Olive Tree, Bath

This chic restaurant below Bath’s boutique Queensberry Hotel needs little introduction: it has held a Michelin star for seven years under executive head chef Chris Cleghorn, while its accommodation has achieved four AA rosettes and a Michelin Key.

Chris’ Taste of the Season menu is available whenever the restaurant is open – lunch and dinner, regardless of the day of the week. It takes the form of three set courses, with homebaked bread and additional delights to begin and conclude the meal in style. 

The entire experience costs a set £100 with no tip expected, as the restaurant’s owners pride themselves on charging appropriately to provide the team with consistent, professional wages. 

Each plate is built around core seasonal British ingredients (all sourced as locally as possible), and guests can journey into culinary adventures such as tender Cornish lobster, cooked over Binchotan, with Wye Valley green asparagus, jalapeño and lovage. The likes of Cornish Kern raviolo with morel, fermented Cornish Meyer lemon and Mexican marigold provide further intrigue for the palate.

For dessert, Wye Valley rhubarb with Tahitian vanilla parfait, rose and pink peppercorn meringue delivers an elegant finish. Afterwards, head to the hotel’s Old Q Bar for classic digestifs from a bygone era.

Trencherman’s tip

The Taste of the Season menu is the cornerstone of a very special dinner, bed and breakfast package.