your screen, then this point is for you. With winter comes shorter days and a lower sun, meaning its glare when you’re working is often increased. Indeed, even though winter is the darkest season, the light coming through the windows can become a bit of a nuisance. Excessive glare makes it hard to see computer screens – not great when we’re all working from home, desperately trying to avoid digital eye strain.
A stylish solution to this problem is to add a swag, valance or cornice to your window. Not only do they bring character and architectural interest to your window dressing, but they can also block the sun’s beams from entering through the top part of your window.
While curtains and blinds are good for reducing glare, they aren’t the only solutions – you still need to enjoy the view and what little sunlight we have, after all. Moreover, constantly messing with the blinds to prevent the glare all day can be a pain. The answer? Use a glare-reducing window film. While not exactly a glamorous response to the problem, they’re certainly a simple and cost effective solution. And there’s something stylish about thrift, right?
Layered With A Luscious Fabric
Just as layers play a defining role in our winter wardrobes, so layering your window dressings can also make a difference to how your home feels when it gets cold outside.
The first layer, closest to the windowpane, should be purely for practical purposes (just like a vest). So, a blind is most effective for blocking drafts on windy winter nights. Next, it’s time to choose an outer outfit for your window that will not only look good but also provide the requisite layering for keeping the cold out and the warm in.
Sumptuous, sensual velvet is ideal for the job. Not only does it drape beautifully, but it also lends a luxurious feel to the room. To drag the metaphor out way past its natural conclusion, we often associate velvet with evening wear and we, erm, also close our curtains in the evening. It just makes perfect sense, right?
We particularly love crushed velvet here, and Chenille curtains seem to drape particularly beautifully. Dressing your windows never felt so good.
When it comes to choosing your curtains in the most luxurious fabric available to you, make sure they are full length and heavyweight to keep the cold out. It’s a good idea to get bespoke curtains made if you have room in the budget; have the length of the ceiling to floor, as well as the proportion of the window, measured as bespoke curtains can ensure your curtains are long enough to graze the floor while at the same time being wide enough to be completely closed.
Match Cushions & Curtains
If you’re really looking to go the extra mile with that bespoke, tailormade aesthetic, then consider getting curtains made with matching cushions for a bold, brave look. Whether you choose pleat, eyelet or any other style of curtain is your choice. Just look for heavier drapes made from a closely woven material to help keep the blustery weather and icy temperatures at bay.
When it comes to choosing the material and colours, be brave by adding a rich and sophisticated seasonal palate to your home. Deep tones like plum and midnight blue are great for winter and can create an opulent feel. Berry hues of burgundy and jewel tones of emerald green and ruby red can also bring that festive cheery touch, while earthier shades like forest green and burnt orange are equally appropriate, seasonally.
Floral patterns against a dark backdrop can look particularly striking, particularly when they’re reinforced by the synergised aesthetic of matching curtains and cushions.
All The Glitz & Glam
When it comes to winter, we all need a little sparkle in our life. Hey, that’s what all the tinsel’s for at Christmas, right? Enter trimmings, tassels and tiebacks, fringes and more, all in shiny, shimmering fabric. Let’s face it, though we’ve been extolling the virtues of investing in new curtains, accessorising your drapes is a far more budget friendly option, and can have just the same effect on the aesthetic of the room. The quickest, most affordable way to livening up a room which feels cold? It’s this.
Dramatic Double-Height Drama
For those blessed with double-height windows or particularly tall ceilings, winter is the perfect time to make a statement with floor-to-ceiling drapes. The vertical lines created by full-length curtains draw the eye upward, making your space feel even grander while providing excellent insulation during those chilly months. Opt for heavier fabrics like damask or thick linen in winter-appropriate tones – think charcoal, deep navy, or rich chocolate.
The key here is to ensure your curtains are professionally installed with proper hardware that can support their weight. When drawn, these magnificent drapes create an almost theatrical effect, transforming your windows into striking architectural features while keeping the winter chill firmly at bay.
A Winter Window Seat
Many of us have taken to gazing out of the window, wondering if this is all that post-pandemic life has to offer; yep, we are all Edward Hopper paintings now.
While you’re staring out there into the abyss, musing on how much the world has changed yet everything stays the same, you may as well make the most out of that strange, fleeting connection with the outside. As a rule of thumb, you usually want to avoid putting things in front of windows, however, creating a DIY window seat for winter (or any season) is the exception; you might be inside for a while, so you might as well get comfy!
Permanent features such as built-in benches under bay windows are ideal if you have the space, creating a natural gathering spot. If not, installing a small chair with the best view in the house offers a warm winter sunspot, where you can bask in any sunlight streaming through the windows.
Cosy up by pilling up the cushions and dressing them in the same fabric as your curtains, add a snuggly blanket and perhaps strategically place some candles close to hand and you’ve created a wonderful window space to cocoon yourself in. We’ll see you on the other side of the season!
Embrace Natural Textures
While velvet and heavy fabrics are winter classics, there’s something incredibly appealing about incorporating natural textures into your window dressing scheme during the colder months. Consider installing woven wood shades or bamboo blinds as a base layer, topped with wool or linen curtains in neutral tones.
This combination brings an organic, Scandinavian-inspired feel to your space while providing excellent insulation. The natural materials add warmth and character to your room, creating a cosy yet sophisticated atmosphere that feels particularly appropriate during winter. For added interest, look for curtains with subtle woven patterns or textural elements that catch the light differently throughout the shorter winter days. This approach works particularly well in modern homes where you want to maintain a minimalist aesthetic while still adding seasonal warmth.
We’ve always known that a lack of space and storage is the scourge of urban living, but this was exemplified strongly during the pandemic years. We had to ask more of our homes than ever before, needing them to become multifunctional spaces able to house an office, a school, a gym and more, all within those familiar four walls.
The nation proved nimble and dexterous in creating home offices, home gyms and mini-indoor gardens, make no mistake, but in turn, our actual living spaces became smaller and smaller. Many found themselves storing stuff in the most obscure of places, skirting around furniture just to get out of the living room door and constantly tripping over items they’d put in the hall to find a space for later.
With the rise of hybrid working and the continued evolution of how we use our homes, it’s time to get serious about storage. Luckily there’s plenty of retractable, foldable and multifunctional furnishings and storage solutions out there to consider. With that in mind, here are some compact, flexible furniture ideas to make the most of small spaces.
Hideaway Desks
The massive increase in home working during the pandemic has led to lasting changes in how we work, and many have found that wall mounted fold down tables are a brilliantly flexible solution when you don’t have many square metres to work with.
When working from home, we’ve spoken about the benefits of ceremoniously closing down your laptop, putting it in its case and keeping it out of sight until the next day to help draw a distinction between deadline meeting and downtime. Alongside saving space, folding wall mounted desks are ideal for this symbolic act, offering a practical workspace during the day that simply folds away once you’re done, seamlessly blending in with the rest of your decor until you need it again tomorrow.
Bespoke Fitted Furniture
We’ve extolled the virtues of fitted wardrobes before, which are especially handy if you’ve got awkward shaped rooms with slopes and angles, as they can be designed to fit in a nook, cranny or alcove and double up as storage.
Indeed, fitted wardrobes are, in essence, bespoke designs that can maximise every inch of space. Because fitted wardrobes are 100% customisable and can accommodate your specific storage needs via a clever combination of drawers, shelves and different sized compartments, they can fit snugly into even the smallest of spaces. Installing fitted wardrobes can help you organise your clothes and accessories efficiently, freeing up the floor and making your bedroom feel more open.
It’s not just fitted wardrobes that save space. Floor to ceiling bespoke shelving, and neat, vertical cupboards are both additional great ways to maximise space in a compact room. More streamlined than freestanding storage, built-in furniture designed specifically for its room helps to put every single centimetre of space to use.
Wall Mounted Dining Tables
The importance of flexible dining space has become increasingly apparent in recent years. If you want to be able to host all your friends around a dinner table but you’re living in a place which even the most generous of estate agents would term ‘cosy’, then consider a wall mounted design, ideal for when space is limited. You can get designs that double as mirrors, picture frames or even pool tables, which blend effortlessly into your living space when not in use.
If you’re not big on dinner parties, but want enough room for two, we’re also huge fans of the Izzy fold-down dining table from Made.com. This handy table acts as concealed storage and, come dinnertime, folds to seat two people. Intimate, romantic dinners await!
Double Duty Furniture
There are some really clever ways you can create space in your apartment involving practical but stylish furniture which boasts hidden storage potential.
We love the Tiny Home Bed featured in Dezeen recently, where “graduate Yesul Jang has designed a bed with storage capacity for millennials with limited space in urban dwellings. The furniture piece features a raised bed with a storage space under the mattress covered by a fabric curtain.”
Go further. A simple footstool or poof which allows for storage does a great job of fusing the functional with a foolproof storage option, too. In fact, the options are endless here, with Elle Decor detailing some fantastic storage benches, pointing out that this ‘double-duty furniture’ not only looks stylish but gives you great storage options, and we couldn’t agree more with them.
Modular Seating Systems
The concept of modular furniture has evolved dramatically in recent years, with innovative seating solutions leading the charge. Modern modular sofas and armchairs can be completely reconfigured based on your needs, transforming from a traditional three-seater sofa to individual chairs, or even forming an L-shaped arrangement for entertaining.
Many of these pieces come with hidden storage compartments beneath the seats, and some even convert into guest beds. The beauty lies in their adaptability—you can separate the pieces to create intimate seating areas when working alone, then reconnect them for social gatherings, making them perfect for those who need their living space to serve multiple purposes.
Vertical Garden Solutions
As urban dwellers increasingly seek to incorporate greenery into their homes, vertical garden systems have become a clever space-saving solution. These can range from wall-mounted herb gardens perfect for compact kitchens to modular plant shelving systems that double as room dividers.
The most innovative designs incorporate self-watering systems and even built-in LED grow lights, making them practical for spaces with limited natural light. Some systems cleverly combine plant storage with other functions—imagine a vertical garden that includes a fold-down desk, or one that incorporates a magnetic board for home office use. These solutions not only save precious floor space but also bring a touch of nature indoors without compromising on functionality.
Smart Room Dividers
A new essential for modern living is the ability to create distinct zones within a single space. Moveable room dividers that incorporate storage, such as wheeled bookcases or folding screens with integrated shelving, offer the perfect solution. These pieces can act as both practical storage solutions and flexible space separators, allowing you to instantly transform a home office into a living room, or create a cosy bedroom nook within a studio apartment. Some innovative designs even feature fold-out desks or display shelves, maximising their functionality in compact spaces.
Furniture retailers, it seems, are catching on to this increasing interest, realising that there is a huge rising demand for maximising space in properties. Accordingly, they are tailoring their offering to suit this. Long may it continue!
There are all sorts of reasons to travel to Bath – its UNESCO World Heritage Status, the fine Georgian architecture, its ancient Roman Baths… But perhaps a less well broadcasted reason is its pubs and bars. In fact, Bath boasts one of the best nightlife scenes in the South West.
In a city where locals and students rub shoulders with hens and stags, all of them looking for a good night out, Bath’s bars are shaking and stirring cocktails to rival any found across the UK. Adding to the charm, you’ll find these bars in the most unassuming of places, mostly on a subterranean level under the city’s Georgian architecture.
So, whether you’re thirsty for a local gin and tonic, seeking a particularly skilful rum preparation, or are wondering just where to go for cocktails in Bath, here’s our roundup of the best cocktail bars in Bath
The Dark Horse
Ideal for a sophisticated, below-ground cocktail bar for discerning drinkers…
After a nightlife that subsisted on a string of substandard chains like Revolution and Slug and Lettuce for far too long, a decent bar was long overdue in Bath. Enter the year 2016 and entrepreneur Louis Lewis-Smith – a man on a mission to bring a world-class bar to Bath. Fast forward to today, and he’s achieved just that – a place that could stand up to any cocktail bar in London, New York or even Barcelona for that matter.
Sitting below street level in Kingsmead Square, The Dark Horse is often the first recommendation from locals when asked about the best cocktail spot in Bath. This basement bar has earned its stripes and been shortlisted as one of the top 10 bars in Europe by Tales of The Cocktail, as well as making Imbibe Magazine’s top 3 in the UK.
It’s a low-lit, sultry cocktail den, lined with wood panels and all sorts of little nooks and crannies – delivering an unapologetically sexy mood. Aside from the vibe, it’s the innovative, seasonally changing cocktail menu that makes this bar stand out from its subterranean dwelling – think Somerset brandy, red grape and thyme syrup, or picpoul de pinet with peach bitters.
No matter how busy the bar is, the staff are unfailingly attentive, in the best sort of way. While the bar does accept walk-ins, it’s a good idea to book if you want to score a seat, especially at the weekend.
It takes just three minutes to get from the Dark Horse to Fidel Rum Bar, but it’s a walk that may be richly rewarded by a darn good rum cocktail upon completion. We caveat with ‘may’ because the cocktails here very much depend on who’s making them – sometimes your rum punch might be more watery than punchy, but more often than not it will be very good. The bar is rum-led, of course, and you can do worse than sticking to one of their 140 types of rum straight up.
The declaratively named Fidel Rum Bar is all about celebrating the vibes and energy of Cuba, and what better way to do that than by raising a glass of rum to Castro? If only they allowed cigars to be smoked inside…
Don’t be put off if the downstairs looks packed on your approach; there’s plenty of upstairs seating, including some particularly natty pink banquettes.
This walk-in-only hideaway bar is hidden next to the historic Sally Lunn’s and like most historic places in Bath, comes with a story, too. Legend has it that the space was originally a hoard for thieves and highwaymen but, today, a very different type of crowd comes here.
Signature whisky cocktails and old-school hip-hop tunes is the offering here, the former of which are perfectly conceived and grown-up (see: strong) in composition. Though the inside is compact and only has a handful of tables, there’s an outdoor courtyard with heaters that comes alive in the warmer months.
The Hideout certainly doesn’t obscure the skills of its team. In fact, the bar is a marvellous showcase for Bath’s young bartending talent, who work the floor with tips and recommendations. Indeed, the service is super engaging here and it’s an impressive whisky bar, by even the standards of a self-proclaimed aficionado. Whether you’re after something classic or creative, these guys have got you covered.
The Hideout has made it onto the UK’s Top 50 Cocktail Bars list for a couple of years in a row, and this year ranks as the 25th best bar in the UK. We can’t help but think they should be even higher!
Ideal for a well made martini in sociable surrounds…
Be honest: when was the last time you enjoyed a properly made martini? If the answer’s “never” (or even if it’s “not for a few days”), then it’s time to head over to Walcot House where you can find two venues serving them; Bread & Jam and The Dilly Bar.
Alongside classic cocktails made very well, they also have a stellar seasonal cocktail list which changes according to what’s fresh and abundant at that time of year. With Somerset’s produce so well regarded, this side of the menu can result in some superb drinks. Refreshingly, there are a whole load of non-alcoholic drinks available too.
Nestled under Walcot House, a multi-purpose venue which was once a bakery, Bread & Jam sits in the vaults of that former bakery, with plenty of sofas, banquettes and chairs to settle into. Presiding over that seating, there’s a disco ball and a DJ spinning funky discos grooves. Be warned, this place get’s lively. If you fancy a quiet drink, then just go to the adjoining cocktail lounge upstairs, named the Dilly Bar, here things are a little more sedate – that’s more our scene.
Quintessentially English, the gin and tonic is such a classic combination. There’s nothing better than when gin and tonic is poured over ice and served with a simple twist of lemon or lemon. However, at the Bath Distillery Gin Bar, there’s no reason to play it straight. With the cocktail menu here, these guys elevate the humble gin and tonic to dizzy new heights.
The Bath Gin sharing teapots may be a bit of a gimmick, sure – where they try to channel famous Bath resident Jane Austen’s regency vibes and also miss a trick by not calling them ‘g’n’tpots – but they are a lot of fun. They even created the character Virginia ‘Gin Austen’, just to get you in the mood.
In addition to the Bath Gin range, they serve 230 or so (yes, you read that right) other gins. That’s probably too many G&Ts for one sitting, but it’s always a reason to come back. Another reason to return; the bar is a great place to do a bit of souvenir shopping. The hopped rhubarb, especially, makes for a great gift.
Whether you’re in the mood for a classic G&T or something more avant-garde, this spot promises a memorable gin experience – depending on how many you have, that is…
Ideal for time travellers and lovers of the eclectic…
A popular fixture on Bath’s drinking scene since forever and yet another subterranean bar that retains a slightly exclusive feel, Opium sits a flight of stairs below street level in one of the vaults near the famous Pulteney Bridge.
The moment you enter this dark, atmospheric vault, you forget what time of day it is, let alone what number cocktail you’re on. Billing itself as a vintage and curious cocktail bar, it’s a transportive space make no mistake, with a bohemian, shabby chic vibe, Georgian furniture, velvet chairs and a chaise lounge, renaissance paintings, and baroque mirrors on the wall.
As we sip on our cocktails, we imagine that these vaults could be the storage room of some Georgian gentry, who are currently decorating their house and we’re squatting in it, turning it into a salubrious drinking den while we’re here. Got a bit carried away there, perhaps…
Anyway, you can tell by the cocktail menu that this is an old school place – White Russian or Rusty Nail anyone? Both are delicious.
Opium stays open until 1am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Another oldie, but a goody, SubThirteen is one of Bath’s longest standing cocktail bars and remains a great place to drink, with reasonably priced cocktails and a great vibe. It’s named so because of the thirteen steps that you have to take to get down to the entrance – yes, this is another subterranean cocktail bar.
The chatter-fuelled spot attracts lots of hen dos with their cocktail workshops in the day, but luckily, come the evening, outrageous outfits are banned. For us, the reason to come here is the large, walled garden at the back. In the summer, it’s a lovely spot for a cocktail.
The Red Sofas at The Beckford Bottle Shop
Ideal for a finely made cocktail and some truly superb snacks…
If you read IDEAL regularly, then you’ll know that The Beckford Bottle Shop is one of our favourite places to eat in Bath. It’s no surprise, then, that a spot on their red sofas is one of our favourite places to get a drink. Here they offer their full wine list alongside snacks, boards and small plates. They also serve up some killer cocktails, which is why you’re here, after all.
The menu is crafted by resident cocktail connoisseur Paul, whose seasonal mixes champion the best of British – think concoctions like their Garden Fizz which sees English sparkling wine, quince and lemon gin combine.
Next time you find yourself wandering the historic streets of Bath, remember that an exceptional cocktail experience awaits you around almost every corner. Cheers to discovering your new favorite drink in one of Bath’s finest cocktail bars!
With Burns Night just around the corner on January 25th, it’s time to plan the perfect celebration of Scotland’s beloved bard.
Whether you’re Scottish by birth, heritage, or simply appreciation, hosting a Burns Night supper is a delightful way to embrace tradition while drawing a dry, dour January to a close a few days ahead of schedule. Or, at the very least, it’s a fine reason to learn a few new recipes…
Setting The Scene: Creating Your Highland Haven
Transform your dining room into a cosy Scottish sanctuary in advance of the celebrations and in lieu of the bitterly cold weather outside (we assume, we assume). Layer your table with rich textures – think deep navy linens topped with touches of tartan. Scatter tealights in glass votives to create that magical Highland twilight ambience. For added authenticity, drape tartan blankets or scarves over chair backs, adding both warmth and style to your setting.
Traditional thistles make stunning centrepieces, but don’t feel bound by convention – arrangements of white heather, blue delphiniums, and purple stock flowers can create equally dramatic impact while honouring Scotland’s natural beauty.
Every great party starts with exceptional canapés, and a Burns Night celebration calls for miniature morsels that honour Scotland’s exceptional larder. From the smoky delights of Scottish salmon to the sharp tang of aged cheddar, these small bites set the tone for the evening ahead while giving your guests something to enjoy with their first dram or cocktail.
For an elegant start, consider delicate blinis topped with Scotland’s renowned smoked salmon. A whisky-spiked crème fraîche adds a sophisticated touch that perfectly complements the rich, smoky fish, while a sprig of fresh dill brings colour and freshness. These can be assembled in advance and kept chilled until your guests arrive.
Showcase Scotland’s exceptional cheese-making tradition with warm tartlets filled with caramelised onions and aged Highland cheddar. The sweet onions provide the perfect counterpoint to the sharp cheese, while fresh thyme leaves could add an aromatic finish, if you’re feeling fancy. These are best served warm, filling your home with an inviting aroma as guests arrive.
For a playful nod to the main event, consider haggis bonbons – crispy, breadcrumbed bites served with a whisky-spiked mayonnaise for dipping. These crowd-pleasers offer a perfect preview of the traditional feast to come and pair beautifully with both whisky and gin-based cocktails.
The centrepiece of any Burns Night celebration, haggis holds a special place in Scottish culinary tradition. This magnificent creation, a savoury blend of meat, oatmeal, and spices, deserves its moment of glory. While traditionally served whole and ceremonially addressed with Burns’ famous “Address to a Haggis”, modern celebrations can be more relaxed.
The key is treating this beloved dish with the respect it commands while ensuring it’s cooked to perfection. The result should be rich, warming, and deeply satisfying – exactly the kind of sustenance needed for a Highland winter’s night.
Ingredients:
1 high-quality haggis (around 900g will serve 6-8 people)
Whisky for flambéing (optional but impressive)
Method:
Wrap your haggis in foil, leaving room for expansion
Place in a pot of simmering water
Cook for approximately 45 minutes per 500g
Once heated through, carefully unwrap and transfer to a serving platter
For drama, warm 2 tablespoons of whisky in a small pan, ignite, and pour over the haggis at the table
No haggis is complete without its traditional accompaniments: neeps and tatties. This humble pairing of swede (yellow turnip to our Scottish friends) and potatoes might sound simple, but when prepared with care and finished with a luxurious whisky cream sauce, it becomes something truly magnificent.
The secret here is focusing on texture – smooth but not totally pureed, and certainly not gluey, with just enough butter to make them rich without becoming heavy. The whisky cream sauce adds a sophisticated touch that elevates this classic side dish to new heights.
Ingredients:
1kg Maris Piper potatoes, peeled
1kg swede, peeled and diced
150ml double cream
50ml single malt whisky
100g butter
Salt and white pepper
Method:
Boil potatoes and swede separately until tender
Mash potatoes with half the butter and season well
Mash swede with remaining butter
Warm cream with whisky, reduce slightly
Serve haggis with mounds of neeps and tatties, drizzled with whisky cream
Contemporary Cocktails With Scottish Spirit
The Highland Bramble
While whisky might be Scotland’s most famous export, the country’s gin game is equally impressive. This elegant cocktail celebrates both Scotland’s exceptional gin distilleries and its abundance of wild berries. The addition of heather honey syrup adds a subtle floral sweetness that speaks of Highland meadows, while the blackberry liqueur provides a rich, fruity depth. It’s a sophisticated serve that manages to be both refreshing and warming – perfect for starting your Burns Night celebrations.
Ingredients:
50ml Scottish gin
25ml lemon juice
15ml heather honey syrup
15ml blackberry liqueur
Fresh blackberries and thistle for garnish
Method:
Shake gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup with ice
Strain into a rocks glass over crushed ice
Float blackberry liqueur on top
Garnish with fresh blackberries and thistle
The Burns’ Night Boulevardier
For those who prefer their drinks spirit-forward and complex, this whisky-based variation of the classic Negroni is sure to impress. By switching bourbon for Scottish single malt, we create a cocktail that’s both sophisticated and appropriate for the occasion.
The whisky’s natural warmth is beautifully complemented by the bitter Campari and sweet vermouth, creating a perfectly balanced drink that Burns himself would surely have appreciated. Choose a whisky with a hint of smoke for an extra layer of intrigue.
To round off your Burns Night feast, what could be more appropriate than Scotland’s most elegant dessert? Cranachan traditionally combines four of Scotland’s most beloved ingredients: cream, whisky, honey, and raspberries.
Our version adds the most gentle of fresh touches with the optional addition of dark chocolate shavings – a small twist that adds both visual drama and a pleasant bitter note to balance the sweetness.
The key to a perfect cranachan lies in the quality of your ingredients: seek out heather honey if you can find it, choose the finest Scottish raspberries, and don’t skimp on the whisky. Never, ever skimp on the whisky…
Layer cream mixture with raspberries and oatmeal in glasses
Top with chocolate shavings if desired
Entertainment Tips
No Burns Night is complete without poetry. Between courses, invite guests to recite their favourite Burns poems. “To a Mouse,” “A Red, Red Rose,” and of course, “Address to a Haggis” are classics, but don’t be afraid to include modern Scottish poetry too. Yep, we’ve kinda phoned it in at this stage… Must be the whisky.
The Morning After
Don’t forget to prepare a hearty Scottish breakfast for overnight guests. Think tattie scones, Stornoway black pudding, and perhaps a hair of the dog for those blessed hangovers in the form of a Bloody Mary made with peated whisky instead of vodka.
Remember, while tradition forms the backbone of Burns Night, there’s always room for personal touches and modern interpretations. The most important elements are good food, fine drinks, warm hospitality, and plenty of laughter—everything that Burns himself celebrated in his poetry.
Pull into Deptford station, and you immediately get the sense that this is a fine place to be fed. You’ll get the smell of fresh fish from the string of fishmongers along the High Street, “second only to Billingsgate” in the words of one local blogger. You’ll see the smoke signals wafting from the jerk pans of Deptford Market Yard. You’ll sense the palpable hunger in your fellow passengers who are pitching up in Deptford today for the same reason you are; to eat.
Once a dockyard of significant importance during the reign of Henry VIII, Deptford has long been a place of comings and goings, its identity continuously shaped by the ebb and flow of people and cultures even before the opening of the Deptford Station on the London and Greenwich Railway in 1836, which heralded a new era of connectivity, making it the oldest railway station in London.
This development paved the way for waves of migration that have enriched the area with a kaleidoscope of cultures and cuisines. Today, Deptford’s food scene is a reflection of its ethnic diversity, with its various communities contributing to the local palate in myriad, delicious ways.
The opening of the overground train line in 2009 marked a new chapter in Deptford’s story. This vital link to the rest of London has not only made the area more accessible but has also played a pivotal role in its growth. Regenerated but fortunately perhaps not quite yet gentrified, this modern connectivity has fostered a burgeoning food scene where the area’s historic comings and goings mingle with contemporary gastronomy and budding entrepreneurism.
Not to be overshadowed by neighbour Peckham’s much hyped dining scene, Deptford has been making some serious statements recently, with the area pushing the envelope with a string of delicious restaurant openings. With all that in mind, here are the best places to eat in Deptford.
Jerk Yard
Ideal for jerk chicken in a convivial, communal space…
If you’re the kind of person who needs a bite where they alight, then you’ll be pleased to hear that just seconds from Deptford Station you’ll find Deptford Market Yard, its 14 arches occupied by independent traders selling plenty of delicious bits, and the adjacent yard a buzzing, sociable space to settle into.
Under those arches, Jerk Yard does a range of takeaway boxes and wraps for under a tenner, mainly centred around their properly smoky, damn delicious chicken legs, all blistered and burnished from the grill and finished with a viscous, piquant jerk sauce. Get it over rice and peas, as a wrap, or in a sandwich. A side of sweet fried plantain soothes those spicier notes.
Though there are only a couple of tables belonging to Jerk Yard out front, there are plenty of communal benches in this lively, thriving space.
Ideal for trying one of the best lamb birria of your life…
Also tucked away in the arches, you can’t miss Taca Tacos, its yellow and purple neon sign illuminating the Market Yard and drawing the punters in. They’re all here for one thing; the signature beef birria.
Here, a quesataco (a folded, grilled taco with melted cheese) is filled with slow-cooked, gently spiced beef, its caramelised edges calling to mind those gorgeous, bubbling parts that your cheese toastie leaves behind in the Breville. Served alongside for dipping is an intensely salty, gelatinous beef broth, spiked with chilli and lime. What a dish this is.
With long communal tables outfront available on a walk-in only basis, you might have to wait a little during peak times, but the food comes out fast, so why not pitch up at one of the adjacent bars and luxuriate in the whole Deptford Market Yard experience?
Tacas Tacos is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, open in the evenings on Wednesdays and Thursdays, open for lunch and dinner on Fridays and Saturdays, and open for lunch only on Sundays.
It might feel perverse to be enjoying a finely tuned, expertly executed izakaya meal whilst basking in the sunshine and glow of Deptford Market Yard’s alfresco conviviality, but Kekaki is not ordinary izakaya.
The restaurant, run by the talented chef Ping, a Vietnam War refugee who has since set up shop in Deptford, offers a light, bright and breezy Japanese culinary concept far removed from the grungy backstreet dive bars of Tokyo traditionally associated with the izakaya dining experience.
And what a joy it is to be catching some rays in anticipation of a procession of gnarly, blistered bits and deep fried delights. Onwards, then, and into some teeth-shatteringly crisp chicken karaage. And how about a plate of yaki sakana alongside – here, bream that’s just the right side of bitterness from the binchotan, and blessed only with a few flakes of sea salt? Don’t mind if we do. Plenty of yakitori skewers and some ethereally light seasonal vegetable tempura are pretty much obligatory too, regardless of whether you decide to bill them as side dishes or the main event.
None of this gets in the least bit cloying. Indeed, there’s plenty of flair on display on the rectangle plates here, with chef Ping’s stints at globally renowned Nobu and the much-maligned Sexy Fish in Miami and London respectively coming through. He brings a few touches of each to Deptford, whether it’s in the Nobu-inspired jalapeno spiked kewpie mayo that appears dotted across several dishes, or the tight, taut tuna maki rolls that are something of a signature on Berkeley Square.
It’s light, glorious stuff that feels just right in the summer sun. A chilled glass of sake or a refreshing highball seals the deal.
Ideal for a Far East Asian take on Deptford’s historic love of fish…
Deptford has a historic, storied association with fish, stemming from its maritime history, notably the Royal Dockyard established by Henry VIII in the 16th century, which was central to shipbuilding and naval provisioning, including fish supplies. Its location near the River Thames has long facilitated fishing and the distribution of seafood to London markets.
Celebrating the area’s love of the finned and shelled stuff (weird way to describe fish, we know), another gem in Deptford Market Yard is Sharkbait & Swim. The menu here is divided into oysters, sharing plates and ‘from the barbecue’, with much of the catch here given a decidedly Far Eastern flavour.
It’s there in the Sichuan mala vinaigrette and nahm jim jaew that’s served with the oysters. It rears up again in the ‘Bangkok shallot sauce’ that dresses a whole crispy bream, which is, inexplicably but deliciously, served over chips.
It’s even there in the sardines with mango and coconut cream. Descriptively, it skirts worryingly close to that most adored of Thai desserts, mango sticky rice, but in practice this one ends up being a soothing, gently spiced curry sauce that works as a fine counterpoint to some particularly oily sardines.
Cafe Mama Pho is a beacon of warmth on a dreary London day. Or, it’s a revitalising place to rehydrate on a bowl of electrolyte-filled soup on a particularly balmy day in the capital. Choose your poison…
…not that we’re saying the pho here is virulent. Anything but; the chicken pho here, in particular, is a vital, restorative bowl that will transport you right to the ngõs of Hanoi, minus the soundtrack of incessant motorbike beeping. All gentle aniseed notes and a graceful silkiness from the poached, skin-on chicken thighs, it’s one of our favourite bowls of pho in London. The pho tai (a version using raw slices of beef that cook gently in the broth) is excellent too. So much so, in fact, that we’ve written all about it here.
Ideal for a flavour of crowdpleasing Vietnamese classics…
Deptford is arguably the epicentre of some of the most downright delicious Vietnamese food in the country, with historic migration from Vietnam to this corner of south east London beginning in the early 1980s and continuing to this day.
Perhaps our favourite Vietnamese restaurant in Deptford is Eat Vietnam, a family run joint with a keen sense of community, a killer menu of crowdpleasers, and a thriving, throbbing atmosphere every night of the week (11:30am to 3pm, and 5pm to 11pm, every day).
Whilst the beef pho here is some of the best we’ve had in the city, the national dish certainly isn’t the only showstopper on this extensive, country-spanning menu. Perhaps even better is the bun bo hue – a spicy rice noodle soup from Vietnam’s imperial city and former capital. Inside that gorgeous chilli-spiked broth, you’ll find various pork and beef bones and bits bobbing about. Raise one to your mouth as elegantly as possible and have a gnaw. As with all the best versions of this cracking dish, the unmistakable thrum of shrimp paste is ever present. It’s fortifying stuff.
For something lighter, Eat Vietnam does a fine selection of banh mi, too. And if you need any further reason to visit, the restaurant donates 10% of its tips to charities in Vietnam.
Manze’s Deptford *to permanently close on January 25th 2025*
Ideal for a final taste of one of London’s most esteemed pie and mash purveyors…
Steeped in over a century of history, Manze’s Deptford is a pie and mash institution that finds itself in a period of transition.
M. Manze was founded by Michele Manze, who arrived in Britain from the picturesque village of Ravello on the Amalfi coast of southern Italy in 1878. The Manze family initially traded as ice merchants before venturing into the world of pie and mash. The Tower Bridge Road shop, opened in 1891, was the first to bear the Manze name, marking the beginning of a legacy that would see the family open 14 eel & pie houses across London.
The Deptford branch of M. Manze, managed by Michele’s grandson George Mascall, is a testament to the family’s enduring commitment to quality and tradition. Despite the changing times, this pie and mash shop hasn’t evolved or innovated. Instead, it does its thing with the same care and attention as it always has – that is, pies, creamy mashed potatoes, and the signature green liquor, made using the water from stewed eels and spiked with vinegar. It’s a taste of history.
Sadly, the tides of time are catching up with some of these historic establishments. The Deptford branch of M. Manze is set to close its doors for good on January 25th of this year, as owner George Mascall announces his retirement after more than a century of operation. This imminent closure makes every visit to Manze’s all the more poignant, and we’re certainly planning several more of the restaurant’s famous pies in the next few weeks, before the dreaded date.
Another gem on Deptford High Street, Chaconia is just theticket if you’re looking for freshly slapped Trini roti, richly spiced curry goat, and a warm welcome from the owner and chef. It’s a no-frills spot that delivers big on flavour and hospitality.
It’s also a superb place for vegetarians to eat really well in Deptford, with the roti flakey and moreish, and the spinach and pumpkin chana gorgeously spiced. Do not miss out on a side order of the bracing kuchela, a spicy pickle-cum-relish that is a fantastic foil to the heady, rich dry-spicing on that chana.
Again, whilst primarily a takeaway operation, there are three four-tops in the barebones restaurant if you fancy a sitdown.
Buster Mantis is one of Deptford’s most famous hospitality spaces, a bar, restaurant and nightclub that gets busy late with those looking to dine and dance, equally.
Named after Sir Alexander Bustamante, Jamaica’s first prime minister, Buster Mantis is more than just a restaurant; it’s a creative space that reflects McGowan’s own experiences growing up in Mandeville, Jamaica.
Ackee and saltfish, boneless jerk chicken thigh, and fried plantain are among the classic Jamaican staples available, while dishes like red kidney bean and thyme hummus or jerk jackfruit roti wrap cater to those seeking a modern twist on traditional flavours. On that note, the ‘Jamaican Sunday Roast’ here is a real treat. McGowan’s mother, Janet, is credited with the creation of each dish, ensuring that the food served is not only delicious but also steeped in genuine Jamaican culinary tradition.
Buster Mantis is not just about the food; it’s also a place where the drinks menu tells a story. Cocktails inspired by life in Mandeville, such as the Bishop Gibson and the Cecil Charlton, offer patrons a taste of McGowan’s Jamaican childhood in boozy form.
In an ever-evolving Deptford, Buster Mantis bridges the gap between old and new Deptford, attracting a diverse range of customers in love with the place’s faithful approach to Jamaican cuisine and culture.
Ideal for simple, elegant Italian cooking at an affordable pricepoint…
We end our tour of the best places to eat in Deptford at Marcella, an elegant Italian restaurant on the high street whose approach is all about quality seasonal ingredients cooked with a simple, respectful touch.
Named after the matriarch of modern Italian cuisine, Marcella Hazan, the restaurant is the second act from the guys behind the beloved Artusi in Peckham. Here, the proposition is the same, from the clinical, canteen-like dining room all the way to the laughably good value Sunday set menu, which is just £29 for three courses.
That sense of sparsity extends to the ever changing menu, where you’ll find just three starters, a couple of pasta dishes, three mains, and a couple of desserts. That’s not to say that the plates aren’t generous. On a recent visit, a starter of blushing mutton chop and winter tomato salad was a knockout, as was a pumpkin ravioli with sage butter (available in small or large for £9 or £17, respectively). In early summer, there are few plates better in London than Marcella’s spaghetti alle vongole. Not long now!
For many, that would be a more than satisfying spread, but the bigger plates (only available in the evenings) are hard to resist here. Arriving fully formed and roundly conceived, rather than a single protein in need of several supplementary sides, these are hearty, well-balanced mains. A case in point was a recent plate of cod loin, baked until pearlescent and flaking, and served with a nutty Jerusalem artichoke puree and strident salsa verde. Each component brought the best out of its plate-fellow, which made finishing this one much easier than it should have been after the two pasta courses that preceded it!
Bottles from the all-Italian winelist start at £29, though there are several available by the glass too.
Good Vibez Jerk Centre*sadly, as of September 2024, permanently closed*
Ideal for some of the finest curried goat we’ve ever eaten…
The name says it all at Good Vibez Jerk Centre. This Caribbean gem on Deptford High Street is beloved by locals for its homely, flavour-packed dishes and, well, good vibes.
Look out for the instantly recognisable Prince-purple frontage (there’s a joke about this being ‘the artist formerly known as Star Jerk Hut’ in there somewhere), and you know you’re in for a good time. The eponymous jerk here is an exemplary version; chargrilled in an oil drum, as it should be, this guy arrives thoroughly blackened, with enough burnt ends to keep the purists happy. The flecks of fresh chilli throughout the house jerk sauce promise an endorphin-baiting time.
That said, the signature dish at Good Vibez has got to be the curried goat (at least, when we’ve been here, it’s the dish everyone is ordering). A dark, brooding number whose appearance belies the intricate spicing lying beneath the service, with the background hum of allspice and roasted geera interspersed with the more bracing notes of scotch bonnet and a splash of vinegar. It’s complex and invigorating, and we can’t get enough of the stuff.
Though most folk here are taking away, there are a couple of tables and some counterseating if you fancy eating in.
*Sadly, as of September 2024, it was rather unceremoniously announced via Uber Eats that the Good Vibez were over and the restaurant was closed. There are, however, rumours of a new location opening in the area, so we’ll keep this entry in here for now.*
Deptford’s dining scene is a testament to London’s and the area’s culinary diversity, offering something for every palate. Whether you’re craving a hearty British classic or a true taste of Jamaica, these spots are sure to satisfy your hunger and leave you planning your next visit.
If a restaurant’s impact is defined by its sense of time and place, then Potong, in the heart not only of Bangkok’s Chinatown but also the chef and owner’s old family home, feels like a beautifully poignant collision.
Here, the restaurant, family and building’s history adorns every wall, percolates in every fermentation jar, and ultimately graces every plate of chef Pichaya ‘Pam’ Soontornyanakij’s extraordinary tasting menu. All 20 of them.
If you can’t feel the history of the building simply by sitting a while within it, then the team at Potong won’t exactly let you forget it; dining here is an immersive experience, with all the information cards, QR code-accessible soliloquies, and sommelier speeches that takes to get the message across in the most subtle of ways.
That message has been heard loud and clear by the tastemakers. Potong was recently awarded a star (with a second surely on the way), as well as charting 35th in the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list and named 88th in the world just last month.
Translating as ‘simple’, the vibe at Potong is anything but, with every detail meticulously constructed, all in the pursuit of the overall, enduring narrative. Indeed, all of this would feel frivolous if that narrative wasn’t built on a sense of authenticity, but at Potong, there’s some serious heritage to be found in these walls.
The 120-year-old Sino-Portuguese shophouse where the restaurant sits was, before Potong opened in late 2021, home to the family business, producing traditional Chinese herbal medicine including their flagship product ‘Potong’, which was aimed at helping menstrual cramps.
It’s hard to articulate quite how impressive the building is. The first floor, which once served as a storefront for the family’s dispensary, has been transformed into the elegant Potong Sino Bar. The upper floors feature beautifully preserved architectural elements, such as hand-painted wooden walls and an intricately designed shrine, all contributing to that enveloping dining experience that blends history with modernity, both in the room and on the plate.
The Opium Bar, which spans the fourth and fifth floor of the building, was in days gone by an area used to smoke opium, and once contained a huge Chinese daybed placed. Today, it is a drinking den,and, like the restaurant itself, is held in high acclaim, being featured in Asia’s 50 Best Bars. In the restaurant’s own words, the bar is ”ideal for an aperitif before a meal, after-dark experiences, or late-night soirees”. Cheers to that.
Each floor of this illustrious building is accessible via a tight, gravity-defying lift that needs to be ridden to be believed, the journey through the building’s history delivering you to the top floor for the beginning of an arguably even more rousing ride; the first snack of the tasting menu.
Every exit is an entrance to new experiences, indeed.
That snack comes in the form of the restaurant’s house charcuterie, a gossamer thin slice or three of cured pork that sits somewhere between chorizo and, of course, lap cheong; it’s sweet, spicy and blowtorched to order, the pork giving its fat to the airy radish cake it has made its bed on.
Next, it’s down a staircase you wouldn’t want to be too squiffy tackling (fortunately, it was just the one) and into an ornate but intimate dining room for the show proper. What follows is a menu that’s as carefully and cleanly composed as we’ve ever had the pleasure of submitting to, an intoxicating, healing procession of dishes that have echoes of the shop’s medicinal history and esteemed position close to Yarowat Road, as well as chef Pam’s Chinese-Thai heritage.
To unstitch the entire tasting menu would do a disservice to both future diners and the elements of authentic surprise that the chef weaves throughout the evening, but narrative threads of sentimentality and sustainability abound. The former – flavours of the chef’s childhood – are reinforced by a touching postcard from the chef to her grandparents; the latter most vividly told in the remarkable ‘a tree of palm’ dish. That was perhaps the highlight of the evening for us, a representation of every part of the palm tree in 5 phases, beautifully poised and, from a technical standpoint, faultless. Watch out for the finale lollipop – it’s got one hell of a kick.
A remarkable rillette dish hammers home Potong’s sustainability chops – the skeleton of a white pomfret from a previous dish arrives hard fried until crisp, any small strings and nuggets of flesh having been stripped off and turned into a luxurious pate that’s seasoned with gapi (fermented shrimp paste). You’re encouraged to take that skeleton and dredge it through the rillette; it’s gorgeous.
Sure, there’s a sense of the cadaver being dissected here, but it’s a powerful message of using every part of the fish. That particular white pomfret didn’t die in vain; its main fillet is served rolled into a ballotine of sorts, its edges seared to a crust over charcoal, its middle a perfect mi cuit. It arrives gently placed in an indulgent coconut cream and tamarind sauce with all the sweet, sharp interplay of a Thai red curry, just minus that familiar capsaicin hit. Hey, you can’t win them all…
Indeed, the Thai flourishes are more pronounced here than perhaps expected – one of the most striking dishes of the night was a pert, shucked oyster sitting atop an even perter nahm jim seafood, here the ubiquitous Thai sauce re-imagined as a black oil slick with aniseed notes reminiscent of black garlic. It was magic.
There’s plenty of modern European technique on display too, with chef Pam’s time spent at 3 Michelin-starred Jean Georges in New York showing its hand not only in that superb rillettes, but also in a perfectly proved brioche that’s been enriched with crab head meat, a mud crab roe emulsion served on the side for spreading. And spread we did.
Anyway, enough of the spoilers. You know it’s been a carefully considered, meticulously crafted procession of dishes when you’re still looking forward to the ‘main’ course, rather than dreading how full you’re increasingly feeling, and when the 14-day dry aged duck complete with a whole host of condiments hits the table, it’s impossible not to find that second wind.
Though the crisp, lacquered duck breast is the obvious centrepiece, it’s the supporting cast that truly ties the spread together. The one-two punch of a skewer of duck heart and liver sitting alongside duck brain that’s been steamed and served back in its skull is particularly good.
Yep, there’s that no waste ethos again, underlined in bold highlighter for all to see. For the more squeamish members of the squad, a ragu of duck leg served suspended in duck egg custard, chawanmushi-style, feels more conventionally crowd-pleasing. It’s all very delicious.
Tasting menus have fallen out of fashion somewhat in recent years, with diners growing tired of chefs wanting to show all of their skillset, ideas and inventions in one foul swoop. The tasting menu at Potong is a masterclass of how one should be – you leave feeling fed, sure, but also luminescent and inspired.
It’s an experience that feels light and free, the wait staff orchestrating a subtle dance via hidden earpieces, signing and hushed exchanges, the intricate, innovative, and, ultimately, highly evocative dishes never sacrificed in favour of the elaborate storytelling.
Finally, then, to dessert, and it’s a refrain that’s likely to linger long in the memory, the final celebratory flavours of Bangkok’s Chinatown – of chrysanthemum, lapsang souchong and Chinese dates – providing a refreshing, cleansing conclusion to a superlative meal.
Not before a fortune cookie to finish, however, and one that offered that italicised aphorism from several paragraphs previously. Every exit is an entrance to new experiences. And as we stepped back out into the belly of a particularly buzzing Chinatown, the night ahead and inviting us in, it felt a prescient statement indeed.
A 2025 Update: As the new year cranks into gear, chef Pam has unveiled her latest culinary venture, Khao San Sek. After an immersive journey across Thailand sourcing the finest ingredients, the Asia’s Best Female Chef 2024 and POTONG mastermind has created a concept that honours five cherished elements of Thai cuisine: rice, chilli, coconut, fish sauce, and palm sugar. The restaurant’s name itself plays on the reverence of Thai rice while symbolising transformation, promising diners a fresh perspective on traditional flavors delivered with Chef Pam’s characteristic precision. We’re looking forward to trying this one.
If you are thinking of selling up and moving on, then you’re probably already familiar with a few value adding estate agent tricks. You’ve got that bread baking in the oven, you’ve enhanced your kerb appeal, and you’ve taken down the family portraits.
We’re sure you’ll also know that renovations can be a reliable way to maximise your resale value and make your property stand out on the local housing market. However, while focusing on the cosmetic appeal will, of course, tip the scales in your favour, a more pressing priority for many buyers is how energy efficient a potential property is.
With gas and electricity prices soaring this year and predicted to continue into 2025, an energy efficient home has never been more valuable.
Indeed, making your home more energy-efficient can be a surefire way to increase your property value and attract eco-conscious buyers, and can boost your house price by 20%. Because green upgrades will reduce your home’s carbon footprint and slash your average energy bills, this makes sustainable homes highly sought-after on the property market.
Conscious, conscientious buyers don’t want to pay top dollar for a home that doesn’t manage to keep its environmental impact to a minimum. Moreover, homes that are less energy efficient are more expensive to run. So, if you’re looking to bolster the asking price of your home, read on for these 9 energy saving tips that will add value to your home.
Review Your Home’s EPC
First things first, get hold of your EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) and review it. There’s no point in making changes that won’t help your home. Your existing EPC will offer guidance on how to improve the energy efficiency of your home, as well as showing you just how much it costs you to heat and light the property, as well as the level of CO2 your place emits.
It’s an upgrade which strikes fear into the hearts of homeowners; the days spent showerless and the financial burden of a new furnance or boiler competing for the title of ‘most unwelcome domestic event’. But deploying foresight and installing a new boiler before the red light of death brings your current one to an abrupt end is a smart move for your home’s energy output.
An old furnace (more common in the US) or boiler (more common in the UK) can be a major source of energy loss in your home. Older boilers, because of both design and degradation, are far less efficient than newer models, with the former operating at around 60% efficiency while the latter is 90% energy efficient. By replacing yours with a new, high-efficiency model, you can decrease your energy usage and potentially save hundreds of pounds each year on your heating bill.
In today’s market, energy efficiency is a major selling point, and a new furnace can be a big selling point for potential buyers. If you’re considering replacing your old furnace, heater installation experts recommend consulting professionals to help you choose the right size and mode.
A programmable thermostat gives you the ability to automatically adjust the temperature in your home based on your schedule. This can help save money on your energy bill, as you won’t have to heat your home when no one is home. This upgrade is relatively inexpensive and easy to install, making it a cost-effective option for adding value to your home.
When installing a programmable thermostat, be sure to choose one that is compatible with your furnace. The latest furnaces have built-in programmable thermostats, but older models will require a separate unit. Any home buyer will appreciate the money-saving potential and convenience of a programmable thermostat, especially when it offers extra features like:
Multi-zoning – The ability to set different temperatures in different areas of your home
Wi-Fi connectivity – The ability to control your thermostat from your smartphone or other mobile devices
Home automation integration – The ability to connect your thermostat to other smart home devices, such as lights and security systems.
Making changes to your insulation situation to conserve the heat in your home in colder periods will, in turn, maximise your home’s energy efficiency potential and its value. Cavity wall insulation can save you up £160 a year while living in your property. But don’t just stop there, lagging jackets, which insulate your pipes, also improve the efficiency of your hot water tank. And here, every little helps.
We lose somewhere around 35% of our home’s heat through uninsulated or poorly insulated walls. That’s a huge number by anyone’s standards. Another chunk is lost through the roof if it’s not properly insulated, and another portion flies through windows that aren’t double-glazed. Which brings us to our next point…
Go Solar
‘Solar’ has been the watchword and one of the most omnipresent energy saving tips for some time now, evoking a modern, green image in the minds of potential buyers.
Installing solar panels not only reduces the environmental impact of your home; over time, they may well also lower the cost of energy use, too. With a suggested lengthy lifespan (at least 25 years) saving on bills and the planet certainly makes installation an appealing option to new buyers.
When considering your EPC (Energy Performance Certificate), your certificate will likely be promoted from a D to a band B through the installation of panels, which would likely amount to around £16,000 for your place’s value. Those lower bills we previously mentioned also make financial sense.
Replace Old Windows
Replacing old windows with double or triple glazed options can be another easy way to reduce cold drafts and minimise heat loss. Indeed, double glazing can increase the value of your home by 10%.
Moreover, the warmth that double glazing adds to your home means your heating bills will be dramatically reduced – you can save around £110 a year – another bonus for potential buyers who are analysing the value of your property via its energy efficiency, , with recent data showing increased interest in everything from new homes in Hampshire to renovated townhouses in Manchester.
Do remember; always be scrupulous with your search and request a few quotes before settling on a supplier.
Add LED Lighting Throughout
Making the switch to LED bulbs throughout your home is a relatively low-cost upgrade that can have a significant impact on both energy consumption and buyer appeal. LED bulbs use up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and can last up to 25 times longer. While the initial investment might be higher than regular bulbs, the long-term savings are substantial – potentially up to £40 per year on electricity bills. Modern LED options also come in a variety of color temperatures, allowing for customizable ambiance that appeals to prospective buyers.
Install A Smart Energy Monitor
A smart energy monitor is a modern addition that can significantly boost your home’s appeal to tech-savvy buyers. These devices provide real-time feedback on energy usage throughout your home, allowing residents to identify energy-hungry appliances and adjust their habits accordingly.
Many smart monitors can break down energy usage by appliance and time of day, offering valuable insights into consumption patterns. This level of transparency and control over energy usage is increasingly attractive to buyers who are conscious about their environmental impact and monthly utility costs.
Upgrade Your Appliances To Energy-Efficient Models
While this requires a larger upfront investment, replacing old appliances with energy-efficient models can substantially increase your home’s value and appeal. Focus on major appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers, looking for those with high energy efficiency ratings. Modern energy-efficient appliances can use 10-50% less energy than older models, resulting in significant yearly savings. When marketing your home, these newer appliances serve as tangible proof of the property’s energy-efficient credentials, making them a valuable selling point for environmentally conscious buyers.
Here’s a painful truth: Most online stores fail within two years. A key reason? Picking the wrong technical foundation and getting locked into a platform that either costs too much or can’t scale with the business. Here’s an unvarnished look at what today’s major e-commerce platforms offer, based on merchant experiences.
WooCommerce: Best For WordPress Veterans
WooCommerce claims a massive share of the e-commerce market by transforming WordPress sites into full-featured stores. While the core plugin costs nothing, it sits at the higher end of our pricing scale once you factor in essential premium extensions, development costs, and hosting requirements.
The platform appeals particularly to content-first businesses who already use WordPress and need granular control over their store’s functionality. Most WooCommerce merchants end up investing heavily in development, but gain the ability to modify every aspect of their store without ongoing platform fees.
The platform stands out in several areas:
Plugin Ecosystem: Access to tens of thousands of WordPress plugins lets merchants implement almost any functionality. Premium extensions for subscriptions and bookings multiply your capabilities but come with annual license fees.
SEO Advantage: Deep integration with leading SEO tools provides granular control over product schema markup, sitemaps, and meta tags. This WordPress compatibility gives WooCommerce stores a natural edge in organic search visibility.
Cost Structure: Initial development costs run into four figures for professional implementation, but ongoing expenses remain modest. Most specialised hosting providers offer WooCommerce-optimised plans at mid-range prices.
BigCommerce: Built For High-Volume Sales
BigCommerce positions itself in the mid-to-upper pricing tier, with costs scaling based on sales volume rather than features. This transparent pricing model means you get enterprise-level capabilities from the start, unlike competitors who charge extra for basic functionality.
The platform excels at handling complex product catalogs and high transaction volumes without requiring significant technical expertise. For growing businesses graduating from basic platforms, BigCommerce offers a sweet spot between functionality and manageable monthly costs.
Notable strengths include:
Multichannel Integration: Native connections to major marketplaces and social platforms enable inventory and order syncing across Amazon, eBay, Instagram, and more. The unified dashboard streamlines management across all sales channels.
B2B Features: The B2B Edition includes customer-specific pricing, quote management, and company accounts. While premium features carry additional monthly costs, they deliver substantial value for B2B operations.
Performance: Built-in performance optimisation and reliable uptime support high-volume stores processing thousands of transactions daily.
Adobe Commerce: For Complex Business Rules & Custom Features
Commanding the highest price point among our reviewed platforms, Adobe Commerce (formerly Magneto) targets enterprise-level businesses with complex requirements. The platform’s steep learning curve and substantial hosting needs contribute to its position as the most expensive option.
However, for businesses processing millions in annual revenue, Adobe Commerce’s ability to handle intricate business logic, multiple storefronts, and complex B2B scenarios can justify its premium pricing. The platform particularly shines in environments where custom development budgets exceed six figures annually.
Key capabilities include:
Multi-Store Management: Control multiple brands, markets, or B2B/B2C operations from one backend. Support for complex organisational structures with separate catalogs, pricing, and customer segments comes standard.
Enterprise Security: Built-in PCI compliance, two-factor authentication, and regular security patches protect your operation. A dedicated security team monitors potential vulnerabilities.
B2B Tools: Native support for company accounts, custom catalogs, and quote management makes Adobe Commerce particularly strong for B2B commerce.
Wix: Quick Setup, Limited Scaling
Wix enters the e-commerce space at the lower end of the pricing spectrum, making it an attractive starting point for small businesses and solo entrepreneurs. The platform’s e-commerce plans cost notably less than specialised e-commerce solutions, though this affordability comes with transaction fees on lower-tier plans.
Despite its budget-friendly positioning, Wix has evolved beyond basic store creation to offer sophisticated marketing tools and automation features that rival more expensive platforms. The platform particularly appeals to visual-minded entrepreneurs who prioritise design control over advanced selling features.
Standout features include:
AI Design Tools: Wix ADI generates complete store layouts based on your business type, cutting setup time significantly.
Business Suite: Built-in tools handle appointments, memberships, and email marketing. The mobile app lets merchants manage operations on the go.
App Market: While not as extensive as WooCommerce, Wix offers hundreds of vetted applications. Most premium apps have moderate monthly fees.
Squarespace: Design-First, Commerce Second
Occupying a unique middle ground in pricing, Squarespace more than basic website builders but less than dedicated e-commerce platforms. The platform has carved out a niche serving creative professionals who need both portfolio and selling capabilities. While its commerce features lack the depth of specialised platforms, Squarespace compensates with superior design tools and integrated marketing features. This hybrid approach makes it particularly cost-effective for service-based businesses that sell products as a secondary revenue stream.
Distinguished by:
Design Tools: Mobile-optimised templates with sophisticated typography and spacing. Advanced image handling ensures products look compelling across all devices.
Marketing Integration: Built-in email marketing, social media tools, and SEO features work in harmony. The analytics dashboard tracks performance across channels.
Content Features: Strong blogging and portfolio tools support content-driven commerce through lookbooks, galleries, and editorial features.
The Bottom Line
The key is approaching platform selection with a clear understanding of your technical capabilities and growth plans. Rather than seeking the ‘best’ platform, focus on finding the one that matches your specific operational needs and budget constraints.
The true expense of an e-commerce platform runs deeper than monthly fees. WooCommerce offers a free core plugin, but expect four-figure investments in development and customisation. Magento requires significant upfront investment but can prove cost-effective at scale by eliminating per-transaction fees that plague smaller platforms. Even simpler solutions like BigCommerce start with modest monthly subscriptions but often demand investment in additional apps and integrations to match competitor features.
Complex e-commerce operations often warrant specialist support, particularly for multi-channel selling or B2B requirements. Liaising with an eCommerce marketing agency in London can prevent costly mistakes when configuring inventory syncing, automated pricing rules, or ERP integration. Success hinges on understanding your technical capabilities and growth trajectory before committing to a platform.
Focus on finding the solution that aligns with your operational requirements and budget constraints rather than chasing the latest features.
Clearer complexion? Heavier wallet? Energy levels through the roof? Concentration retur……
Hey, you! Yes, you. Back in the room. For many who have been doing (enduring) Dry January, the positives of a spell spent away from booze have been welcome, surprising, and at times, a little concerning; the new outlook and fresh feeling has led us to wonder just how bad we’ve been feeling the rest of the year.
The science seems to agree. According to the guys at Alcohol Change, the benefits begin even in this first week; you’ll likely be sleeping more soundly and as a result, energy levels will be up. The second week sees a certain sense of a ‘fog lifting’, and in the third, things get real; you might notice weight shifting and exercise having a greater impact. What’s more, you may well sense a sharpness at work which you hadn’t felt for a while. Finally, in the fourth week, even your risk of certain diseases will have fallen. Need we go on?
Actually, we will go on. Because why stop there, at one week? There are many more goals to meet and gains to be made by continuing this Dry January thing onwards through February and into the rest of 2025.
Whether you’re planning on giving up drinking completely or this period of abstinence has convinced you to change your relationship with alcohol into a more gentle, mindful approach, then there are some small changes you can enact to your everyday to make the transition smoother and easier to maintain. With that in mind, here are 5 lifestyle changes which will make sustaining Dry January easier, IDEAL for a life without all those hangovers.
Live Within A Strict Routine
For so many, it seems like the temptation to drink strikes most directly when we’re feeling listless and uninspired. A gloomy day outside with little on the agenda often leads to us filling up a glass just to fill in some hours. Many former drinkers who gave up successfully suggest that it’s essential to have a strict, scrupulous routine, particularly in those first few months, to prevent the mind from wandering into the bottle shop.
Even something as simple as getting up and going to sleep at the same time every day instills a sense of discipline and builds resilience. Having breakfast, exercising at a consistent, scheduled time, working within set, rigid hours and always having an activity lined up for the evening can all contribute to you keeping focused on your goals and, let’s face it, distracted from your vices.
But Take Things Gradually
If you didn’t ‘do’ Dry January, then don’t view the month as a failure in your goal to cut down. Every day is a new opportunity to get healthier, then focus with your eyes facing forward, rather than regretting what’s passed.
What’s more, many have pledged to cut back, rather than cut out, and that’s commendable, too.
It’s important to set goals which are manageable, so each day can be treated as a potential success. Simple steps can help make cutting down easier. Many swear by ‘dinner drinking’; that is, to only allow yourself a drink during dinner, allowing for a leisurely, sociable relationship with alcohol to develop.
Others buy in a spirit measuring cup, to make sure their g’n’ts at home don’t turn out to be quadruple strength. Some simply keep only the drink they want for the evening in the house. Whatever works for you is, of course, the best way forward.
As the team at the OAD Clinic, who offer addiction treatment in London caution, if you have a more serious alcohol problem and are physically dependent, then it’s essential that you don’t cut out drinking wholesale, in one go. They explain that, if you do so, you could be risking your health, and may be prone to withdrawal symptoms, which include chills, aches, irritability, nausea, headaches, mood swings and more.
If you’re in this position, it’s best to seek professional help rather than doing things alone. The NHS have a page dedicated to Alcohol Support, including help with finding alcohol addiction services in your area. Do check it out.
Don’t Just Cut Out, Feed In
Abstinence and asceticism is all well and good, but if you’re not feeding back in, and nourishing your body and soul, then you’re less likely to be successful in giving up or cutting back on alcohol.
This thing is best realised in a wholesome, holistic way. By adopting a healthy, balanced diet (with a few treats thrown in, of course!) and exercising regularly, you’re going to feel the benefits of less alcohol consumption are magnified.
You’ll likely be feeling dehydrated from excessive alcohol, so drink water religiously – experts recommend 4 litres a day – to redress the balance. Endeavour to enjoy a diet rich in fruit and vegetables (ideally, 7 a day), as well as beans, pulses, eggs and oily fish.
It’s recommended that you base your meals around a starchy carbohydrate, such as pasta, rice or potatoes, preferably in its whole grain form, as this promotes a slow release of energy and, fascinatingly, is essential for serotonin production. For many who have become reliant on alcohol to lift their mood, getting the brain’s happy chemicals back in balance is essential.
Drink Less But Drink Better
Cutting down on alcohol needn’t mean the total denial of pleasure in your life. Many have found joy in simply drinking less, but ensuring the alcohol they’re drinking is of a higher quality. This mindful approach to drinking makes sustaining a healthier relationship with booze much easier to maintain, and that’s what you want from this thing, right?
Alternatively, there are some fantastic low or no ABV beers, mocktails, non-alcoholic spirits and wines, and ‘occasion’ drinks designed to take the place of booze in social settings. These can be a wonderful way to still see friends and enjoy a celebratory tipple, minus hangovers and the rest. Our favourites include Rochester Ginger Drink, Seedlip Spice ’94 and Hip Pop kombucha drinks, the latter of which are considered by many to be a superfood (yep, we know it’s a drink).
Alcohol consumption is an expensive, time consuming habit, especially for heavy drinkers. We’ve all spent a day on the sofa, groaning and lamenting, but when those wasted days become a regular thing, it’s a problem.
Let’s dial down into the digits; it’s estimated that the average household spend on alcohol is just under £1000 a year. But problem drinkers spend way more. If you were to consistently have three or four drinks a day, then that spend could be tripled. Just think about the things you can do with the money. A holiday, or two, a new wardrobe, a weekly treat at a fancy restaurant, gifts for family…the list goes on.
We’re all entitled to the odd duvet day. Each and every one of us deserves a little downtime, low, lazy and lounging with a takeaway and a Netflix doc on the box. But booze amplifies the frequency and force of these days, and can make us a far less productive, creative unit as a result.
So, cherish those extra hours and get productive. Or, use the extra money to treat yourself! You deserve it. Once you have time and money on your hands – you know, the stuff you used to blow on booze – then you’ll find a sense of freedom you were previously lacking everywhere you look. Embrace it!
*This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you are physically dependent on alcohol, stopping suddenly can be dangerous or life-threatening. Please consult your healthcare provider before making significant changes to your alcohol consumption. If you are experiencing alcohol dependence, contact your doctor or local addiction services for professional support and guidance.*
We think it’s safe to say that Northcote Road occupies something of a unique position, both in geographical terms and in the minds of the average Londonder.
Sprawling from Battersea to Balham but certainly not Clapham, it’s a buzzy, populated street that’s pedestrianised and almost continental on the weekend, with action, activity and al fresco dining all taking place along the strip.
Yet, it also feels strangely superficial; every other shop could be a JoJo Maman Bébé, and for a road of such obvious affluence, at first glance the dining options are a little predictable; all mid-level chains and Gail’s bakeries.
But scratch the surface just a little harder, and amongst those ever-presents are a handful of fantastic food purveyors, producers and restaurants doing some truly great grub. If you’re wondering where to eat on Northcote Road, Clapham Junction, then here are the best restaurants.
Porchetta & Grill
Ideal for a porchetta sandwich that will transport you to the Italian countryside in one bite…
Yep, we realise just 7 or so words ago we said ‘restaurants’, but the first place to eat on our list isn’t actually one of those. Instead, it’s a compact, black trailer, parked outside Joe & Juice and serving some of the best porchetta in the city.
Here, the proposition is simple; unctuous Umbrian porchetta with crisp crackling, served either in a semolina dusted ciabatta or over polenta and vegetables. Rustic Roman sausages, heady with fennel seed and white pepper can also be supplemented; now that’s a sarnie worth heading south of the river for. Come to think of it, we’d swim the river for one of these.
Image via Porchetta Grill Facebook Page
With the main ingredient expertly prepared by Giovanni Morinello, an Italian butcher with 30 years of experience, you’ll be in very safe hands here.
Just back from the Northcote Road and a five minute walk from Porchetta and Grill, you’ll find the edge of sprawling Wandsworth Common; the perfect place to tuck in to your sandwich in peace. You can thank us later!
Ideal for a warm and welcoming Italian restaurant…
From here on in you’ll start to notice a theme, that the majority of the best places to eat on Northcote Road are Italian. And that’s no bad thing when you’ve got a neighbourhood resident as good as Osteria Antica Bologna, a warm and welcoming Italian which has been in the same spot for over two decades and does all of the simple, rustic things just right. It’s a place where Italian’s come to feel Italian in London.
So, that’s freshly made pasta, ragus that taste like they’ve been bubbling since the restaurant opened, risotto that’s genuinely cooked to order (please allow for 20 minutes) and, if you’re feeling particularly ravenous, a Bistecca alla Fiorentina, that famous chargrilled T-bone steak beloved of the food aficionados of Tuscany.
With affordable wine by the glass and a convivial atmosphere every night of the week (except Mondays, when it’s closed), it’s no wonder that Osteria Antica Bologna is such a hit with the locals.
Ideal for Neapolitan pizzas with a broad range of toppings and comforting bowls of pasta…
Nope, this isn’t a restaurant that exists solely in the metaverse (tech heads, stand up), but rather, the best wood fired Neapolitan pizza you’ll find on Northcote Road.
The second branch (yep, still confused by the name) of the popular King’s road pizzeria, Made In Italy 3.0 does a fine selection of pizzas at the more traditional end of the spectrum, with all the usual boxes ticked concerning San Marzano tomatoes, Caputo Tipo double zero flour, fierce cooking temperatures, and an origin story that starts in Southern Italy, the home of proper pizza puritans.
The thing that makes Made In Italy unique is their cheese factory, housed in Battersea and producing handmade mozzarella and burrata every day. Run by a third generation Italian cheesemaker, this ensures an incomparable freshness in the final product and results on the street.
Alongside more traditional toppings like margherita and diavola, you’ll find some more fascinating offerings like ‘Crokke’ which is billed as a cheeky pizza featuring crocche, the famous Neapolitan street food and another entitled ‘Carbonara Pizza Porn’ – and nope, we don’t know why the word ‘porn’ appears like this on the menu sporadically either, but we’ll let that one slide…
This Italian restaurant in Clapham also caters for those non-pizza fanatics in the group (yes, there are such people). On our last visit we had a bowl of gnocchi pomodoro – a simple yet incredibly satisfying no-frills dish if ever there was one. We could eat it every day.
Ideal for classic Thai curries and regional specialties…
So far, it might feel like Northcote Road is London’s very own Little Italy (though, officially, this is an area in the south west corner of Clerkenwell), and sure, the dominance of Italian restaurants here is stark. But there’s also capable Thai food being cooked on Northcote Road that’s well worth your time if you’re not in the mood for more pizza.
Rosa’s Thai has outposts all over London – yep, we did say Northcote Road is dominated by chains – with the restaurant gaining popularity for its affordable, properly punchy Thai dishes with origins from across The Kingdom. The Clapham branch has found a home on Northcote Road, and it provides welcome respite from the dough-based offerings that define the rest of the strip.
Go for the stir-fry dishes, as Rosa has real woks and burners out back and that all-important ‘hei’ can be sensed on the plate and palate. The chilli and basil stir fry is a very satisfying one plate wonder, akin to Bangkok’s beloved pad gra pao, but using Thai basil instead of the holy stuff. Regardless, it does the job.
As their website boasts, over 1.6 million Pad Thais have been served by the restaurant group. We’re a little embarrassed to admit just how many of that number were us.
After that brief, spicy respite, we’re going for another Italian, this time at Buona Sera which has been serving the good people of Clapham for over a quarter of a decade.
Meaning ‘good evening’, this is actually a spot best enjoyed in the late afternoon sun, as the restaurant has plenty of outdoor seating (even on a weekday) and a sunny disposition to match it.
These guys have been in the same spot for thirty years, and have finely honed their simple yet satisfying offering. With a sprawling menu of capable pasta plates, as well as some simple starters perfect for picking as you watch the world go by, Buona (autocorrect attempted to change that to ‘buoyant’, which would be rather fitting) Sera is a lovely place to while away a few hours.
Ideal for massive quarter slices of sourdough pizza with sturdy puffed crusts…
Breadstall is a mobile unit that sits just a few strides down the street from Porchetta & Grill, but the proposition here is slightly different; nominally it’s a pizza joint, but there are other edible treats to be found here, too.
In fact, though the quarters slices of sourdough pizza with a sturdy puffed crust that makes them ideal for taking away are Breadstall’s biggest seller, taking pride of place at the forefront of their display of the day’s wares, we’re here for the freshly baked focaccia and ciabatta, which are generously filled and tasty as you like (ours is a fried chicken, rocket and mayo, thanks for asking).
That’s not to say the pizzas aren’t fantastic, and with Breadstall delivering, Londoners can now get a slice of this little corner of South London straight to their door.
For a no fuss, no frills fish and chips restaurant, Seafare Fish Bar is one of Northcote Road’s true gems. Though the bulk of the business is the takeaway trade, Seafare has a cute patio outfront which is ideal for basking in the sun if the weather’s right.
Back inside and into the vats of bubbling rapeseed oil (which the restaurant recycles into biofuel), all the fish here is sourced daily from Billingsgate Market, with a choice of cod, haddock, plaice, rock, squid and scampi pleasing the pesci crowd, with a light, delicate batter.
Sides are reassuringly traditional, with the wally a real whopper and the gravy thick and proper. Chips tread that most welcome line between crisp and soggy that all chippy connoisseurs are well versed in, and the mushy peas actually taste of peas rather than vinegar.
And that’s all you can ask for from your local chippy, right?
Ideal for South Indian feasting that’s a different proposition to your old-school curry house …
Residing in the former Ve Kitchen site, Tamila brings something genuinely different to Northcote Road’s dining landscape. From the team behind Islington hits The Tamil Prince and The Tamil Crown, this is their first outpost south of the river, and it’s a more casual affair than its gastropub siblings up north.
Perhaps with a slice of the Dishoom morning market in their crosshairs, there’s a keen focus on South Indian breakfast and brunch here – the masala dosa arrives as a crisp, golden scroll accompanied by coconut chutney and sambar that puts most of the road’s brunch offerings to shame. The medhu vadai (savory lentil ‘doughnuts’) are worth crossing postcodes for, striking that perfect balance between crisp exterior and fluffy middle.
Come evening, the kitchen shows its real muscle. The Thanjavur chicken curry is worth ordering for the sauce alone – complex, aromatic, and crying out to be mopped up with their exceptional rotis, while the Chettinad lamb curry brings that lovely, undulating chilli heat without sacrificing on nuance or deliciousness.
The drinks list is equally considered, featuring Indian-spiced takes on classic cocktails alongside their own Tamila lager, which is a drinkable, pleasant enough drop. The success of this Northcote Road venture has already prompted a second site opening in King’s Cross this month, but there’s a already buzz about this original that suggests it’ll become a neighbourhood fixture for years to come. We’re certainly not complaining.
Okay, we accept this is neither a restaurant nor quite on Northcote Road (the A205 separates the two), but we’re not going to let a little pedantry get in the way of what is arguably London’s greatest sausage roll.
Yep, at Slice Street Bakery on St. John’s Road, you’ll find one of the most generously proportioned, beautifully seasoned, properly fatty portions of minced pork based nirvana that we’ve ever had the pleasure of sinking our teeth into, all gorgeous mouthfeel and salty deliciousness. And whilst £4 might seem like a hefty price tag, this is a real piece of work, weighing as much as a newborn baby and, in many ways, even cuter.
Slice Street also do excellent sandwiches – the fried chicken with a kind of buffalo sauce dressing is particularly lovely – and Roman pizza slices for those looking for a lunch spread to make any colleagues or family members jealous. Great stuff, indeed.
We had to finish with something sweet and Italian, in keeping with the road’s preferred cuisine. At the award winning Oddonno’s Gelati, the gelato is at its best when it celebrates a singular ingredient, ramping up the characteristic flavour of that ingredient to dizzy new heights.
In fact, Oddonno’s pistachio gelato is regularly acknowledged as one of the best single scoops in the city, with Time Out London saying back in 2010 that ‘’the pistachio is some of the best you’ll ever taste’’. That same pistachio also received two gold stars at the 2009 Great Taste Awards. After several balmy evenings spent strolling the strip in the company of the fabulous flavour, we have to agree.
Firstly, let’s address the Thai elephant in the room with a cheery ‘’sawadee krap’’ and an acknowledgement; Bangkok could give you the meal of your life on just about any street corner or down any soi, all for the cost of a Snickers bar back home.
But in such a sophisticated city – and cuisine – chock-full of decadence and deliciousness, it would be rude not to consider the fine dining side of things from time to time, with a whole host of world class restaurants here offering a truly Thai take on haute cuisine that’s elegant yet playful, precise but intuitive.
With 18 Thai restaurants in the city earning starred status in the latest Bangkok Michelin Guide (announced just last week, in late November 2024), the options for eating out at the finer end of the spectrum can be overwhelming.
Well, we’ve done the hard work so you don’t have to, ascending the Scoville Scale and feeling the breath of the wok on our necks, to bring you these; the best Thai fine dining and Michelin-starred restaurants in Bangkok.
Samrub Samrub Thai
Ideal for meticulously researched, creatively composed modern Thai dining…
Is this intimate, counter-only, impossible to book restaurant/private kitchen the best Thai restaurant/private kitchen in the world? Whatever you want to call it and whichever superlatives you wish to throw at Samrub Samrub Thai, it is seriously good and worthy of all of them.
The master at the stoves of this compact, counter-dining affair is chef Prin Polsuk, who has some serious pedigree in the world of Thai fine dining, having been the head chef at Nahm in London when it won its Michelin star, the first Thai restaurant in the world to have been bestowed with the honour.
He has an encyclopaedic knowledge of his country’s cuisine, and at Samrub, he seems to have his heart set on expanding it even further, with the dishes here sourced from a veritable vault of historic scripts, tomes and chapters.
The results, whether in the buttery, tender-as-you-like grilled beef dressed in delicate Satay-like sauce or intricately stuffed sweetcorn, filled with minced chicken and baby corn then reconstructed, are nothing short of spectacular. Oh, and you’re allowed to ask for seconds!
That generous sentiment exemplifies the family-style nature of this brilliant restaurant, with Polsuk’s wife Mint running the front of house operations and chef Prin working the counter, doling out shots of homemade banana liquor and soliloquies on the history of some of the dishes he’s just set in front of you. Often, their young son will join diners too, crawling across the counter and generally charming everyone in his wake!
In short, Samrub may well be the world’s best Thai restaurant…
Ideal for trying Thailand’s hottest, most difficult to secure reservation…
Or, is it? And speaking of impossible to book, chef Supaksorn Jongsiri’s love letter to the farmers, fishermen and producers of Southern Thailand is reportedly the most coveted reservation in the Kingdom, and it’s easy to see why.
Though it’s only been open for five years, this place has been the talk of the town – no, country – for nearly as long. Proudly sourcing ‘99.9%’ of their ingredients from the south, and supporting countless farmers and fishermen in the process, as well as cooking most of the food in clay pots, you’d be forgiven for thinking this traditional ethos wouldn’t translate into a 22 course tasting menu of fine dining.
You’d be wrong; this, quite simply, is some of the finest Thai food out there, period. You’ll have to run over hot coals to get a table, but if you’re lucky enough to do so, it’s worth burning your feet for. And mouth; the food is spicy, and all the better for it. Than hai im, na khrap!
Ideal for familiar Thai dishes delivered in surprising, highly innovative ways…
Even before chef Chudaree “Tam” Debhakam became the world’s first Thai female chef to be awarded two Michelin Stars, she was a famous face across the country, having emerged victorious on the inaugural season of Top Chef Thailand.
It’s an immense credit to the chef’s skills and vision that those two massive accolades don’t even prepare you for the culinary journey at her pioneering restaurant Baan Tepa. Close to the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bang Kapi, you get a sense of anticipation building as you enter the restaurant, which is housed in an elegant villa that’s owned by Chef Tam’s grandmother, Lady Suwaree Debhakam. The space still retains many of its original features, along with its warming, welcoming spirit. Out back, there’s a large garden which feeds the kitchen’s inventive dishes with its living library of organic flowers, herbs and spices.
Yep, there’s a sense that this meal will nourish the soul as well as invigorate the senses, and so it turns out; despite plenty of ‘cheffy’ flourishes and ultra-modern tekkers, there’s a familial, grounding narrative running through the 9 (and then some) course tasting menu.
Expect on-the-surface familiar dishes that come with a surprise or two, such as the ‘Fishtake’ – a play on the beloved Thai fish cake, here featuring giant Trevally fish and Shiitake mushrooms (we won’t spoil the surprise), or the whimsically named ‘Crab Crab Crab!’, which showcase the chef’s talent for blending familiar ingredients in creative ways. Again, we won’t spoil the surprise.
Later on, the highlight ‘Anatomy of a River Prawn’ dish shows off an enormous specimen sourced from Ayutthaya, blessed with a massive pool of its smoked head juices, and served with arguably the best nahm jim seafood we’ve ever tasted. It’s this anchoring of ultra-modern technique with recognisable, faithfully delivered elements that makes Baan Tepa so captivating. Those two Michelin stars, we think, are richly deserved.
Ideal for a taste of one of the world’s most influential Thai restaurants…
Aussie chef and Thai food oracle David Thompson’s Nahm earned a Michelin star, a first for Thai cooking, when in its previous incarnation in London, and the Bangkok version rightly followed suit in Michelin’s inaugural Bangkok guide at the end of 2017.
Though Nahm London closed due to the lack of quality fresh Thai ingredients in the capital, and the compromise that forced on the cooking, there’s no danger of the produce being found wanting at the Bangkok rendition.
Here, the premium ingredients used shine through, whether that’s the wagyu beef used in the enthusiastically seasoned stir fry, the peppery wild ginger deployed across the menu, or the freshly pressed coconut cream that defines this luxurious style of Thai cooking.
Though David Thompson has since moved on (more of that in a moment), the iconic restaurant remains in very capable hands, with revered chef Pim Techamuanvivit now in the (very) hot seat, keeping the flavours bold, robust and refined, but giving the dishes her own spin, recalling childhood memories of special meals and the joy of sharing with family.
Should you be keen to sample the complexity of the Nahm kitchen but for a fraction of the price of the normal dining experience here, then the khanom jin lunch deal is a steal.
For 1’100 baht – equivalent to 25 quid-ish – you get canapes loaded with wild prawn and white crab meat and delivered in the most graceful style, followed by coil of khanom jin (lightly fermented rice noodles) and an accompanying sauce, dressing or curry, the latter of which features blue swimmer crab, and is something of a signature here. Finish with desserts that utilise that just-pressed coconut cream, and you’ve got yourself a truly indulgent meal for under £30.
Ideal for sampling the latest fine dining venture from the ‘Godfather of Thai food’…
No writer worth their Red Boat fish sauce could faithfully pen a paean to fine dining in The Kingdom without mentioning chef David Thompson. And whilst we realise you’re already acquainted with him from the brief mention above, at Aksorn, the acclaimed Aussie oracle on all things Thai food seems to have found his most succinct expression yet on what makes the cuisine so profoundly delicious.
Here (fittingly house in an old bookstore) the chef combs through historic recipe books – mainly from a defining period in Thai culinary history between 1940 and 1970 when the cuisine was going through seismic changes of modernisation and cross-cultural influence – to source inspiration for Aksorn’s dishes, with some menu items unheard of outside of this very special kitchen on Charoen Krung Road.
All that said, it’s often the most simple dishes that land the knockout blow. On a previous visit, stir fried sugar snap peas were sweet and smoky, managing to straddle a freshness and umami-heft brilliantly. They wore their stir fry sauce as you might the lightest linen jacket – so good.
And as with any David Thompson restaurant, a procession of superb deserts pick up star billing. The man sure does have a sweet tooth; not that we’re complaining when the coconut cream is this luxurious, the jasmine candle’s perfume just the right amount of pervasive, and the sweet/salty balance familiar to any Thai sweet lover so intricately poised.
With a regularly changing menu reflecting a different era, recipe book or chef, we can’t wait to see where Aksorn goes next.
For properly old school, refined and regal Thai fine dining, with all the bells, whistles, pomp and ceremony of the Royal courts of The Kingdom as a backdrop to your evening, you can’t do much better than Methavalai Sorndaeng, a Phra Nakhon institution still going strong after six decades.
It’s a real special occasion sort of place for Thai folk of a certain age, and you’ll see old married couples, suited, booted and moonlight-silver haired, enjoying timeless preparations of dishes like rich red curry of duck and pineapple, or intricate tartlets of diced potato, carrot and sweetcorn, that still somehow manages to come up tasting decidedly Thai.
The gold embroidered furniture and crooner louchely leaning on a grand old piano to serenade the dining room only serve to emphasise the vibe here. Resign yourself to its charms; it’s irresistible.
For all these opulent associations with royalty and glamour, Methavalai Sorndaeng is an eminently affordable Michelin-starred experience, with larger dishes rarely pushing past the 500 THB mark (around £12) and many considerably cheaper. With very drinkable wine served simply – just choose between red or white, and always by the glass – the value for money here is striking.
Oh go on then, we’ll stay for just one more song…
*Sadly, Methavalai Sorndaeng lost its star in the 2024 Thailand Michelin Guide*
Ideal for a truly exceptional Thai tasting menu experience…
Thai food aficionados were devastated when, at the height of the COVID crisis, Duangporn ‘Bo’ Songvisava and Dylan Jones announced they were closing Bo.lan after more than a decade of defining contemporary Thai restaurant food, citing the financial toll of the pandemic as a major driver in their decision.
But in the greatest comeback since Lee Zii Jia’s remarkable win at the Thailand Open in 2022, Bo.lan is back, bookable and – whisper it – better than ever. For a fixed price of 4’800 THB, guests can once again enjoy the zero-waste, zero-compromise cooking of these two very talented chefs, running Thursday through Sunday.
The setting remains delightfully unchanged – a warming timberclad converted home (the swimming pool on the way to the loos always feels tempting after a few Nonthaburi meads) set back from the unrelenting intensity of Sukhumvit Road, adorned with traditional Thai decorations that set the perfect scene for what’s to come.
A recent visit, some seven years on from our last meal there, found the kitchen on song and in perfect harmony. Bo.lan is still one of the best culinary-focused evenings you can have in the Thai capital. Wholesome, nourishing, at times even educational without being annoying, the cooking is homely but precise, refined without being ‘elevated’, and always, always delicious,
Highlights from the most recent Kingdom-spanning menu included a Southern style curry of Tankun chicken, clams and cashews, all murky depth and assertive complexity, and a funky black Khorat beef stir-fried in shrimp paste relish. Even the rice options show a deep respect for the primary product, with both organic Gaba rice from Sri Saket and jasmine rice 105 from Yasothorn the star around which the six or seven sharing dishes orbit.
Their signature drinks programme also maintains a distinctly local character, featuring house-infused ya dong (traditional Thai herbal liquor) and Thai cremant rubbing shoulders with more Old World selections.
There’s a well-orchestrated but pleasingly casual sense of flow to the evening, too, transitioning you through the restaurant’s different spaces just when you might be feeling restless. Things start in a separate lounge with a welcome drink, and petit fours (free flowing, generous and endless) are served back in that lounge at the end of the meal.
It’s a meal bookended by booziness, too: It starts with honey mead made in Thailand and ends with a complementary shot of the ya dong, proffered as you make your way for the door, leaving a taste of something special lingering long after Bangkok’s signature humidity has once again begun to stick to your shirt.
With opening hours still tight, some forward planning is required to land a table. If you’re not able to get a seat, then all is not lost; Bo.lan’s more casual sister restaurant Err is just around the corner, close to Thong Lor BTS station. All the Err signatures are here; expect whole crispy chicken skin, the finest grilled naem this side of Nakhon Phanom, and cute as you like pickled garlic cloves. Yes!
*Though Bo.lan doesn’t currently hold a Michelin star, it has previously and will surely again*
Ideal for a progressive menu of Thai-Chinese fare from one of Asia’s hottest chefs…
At this restaurant, family and building legacy hangs proudly in the air. It can be tasted in the fermentation jars and felt on every plate of Chef Pichaya ‘Pam’ Soontornyanakij’s incredible tasting menu of innovative Thai-Chinese cuisine, of which there are a whopping 20 dishes. Instead of keeping you here, check out our full restaurant review of Potong. Be prepared to have your appetite teased and tempted!
And some good news to start 2025; chef Pam has just announced the opening of a new restaurant! Called Khao San Sek, it’s a more approachable, a la carte format here, though expect similar precision in the delivery. We can’t wait to try it!
Now, after all that fine dining here are our picks of the best street food in Bangkokfor those keen to get in touch with the other side of Bangkok fine dining.
There’s something real synonymous feeling about the traditional Sunday Roast and the Georgian city of Bath. In this storied, honey-hued city, there’s a sense of homeliness and heritage that chimes so well with the time-honoured tradition of eating fuck loads of meat with loved ones and drinking ‘till ruddy faced.
Whether you’re a student reluctantly receiving your parents for the day, a hungover rugby fan looking to refuel and forget last night’s misdemeanors, or a tourist looking to settle into one of Bath’s beautiful pubs for the afternoon, you’ve come to the right place for proper guidance. Here are the very best Sunday Roasts in Bath.
*Owing to the popularity of enjoying your Sunday Roast out in this corner of the UK, and because of the popularity of Bath with tourists, you’ll likely need to book in advance for all of the pubs and restaurants on our list.*
Chequers, Rivers Street
Chequers has long been a bastion of British hospitality in Bath, boasting a history that stretches back to 1776. Sitting pretty on resdiential Rivers Street and just a short stroll from the Royal Crescent and the Circus, this gastropub serves up a Sunday Roast that is deeply rooted in tradition yet feels refreshingly modern. With its cosy ambiance focused around a welcoming central bar that’s the beating heart of the dining room, and replete with wooden beams and open fires, it provides the quintessential setting within the quintessential city to enjoy a roast dinner.
Images via Chequers instagram
With a Michelin Bib Gourmand plaque proudly nailed to the entrance and regularly named as the best Sunday lunch/roast dinner in Bath, the chefs at Chequers take immense pride in their craftsmanship. Their roast beef is sourced from prime Hereford herds and aged to perfection, the chicken has roamed freely in nearby Castlemead, and the pork belly comes from the esteemed Middle White. Each hits the table with carefully curated accompaniments to bring out their best side – horseradish and watercress, celeriac remoulade, and baked apple compote, respectively, if you’re asking.
The catch-all trimmings are a league apart – think fluffy, crisp duck fat roast potatoes, and lovingly prepared, seasonal veg that retains just the right amount of crunch.
The pièce de résistance is unquestionably their signature Yorkshire pudding, a glorious golden dome that is the epitome of comfort food. Homemade gravy with a depth of flavour extracted from, you know, actual bones rather than gravy granules, seals the deal. You’ll want to request refills of this one…
The Sunday Roast at Chequers runs from midday until 8pm, with the roast beef and trimmings priced at £24.
Just outside Bath city centre lies the Hare & Hounds, a gem of a pub with a prime position on high (well, at the top of Lansdown Road) with breathtaking views of Bath’s surrounding countryside and down to the city itself. The two mile trek to the pub – all uphill – takes around an hour and represents the perfect excuse to build up an appetite for the H&H’s Sunday Roast (not before one of their famous lamb scotch eggs, mind).
Images via Hare & Hound Instagram
A lavish affair of the usual suspects, plus an apricot and chestnut roast for the vegans in the group, the roasted pork loin is particularly good here, replete with a sheet of puffed, bubbling crackling that’s just about as good as it gets. The appearance of cauliflower cheese, blistered and burnished on top and silky beneath, helps further the case for this being one of Bath’s very best Sunday Roasts.
But really, it’s the views that seal the deal here. The dining room has massive windows that bathe the space in natural light during that Sunday lunch slot, sure, but when the weather is kind, there’s no better place to dine al fresco than the Hare & Hound’s terrace, admiring the Somerset landscape and rewarding yourself with another cloudy cider for the road. You did earn this one, after all.
This one runs from midday until 10pm. The roast pork and accompaniments is priced at £18.50.
Back in town and over by the picturesque Royal Victoria Park, The Marlborough Tavern has long been one of Bath’s most cherished pubs, with a history dating back over 200 years and a frontage of fading Bath stone to prove it. The fact that it does excellent pub food is just a bonus!
With its two AA rosettes and inclusion in the Michelin Guide, you can expect a mighty fine roast dinner here, all in warming, welcoming pub surroundings – thick blond wood table, brown leather banquettes, the lowkey hum of locals popping in for a frothy pint…the works.
It’s a laid back atmosphere that somewhat belies the quality of the cooking coming out of the Marlborough Tavern kitchen, the roast beef rump arriving blushing pink – to make the boys wink – and beautifully marbled. It’s served with seasonal vegetables, naturally, and a red wine gravy that’s luscious and glossy, the product of a well managed reduction rather than a gacky roux. It coats that beef rump and its accompanying roasties just right. Regardless, you’ll want an additional side of the truffle and parmesan fries, muttering “double carbs” by way of an excuse/acknowledgement, if you wish.
For the vegetarians, the sweet potato, spinach and mushroom is much more than a mere afterthought; it’s a perfectly formed puck of crisp pastry and well-balanced, just giving vegetables. A vegetarian version of the gravy is just what you need to slather all over it.
In summer, there’s plenty of pleasant outdoor seating to settle into, if you can get over the idea of eating a Sunday Roast in the sun, you sick sort.
The roast dinner at the Marlborough Tavern is served from midday until 8pm, with the beef priced at £23.
Set against the backdrop of Bath’s historical charm, and slap bang in the centre of this handsome city, The Elder offers a Sunday Roast experience that tastefully intertwines traditional British cuisine with modern gastronomic finesse. Located within the charismatic walls of the Indigo Hotel, the establishment prides itself on championing local produce and nose-to-tail eating – expect dishes featuring high-quality, locally-sourced meats, where every cut is given the respect it deserves.
All of this should come as no surprise with a chef/owner of Mike Robinson’s pedigree behind operations. Co-owner of the acclaimed Harwood Arms in Fulham, London’s first and only Michelin-starred pub, which has set a benchmark for excellence in serving British game and wild food, as well as being the man behind the excellent Woodsman in Stratford-Upon-Avon, Robinson knows a thing or two about meat cookery.
No wonder the roast dinner at the Elder is held in such high acclaim, then. Served in the restaurant’s adjacent Brasserie Beau, it’s a refined affair, priced at £28 for slow roast sirloin with all the trimmings, but this premium reflects the calibre of the produce, make no mistake. Robinson’s signature touch is perhaps most evident in the starters, with a wild boar scotch egg a dish very much on brand. Don’t worry if you think things are getting too ‘cheffy’ – roast spuds and seasonal vegetables are part of the main spread here.
While indulging in this feast in a dining room of soothing racing greens, classic Chesterfield leathers and paintings of hunting scenes (what else?), you can’t help but admire how The Elder seamlessly merges Bath’s genteel heritage with modern-day culinary excellence. It’s a dining room you won’t want to leave.
Oh, but before you do leave we should mention that The Elder simply isn’t a place where you skip dessert. The pastry team have a superb touch, with the sweet stuff delivered with true finesse. Though the restaurant’s incredible souffles aren’t part of the menu (a travesty) since the roasts were moved over to the brasserie, there’s still plenty to enjoy; a recent tarte tatin was an exemplary version of a classic. The whole restaurant inspires this kind of confidence, quite honestly.
The Elder’s Sunday Roast runs from 12.30pm until 3.30pm and 6pm until 9pm. The beef is priced at £28, with all the trimmings included.
Though we think it’s something of a push to call Walcot Street ‘Bath’s Artisan Quarter’, there are a couple of murals up along the drag, as well as some more interesting charity shops and a flea market, so we’ll give them that. It’s all relative, after all…
Anyway, on Walcot Street you’ll find a damn good Sunday Roast over at Walcot House, a sprawling, multipurpose venue where chic decor meets industrial elegance, forming the backdrop for a leisurely meal that could easily stretch out for hours.
So, stretch it out; a starter of rock oysters with a wellmade Bloody Mary kicks things off perfectly, and dusts off that hangover that the majority of diners are seemingly suffering from.
Yep, this is one you feel comfortable lingering over as you order that second bottle, the vibe unhurried and the clientele getting progressively looser. On the plate, prime cuts of locally-sourced meats with their rightful relishes (horseradish, mint salsa verde, apple sauce…you know the drill), a parade of organic vegetables, and lashings of homemade gravy (which comes in its own jug – rejoice!), are all executed with aplomb. There are also a couple of larger sharing beefs to luxuriate over if you’re coming with a stacked, spendthrifty squad. The dry-aged chateaubriand with bearnaise is a real treat and, frankly, what Sundays are made for. And yes, that was us gnawing on the bone like a caveman last weekend.
For something lighter, pescatarians (or, you know, just people who fancy a change) are well catered for at Walcot House, with the ray wing and Cafe de Paris butter – a menu item that seems to be everywhere right now – on the list for next time.
Now, how about that third bottle? Actually, the oddly fussy House Rules strictly prohibit ‘continuing drinking’. Perhaps it’s on to the next one…
The Sunday Roast here at Walcot House is served from midday until 4pm, with roast prices ranging from £20 to £27.
A recent(ish) addition to Bath’s culinary scene that’s had several national restaurant critics cooing, Beckford Canteen’s light and bright dining room provides the ideal setting for a laid back but refined Sunday Roast.
Don’t be put off by the proasic-sounding menu here (Who needs flowery descriptions of roast dinners, anyway? Except perhaps you, if you’ve gotten this far through our article), as what matters is what’s on the plate, and at the Beckford Canteen, it’s carefully sourced (and sauced), carefully roasted chicken breast, pork belly and beef sirloin.
The real point of difference of the Sunday Roast here are the – purists, look away – confit potatoes, these lovely, layered things that have been cooked low and slow in duck fat before getting a final crisping up in the pan. A real labour of love, they’re as good as the iconic Quality Chop House version, if not better. There are few better bites in the city than these when positively bathed in the excellent Beckford Canteen gravy.
For a further point of difference in a roundup that’s getting dangerously repetitive, why not end with the cheeseboard, composed of local cheeses? The piquant, crystal-heavy Montgomery Cheddar is particularly good.
Owing to the restaurant’s relationship with the excellent Bottle Shop up the road, the winelist here is a real treat.
Beckford Canteen’s Sunday Roast is served from midday to 6pm, with the roast beef clocking in at £29.
Just a 10-minute drive from the city centre lies Newton Farm Foods, a family-run gem that perfectly embodies the farm-to-fork ethos that makes a British Sunday roast so special. To be enjoying that ethos actually sitting on a, you know, farm, certainly adds to the experience…
Set on the picturesque Duchy of Cornwall Estate (hey, perhaps the King could provide some sausages for brekky from his own digits), this fourth-generation working farm offers a dining experience that connects you directly with the source of your Sunday lunch – quite literally, as you can spot their South Devon, Aberdeen Angus and Hereford cattle grazing in the surrounding fields.
The Sunday roast here is served in The Parlour, their licensed café space that manages to sit somewhere in that sweet spot between rustic charm and contemporary comfort. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light and offer sweeping views across the Duchy Estate’s rolling countryside – proper Somerset pastoral scenes that make you feel like you’re starring in your own BBC period drama.
The meat is, unsurprisingly, the star of the show here. The rare roast rump of Newton beef comes from cattle that have spent their entire lives grazing these very pastures, raised with regenerative farming practices that not only talk the talk, but trot the trot and taste the taste, too. For the indecisive (or the simply greedy), the Combi Roast offers both the beef and their slow-roasted pork belly – the latter being a particular triumph with its perfectly crisp crackling.
All roasts come with the full array of trimmings: properly crispy roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings that look like they’ve been inflated with a bicycle pump (in the best possible way), seasonal vegetables including a rather lovely carrot and parsnip mash, and braised red cabbage that adds just the right amount of sweet-sharp contrast. The cauliflower cheese, available as a side, is worth the supplementary spend – it arrives blistered and bubbling, exactly as it should be.
For those seeking alternatives to the traditional meat options, their handmade nut roast shows the same care and attention as its meaty counterparts, while the roast fillet of cod with mussel and samphire cream offers a delicate alternative. There is also steak, which got us thinking; there should always be steak as a Sunday lunch option.
Booking is essential here – the combination of field-to-fork credentials, generous portions, and that wholesome, family-farm atmosphere makes this a popular spot with both Bath locals looking for the briefest escape from a city that very rarely feels like it needs escaping. Pro tip: leave room for dessert – everything’s made in-house and the pastry chef clearly knows their way around a pudding.
The roast dinner at Newton Farm Foods runs from midday until 3:30pm, with the roast beef priced at £20.95. The Combi is £24.95.
Located just a Bath stone’s throw from the historic Abbey and the Roman Baths, The Salamander could easily be dubbed the quintessential Bath pub, with a style that’s quirky and idiosyncratic but traditional all at the same time, a line-up of local ciders that you’d need a packet of Omeprazole to take down, and, of course, a fine Sunday Roast.
Here, you’ll find slow-roasted topside of Hereford beef, braised pork belly, a vegan nut roast, sure, but you’ll also find a rare outing for roast lamb, seemingly less popular on the menus of Bath’s best Sunday Roasts than the Big Three. At The Salamander, it’s a shoulder, studded with rosemary and garlic and roasted for 12 hours until silky and giving. In terms of trimmings, cumin roasted beetroot is something of an outlier, but a welcome one at that.
A simple dessert of affogato (two scoops here!) picks you up, dusts you off, and helps you out the door.
This one runs from midday to 6:30pm, and clocks in at £21.95 for a slow roast lamb shoulder.
We end on a roast that’s a little out of town but worth the walk to enjoy. Climb the hill behind Bath Spa station and seek out The Bear Inn, a stylish community pub with a 250-plus history that knows its way around a roast dinner.
Their private dining space is perfect for gatherings, and for sports fans, there’s Sky Sports to catch the games. The roasts here – chicken (complete with pigs in blankets!), beef, porchetta, or vegan wellington – are served with all the trimmings, including Yorkshire pudding (except for the vegan option), making it a feast fit for those who have made the 20 minute walk into more rural Bath.
And hey, if you want to imagine that Carmy has cooked your Sunday lunch for you, then please do; we’re already doing the same thing!
The Sunday Roast at The Bear Inn runs until 7:45pm, and starts at £19.
Cursory mentions of nut roasts and sweet potato wellingtons be damned! Plant-based eaters, we haven’t forgotten about you. Instead, here’s a handy guide to the best vegetarian food in Bath. For all those in a meat coma, you might find relief there, too.
Did anyone see that fascinating news story about the invention of the world’s whitest paint, which could help cool an ever warming earth? Able to reflect 98% of sunlight, it’s predicted that the paint could reduce the need for air conditioning in the future. Incredible!
That said, it’s going to be at least a little while until the paint is on the market. Until then, in countries which need air conditioning, it’s essential that we maintain our units to ensure they’re working to their maximum efficiency, thus reducing the strain they’re putting on the planet.
According to the US Energy Information Administration, air conditioning is used in 87% of US homes, and accounts for, on average, 12% of the energy expenses in a home. In summer, that number can go up to 70%.
To lessen your unit’s impact on the environment (and your energy bills), there are steps you can take to ensure your air conditioner is running efficiently, some requiring professional intervention and some simply needing behavioural change.
Before we look at how to maximise the efficiency of your air conditioner, here’s how you can identify that it isn’t running to its full potential:
A significant change in usage costs or energy bills
Unusual sounds
Inconsistent temperature in a room
An ice build up on your AC
A curious odour
Your unit is blowing out warm air
The on/off cycle occurs more frequently than normal
If you’ve noticed any of these signs, or you want to be prepared in case of any eventuality, then read on; here are 5 maintenance tips to maximise your air conditioner’s efficiency.
Be More Conservative With Your Thermostat
A rare case where being more conservative is actually being more liberal (being more efficient with your heating and cooling because you’re worried about climate change… Hmmm, that gag doesn’t really work), being a little more judicious with your thermostat settings can save you money and energy. While this might sound counterproductive, the air conditioner needs a break, and cutting it just a couple of degrees of slack can help hugely.
Some people take to adjusting the thermostat every time they leave the house and then doing it again when they get back, or turning it down at night. This is tedious and often inefficient work. Instead, you can replace your thermostat with a smart version. According to the US Department of Energy, at least 20% of home cooling costs can be saved by getting a high-efficiency, smart-running unit to replace an antiquated, less efficient conditioner.
Smart thermostats automatically adjust the temperature according to the schedule that you set. Some models lower or raise the temperature when they detect the presence or absence of someone in the house. What’s more, you can even adjust the temperature remotely if you connect the smart thermostat to your WiFi.
You should always be on the lookout for issues with your AC’s thermostat, which is just as likely to go bad as any other air conditioning and can lead to many other issues within the AC system.
Signs to look out for in a faulty AT thermostat include it running non-stop, displaying an obviously incorrect temperature reading, and refusing to shut down entirely.
Walk around your house and pay close attention to the vents of your internal air conditioners; have they accumulated any large concentrations of dust, debris or other blockages? The best way to prevent clogged drain holes or leaks is through regular air conditioning maintenance.
Accordingly, it’s essential that you (or you have a professional) remove any debris from the air supply vents to maximise their airflow. Vacuum any dust and debris away from the supply vents as a matter of course, but if you’re keen to go further, you can also have the unit cleaned by a professional. This will maintain steady airflow.
Blockages don’t only occur within or attached to the vent. Nearby items such as furniture should be kept away from vents, too. If possible, rearrange your furniture so it’s not blocking airflow and preventing a direct channel into the room. Doing so will ensure that you don’t have to use the air conditioner longer than you would have to if there was no item blocking it.
On the flip side, it’s essential you reduce the likelihood of air escaping, too. Running your AC with the windows open is obviously a mistake, but it’s also a good idea to check for air leaks under doors and around your window seals.
Schedule A Maintenance Appointment
To improve efficiency and lower the cost of energy consumption in the home, schedule a maintenance appointment with a professional air conditioner repair service, who can identify the exact issue (or issues) which is causing your AC unit to not run at its full potential.
Even if your unit is running smoothly, twice-yearly maintenance is recommended to ensure there are no underlying issues which could effect the capability of your air conditioning in the future.
Aside from air-con issue diagnosis, services you should expect from a maintenance expert include aircon gas top up, chemical wash, aircon leaking water and aircon post-service inspection, all of which can help your unit run more smoothly.
Be Sensible With Household Appliance Use
Electronics and appliances around the home generate and circulate heat, as well as consuming energy even when not in use, so it’s a wise move to put them on sleep mode whenever you’re not using them.
What’s more, on particularly hot days, it might be worth sticking to salads! This is because using your oven consistently (or, for that matter, your dishwasher, washing machine or tumble dryer) can generate a significant amount of household heat.
Though the effect on your air conditioning will be minor, every little helps.
Look for exposed ductwork in your basement, garage, loft or utility room. If you find any exposed ductwork, add insulation; this can help make your AC system more efficient. This is because when ducts are left exposed, cool air is leaked to the surrounding area, and the targeted heating and cooling of your AC is lessened in impact.
Sometimes, the duct may be disconnected, with this mostly happening in crawl spaces and attics. When this occurs, airflow is reduced as the ducts are restricted. To avoid this, ensure you check the ducts often and make sure they are connected as they should be.
The Bottom Line
Keeping your AC unit running efficiently requires both proactive and reactive measures. Alongside household habitual changes, regular maintenance can help your air conditioning run to its full potential.
Though Bath has long been associated with affluence and a certain tendency to the high-falutin, as well as it being one of the UK’s most attractive places for both domestic and international tourism, its restaurant scene has only recently begun to match the city’s fine reputation.
But over the past ten years or so, Bath’s culinary map has become populated with a string of restaurants where the cooking is confident, the prices are reasonable, and the vibes more in tune with what’s happening in London than perhaps any other city of its size here in the UK.
That said, amongst all the hip, happening openings, sometimes all you really want is a pizza. Should you be in Bath and wondering where to eat the best pizza, we’ve got you covered…
The Oven
Ideal for authentic canotto-style Neapolitan pizzas with the occasional twist on a topping…
This little corner of South West England isn’t too blessed with seriously good pizza options, so we’ll jump right in with The Oven, which is, in our minds, the premium pizza spot in the city.
The oven in question, central to the restaurant not only in name but in its prime position in the dining room, is manned by pizzaioli Fabrizio Mancinetti, with the pizzas here loosely based on the Neapolitan canotto style.
Translating as ‘dinghy’ and defined by their imposing, inflated crusts, the dough at The Oven boasts the requisite heft to carry some generous toppings, whether that’s the Sicilian sausage, mushrooms and toasted walnuts, or the goat’s cheese, caramelised red onion, rocket and pine nuts. Yes, nuts on a pizza; trust us, it works.
Ideal for romantic date nights over upscale Italian-American pizza…
Bath’s Bosco bills itself as being ‘inspired by the best pizzerias of Naples and New York’. Having spent plenty of time in the former, we’d venture that Bosco has little in common with the rustic restaurants of Dalle 500 Cupole.
The vibe here, with its marble counter seating, dark wood and brass, instead calls to mind a New York speakeasy.
The pizzas – the bit you’re here for, of course – land somewhere in between the two cities, boasting more structural integrity than a Neopolitan, sure, but also drier than a keenly adorned New Yorker. There’s a central wood-fired oven at play, and the resultant puffy crusts, blistered and burnished in all the right places, make for an eminently satisfying eating experience.
Indeed, on its day these are fine pizzas indeed, boasting premium ingredients imported from the markets of Milan and Rome. Owing to that tendency towards the dry we mentioned, the best pizzas to order here are those that are a little more fully loaded. A case in point is the excellent Calabria, which is hot from ‘nduja and lusciously, liberally anointed with both mascarpone and fior di latte. The tomato base and roasted red onions bring some much needed sweet piquancy. It’s a fine pizza; arguably the best in Bath, quite honestly.
Owing to the dimmed lights and hushed tones of the place, Bosco is one of the city’s most romantic spots for a date night. During the day, the courtyard, a perfect sunspot, thrums with activity, cheer and chatter. The excellent house negronis certainly do no harm whichever way you’re playing it.
Ideal for popular, approachable pies in historic Victorian railway surroundings…
Housed in the historic Green Park station – now populated with a whole host of great independent traders – comes Bath Pizza Co., a simple, walk-up to the window affair that happens to sling some of the best pizzas in town.
The now-closed landmark that houses these excellent pizzas boasts an elaborate Victorian railway glass roof, offering shelter from the elements when the semi-alfresco nature of the dining here is threatened by rain. They even have massive heaters for those feeling the cold during winter. That said, when the sun is shining, there’s nowhere more pleasant to eat in Bath.
In case there’s any danger of you forgetting the history of your illustrious surrounds, you’ll find Bath Pizza Co. right next to the old ticketing hall, though dining carriage fare this ain’t.
Instead, these guys were not only National Pizza Awards finalists in 2021, but were also named the ‘Independent Pizza Restaurant of the Year’ by the Pizza, Pasta & Italian Food Association (PAPA), the only formal trade body in the UK representing the Italian food and drink industry.
That’s some serious pizza pedigree, but you’ll be pleased to hear that this is a casual dining spot, with no bookings required. Get yourself a drink from the next door Brasserie Bar and settle in for a great pizza with a side order of history!
Address: Green Park Station, 2-3 Westmoreland Station Rd, Bath BA1 1JB
Ideal for digestible, dietary-friendly pizza bases…
Dough Pizza, close to Bath’s historic Pulteney Bridge, offers a different proposition to the traditional pizzas (or rather, bases) so far installed on our list, in that it’s a customisable affair, allowing diners to choose from a variety of inventive, inclusive doughs, including hemp, seaweed, turmeric and a gluten-free option, all of which appear on the ‘Specials’ section of the menu.
A family-run operation with roots in Puglia, the pizzaiolo here is Emiliano Tunno, a man with pedigree in inventive pizzeria openings across the world, and a mission to make pizzas accessible to all, regardless of their dietary requirements or preferences. We just love the V for Vegan, which sees a khorasan wheat dough topped with vegan cheese, beetroot ‘carpaccio’, courgettes and capers. It’s wonderful.
For a quick, grab-and-go lunch, the pucce – a type of warm southern Italian sourdough bap – are excellent here, too. Divided into regions, our favourite is the Sorrento, which features grilled peppers, aubergines and courgettes, fior di latte mozzarella and rocket. Just delicious.
You’ll find a second branch on Kingsmead Square.
Address: 14-16 The Corridor, Bath BA1 5AP, United Kingdom
Address: 9 Kingsmead Square, Bath BA1 2AB, United Kingdom
Ideal for casual pizza and pints in a classic pub garden…
We end our tour of the best pizzas in Bath in the garden of the Bell Inn, enjoying a slice from what is quite possibly the smallest pizzeria on the planet.
Run (or should that be ridden?) by Angel Ganev, this portable pizzeria sees the budding pizzaiolo pull a miniature oven across the city, delivering pizzas to the hungry masses. Currently stationed at Walcot Street’s Bell Inn, flavours are refined and simple (we imagine there’s not much fridge space for more elaborate toppings!), with the sobrasidita a particular favourite in the IDEAL office. We always add some sliced jalapenos – you should, too!
Pair it with a pint of the pub’s excellent, CAMRA-approved real ale, and settle in for an evening of good drinking and eating.
Address: 103 Walcot St, Bath BA1 5BW, United Kingdom
Ideal for reliable, wallet-friendly sourdough pizzas with a little railway arch ambiance…
The curved iron walls and exposed brick of Bath Spa station’s railway arches now house Franco Manca, where the rumble of trains overhead adds to, rather than detracts from, the space’s raw appeal. Yes, it’s a chain. And yes, an ever-accelerating omnipresence has lead to a kind of standardisation where the standard is noticeably lower than the Brixton Market days of 2008, when their first site’s dedication to faithfully Neapolitan pizza helped kick-start London’s pizza renaissance. But this is still a decent pizza, and one at a remarkably good price-point in today’s economy.
The setup here is stripped back – both in decor and menu. Seven pizzas plus a specials board might seem sparse, but that focus helps keep costs down. Their sourdough bases, proved for 20 hours and fired at 450 degrees in their hulking Neapolitan ovens, have a distinctive tang that’s impossible to fake. The resulting pizzas sport those telltale charred bubbles that pizza geeks obsess over, while remaining light enough that you won’t need to be rolled out the door.
At £6.95 for their most basic pizza, the prices feel like they’ve time-travelled from 2010. The no. 2, their margherita (upgrade to buffalo mozzarella for £3 if you’re feeling flush), proves they can do the classics well, even if it isn’t the finest pizza you’ll ever eat. They get a touch more experimental; Franco’s Favourite features an Amatriciana sauce base, crispy pancetta and pecorino romano D.O.P, and is enjoyably salty.
The terrace in Brunel Square might even catch the evening sun, while you keep one eye on your train and one on the pizzaioli spinning dough.
The Real Italian Pizza Co: A short stroll from the historic Roman Baths, this compact, family-run pizzeria probably won’t give you the best pizza of your life, but if it’s pizza you’re craving (you are; that’s why you’re here) and you can’t get a seat at another restaurant on a tourist-filled day in Bath, then The Real Italian pizza Co will do the job.
Open since 2007, the British-Italian ownership duo of Timothy Coffey and Francesca Addabbo aimed to showcase the pizzas of Addabbo’s childhood in Italy; crisp, light and satisfying.
Image via The Real Italian Co
16 years on, we think it’s safe to say they more or less succeeded in their mission, with a second Real Italian Pizza Co. now open in nearby Cardiff. Try their take on a Full English Breakfast in pizza form (yes, really), which sees Italian sausage, bacon, mushrooms and a fried egg sitting atop the restaurant’s signature tomato sauce and naturally leavened, quick-fired dough. Thankfully, no baked beans make it onto this one.
And if, somehow, you’ve still got room for another course or two, do check out Upstairs at the Landrace, which is only a short walk from all of our selections here, and a brilliant restaurant indeed.
Bristol’s restaurant scene is rightly revered, with Michelin-starred restaurants rubbing shoulders with thriving food markets, and top tapas bars found housed in shipping containers, all with access to some of Britain’s finest produce, right on the city’s doorstep. It’s a heady mix, indeed.
No wonder Bristol was in 2022 named as one of the world’s top 20 food destinations by Travel Mag. It should come as no surprise, then, that the city is home to some mighty fine pizzas, and today, we’re exploring the very best of them.
So, without further ado, here’s our guide on where to find the best pizza in Bristol.
Flour & Ash, Whiteladies Road
Ideal for award-winning sourdough pizzas with occasional Brussel sprout toppings…
72 hour proved, wood-fired sourdough pizzas are the name of the game at Flour & Ash, a Bristol institution that is still going strong after almost a decade of dough stretching.
Flour and Ash in Bristol is owned by Steve Gale, who founded the restaurant back in 2014. Known for its delicious wood-fired sourdough pizzas, the restaurant quickly gained a reputation as one of the best pizza joints in the city.
After closing its original location on Cheltenham Road due to the pandemic’s seemingly impossible social distancing requirements, Bristolians breathed a collective sigh of relief when the restaurant made its highly anticipated return in September 2021, thanks to a collaboration between Steve Gale and the Hyde & Co Group. The new location on Whiteladies Road features an open pizza kitchen, a terrace at the front, and outside dining area at the rear. Rejoice!
With a focus on their signature wood-fired pizzas, a few Italian spuntini and small plates, and a selection of wines, cocktails, and local craft beer and cider, Flour and Ash continues to delight locals with the quality of its ingredients, many of which are sourced from Italian food specialists Murrays of Clevedon.
Images via Flour & Ash
Our go-to order here is the House Meatballs pizza. Clocking in at £14, this tomato-based offering features bite-sized pork and beef meatballs seemingly embedded in a bubbling carpet of fior di latte cheese. The slices of Brussels sprouts on the pizza caramelise beautifully, adding a unique twist to the dish. The zip of heat from red chillies completes this memorable pizza, which is delicious enough to convert even the biggest sprout sceptic, we think.
The restaurant has consistently earned a ‘local gem’ mention in the Good Food Guide and was awarded ‘best pizza’ at the Bristol Good Food Awards in 2018. What’s more, food critic Jay Rayner gave the restaurant a rave review back in 2015. We have to agree with the big man; this is definitely one of Bristol’s best pizzas.
Ideal for sustainability-focused pizzas with playful, unconventional combinations…
Though Bertha’s opened its doors in Wapping Wharf in August of 2016, the journey of Bertha’s to a fully fledged pizzeria began much earlier, in 2010, as a street food operation serving pizzas from a converted yellow Land Rover to the hungry masses of food festivals and other local events.
Fast forward 13 years, and the pizzeria sits proudly at The Old Gaol Stables at the top of Gaol Ferry Steps, slinging dozens of delicious sourdough pizzas every day. It’s a hugely welcoming place, with co-owner Kate Faragher describing Bertha’s as a friendly neighborhood restaurant that aims to serve simple, affordable food and support local, sustainable producers. What more could you want?
If you think pineapple doesn’t belong on a pizza and you’re a traditionalist to the core, then you’re in for a delicious shock. The playful flavour creators at Bertha go for combinations that you won’t find at your traditional pizzeria and the specials board here is always exciting; think smoked haddock pizza or even a topping featuring sweet and giving peaches.
They also feed vegans very, very well and, again, it’s to the special boards the plant-based pizza lovers among us should turn. On our last visit, spiced roasted beetroot and feta became best friends – the perfect balance of sweet and salty all in one bite.
Images via Bertha Instagram
That said, we’re especially big fans of the Meat & Heat pizza here, which sees the ever trendy chilli honey drizzled over a pepperoni pizza, the spiced, cured sausage made using Gloucester Old Spot; it’s just divine, though you might want to pack a few Rennie for afters.
Pair this one (the pizza, not the antacid tablet) with a lazy, hazy Keller Pils lager from local brewers Lost & Grounded and you’ve got yourself a meal of yeasty deliciousness.
Address: Bertha’s Pizza The Old Gaol Stables, Cumberland Rd, Bristol BS1 6WW
Ideal for refined ‘Britalian’ pizzettas in an intimate neighbourhood setting…
Sonny Stores, a family-run restaurant in Bristol serving what’s come to be called ‘Britalian’ food by some, opened its doors during the turbulent times of September 2020. Founded by husband and wife team Mary Glynn and Pegs Quinn, the business was initially conceived as a lockdown delivery-only pizza service called The Lockdown Pizza Company. And what great pizzas they were…
As the national lockdown came to an end, Sonny Stores evolved with the aim of becoming a welcoming space for the community to enjoy a delicious range of seasonal Italian food, made using quality British ingredients. With Mary’s background in hospitality and events management and Pegs’ experience in cooking, particularly Italian cuisine, they have successfully established Sonny Stores as a hugely popular casual dining destination in suburban Southville.
Images via Sonny Stores Facebook
Though the building itself may be intimate, it houses a genuinely superlative dining experience, with dishes crafted by a talented team led by head chef Peg who is a River Café alumnus. Michelin recognition may well soon follow.
That deep, implicit understanding of both Italian food and the art of open-hearted hospitality is apparent in the crowd pleasing pizzetta sold at Sonny Stores. These dinky, dinghy shaped things boast the puffiest of crusts, the most blistered of surfaces, and the most straightforward but well-considered toppings, whether that’s a simple marinara topped with Don Bocarte Cantabrian anchovies, or a provolone ‘rarebit’ pizzetta topped with an egg yolk for extra ooze. Just delicious.
As with Flour and Ash, Bristol-phile Jay Rayner has enjoyed eating here, saying that ‘’they get things absolutely right’’. They most certainly do, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for this most beloved of Bristol neighbourhood restaurants.
And an exciting announcement to mark the start of 2025; Sonny Stores (as per an announcement on their Instagram account) are bringing back their beloved takeaway pizzas in a move as cynical as the pizzas themselves. We cannot bloody wait.
Ideal for stonebaked pizzas in a BYO-friendly suburban spot…
Something of a thought experiment before we continue; if your local Bristol pizzeria isn’t run by a married couple, then is it a Bristol pizzeria at all?
And so to A Cappella, a popular Wells Road pizzeria run by Paul Stewart and his wife Jennifer. Together, they serve simple, stonebaked pizzas, with the majority of ingredients sourced from Milan and Naples.
Open since 2007 (making it the oldest pizzeria on our list), A Cappella is a little out of the way in Totterdown, but it’s worth making the trip south of the Avon to try the excellent pizza here. So good, in fact, that it’s won several awards, including a prestigious Gold at the PAPA Awards in 2019, an industry celebration of the finest pizza and pasta in the country.
We wouldn’t be surprised if the adjudicators had sampled the Glissandro before awarding that Gold star, with the pizza managing to dexterously juggle the piquant flavours of capers and sundried tomatoes with aplomb, smoothing out those rougher edges with the addition of caramelised onions; an inspired move.
With pizzas available in both medium (12 inches) and large (14) and never topping £15, this is a great place to head with a friend, the option to BYO only making the experience more affordable and affable.
Ideal for pizzas that bridge New York and Naples styles in elegant surroundings…
Drawing inspiration from both New York and Naples, Bosco Pizzeria in Bristol slings out wood-fired pizzas that deftly manage to straddle both the puffy edges of a Neapolitan dough with the crisper base of its American cousin across the pond.
Opened in 2014 on Whiteladies Road with a second following in Clifton Village, Bosco has also expanded to Cheltenham and Bath, the latter’s Milsom Place opening in August of 2021 winning the ‘Best New Restaurant’ award at the Crescent Club awards just a year later.
Images via Bosco
Bosco’s founder, Miles Johnson, was inspired by holidays to Italy and the ingredient-led clarity of Italian cooking and the culture of family dining, and that passion is reflected in the beautiful simplicity of the pizzas, whether that’s the signature Bosco, which is topped with fior di latte, tomato, olive oil and basil, or our favourite order here, the Carciofi, a glorious combination of wood fired artichokes, taleggio and green olive.
The cicchetti – essentially Venetian street food snacks – are great too; don’t miss out on the polpette, whose slow cooked tomato sauce boasts excellent depth of flavour.
Address: 96 Whiteladies Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2QX, United Kingdom
Ideal for locally-sourced sourdough pizzas across multiple buzzing locations…
What began in 2013 as a converted Land Rover Defender slinging sourdough pizzas at the south-west’s many, many great festivals has evolved into one of Bristol’s most nimble pizzerias, now with four locations across the city, all heaving and all happy places to spend some time. The formula is as straightforward as any great pizza should me: handmade sourdough bases topped with carefully sourced ingredients from the South West’s finest producers.
Each outpost – whether it’s the buzzing Gloucester Road spot (our go-to), the central Park Street location, the neighbourhood North Street branch, or the elegant Whiteladies Road restaurant – maintains the same commitment to quality that founder Alex Corbett established with that first mobile pizza oven.
Their monthly ‘Ours’ specials demonstrate this dedication perfectly. The current offering (£14.50) showcases their knack for innovative flavour combinations: Glastonbury fior di latte (they’re quite specific about their cheese sourcing), fennel ‘sausage’ from local plant pioneers Simplicity, cavolo nero, and a bright lemon and herb aioli, all finished with crispy onions. It’s a masterclass in balancing textures and flavours, and without any meat in sight.
The drinks list reflects the same locavore philosophy, featuring Bristol Beer Factory’s excellent range, Iford’s craft ciders, and even a bespoke Citrucello (£36 a bottle, so bring a squad) created in collaboration with Circumstance Distillery – perfect for that post-pizza digestif.
The customisation options are an expansive, paradox-of-choice inducing thing – with over 20 toppings available at £1.50-£2.50 each, from Somerset buffalo mozzarella to guindilla chillies, allowing diners to craft their perfect pie. Though with house creations like their Ham, Mushroom & Pineapple pizza (£14) – featuring roast ham, chestnut mushrooms, and their house-made pineapple and chipotle jam – you might be better off trusting the experts.
