The Beckford Bottle Shop

This contemporary British bistro and bottle shop in Bath pairs the sensibility of a wine merchant with the flair of a Michelin Bib Gourmand kitchen.

Inside, shelves groan with over 300 bottles, while a by-the-glass list of over 30 handpicked wines awaits exploration – ideally from a spot on one of the two comfy red sofas.

The friendly team are delighted to advise on a good pairing for guests’ palates or chosen dish. Plus, there’s the opportunity to grab a bottle from the shelves to take home. And on No Corkage Tuesdays, diners can dive into any bottle from the shelves without the usual fee.

This is a sociable spot, and patrons are encouraged to share seasonal small plates such as the famed Bath chaps. Wild Cornish sea bass with charcuterie velouté and cornichons and rolled Iron Age pork head with apricot ketchup provide guests with further opportunities to clash forks with their dining partners.

As seasonality is key, the dishes change regularly and draw inspiration from the team’s own allotment. Here, heritage vegetables, herbs and edible flowers are cultivated, while head chef James Harris supplements the menus further with foraged finds.

The Beckford Bottle Shop is a spot to linger over pudding, and the bistro’s take on the classic Maxibon ice-cream sandwich is a standout choice. Pair the almond and vanilla parfait sandwich (dipped in Valrhona chocolate) with a dessert wine from the epic wine list.

Trencherman’s tip

Visiting for lunch or dinner? Take advantage of the five per cent dine-in discount on bottles to take home or enjoy at sister restaurant Beckford Canteen (just down the road).