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Travel

Staycation: The Bird Hotel, Bath

by Helena Lang
Staycation: The Bird Hotel, Bath
Courtyard dining pods at The Bird

With its eccentric design quirks, casual atmosphere and central location, there’s lots to love about The Bird in Bath, says Helena Lang

Where is it?

Within walking distance of all the wonderful sights in Bath–close to the River Avon and the picturesque Pulteney Bridge.

What’s the accommodation like?

Stepping into reception, you get a great idea of how individual this little hotel is. For a start there is the wonderful mosaiced reception desk made up of pieces of traditional British china, including coronation mugs. Well, hello your Majesty! Then there is the collection of kaleidoscopes along one wall, and the collection of miniature birds on the other. The bedrooms are more traditional in design –ours was bijou but comfortable, with a large bed, plenty of tea and coffee facilities, a teeny-tiny shower room and loads of lovely Malin + Goetz toiletries to pimp ourselves up with.

Reception area at The Bird
Reception area at The Bird

What did you eat and drink?

The hotel’s restaurant, Plate, is (you’ve guessed it) decorated with beautiful collections of gorgeous plates and platters. It has a laid-back, casual vibe reflected in the delicious food. A delicious crab salad on a slab of sourdough was the perfect starter, followed by a piece of beautifully cooked plaice with samphire, prawns, new potatoes and a herby butter sauce. For dessert, a strawberry and Pimm’s mash-up of jelly, sorbet and pannacotta rounded the meal off perfectly. We washed this down with glasses of English sparkling wine.

What is there to do?

The hotel overlooks the Bath rugby ground, bowls club and cathedral, but if those don’t take your fancy then pick up an illustrated map from reception and do a DIY tour of the city – taking in the Royal Crescent, the streets around Bath Abbey and a dawdle along the riverbank.

Plate restaurant
Plate restaurant

What do I need to pack?

You’ll want to explore the beautiful regency city, so pack trainers and comfortable clothes for window shopping and sightseeing. The restaurant is the pinnacle of casual chic – a pretty dress, shirt and smart jeans, and cool trainers are all de rigueur.

Lasting memory

Playing at Bridgerton (without the costumes) whilst strolling around Gay Street, The Circus, Brock Street and the Royal Crescent.

Sainsbury’s magazine insider tip

Afternoon tea in Bath is a must – try the Thoughtful Bakery for something more relaxed than the traditional version. From £45 for two you get a selection of cakes, savoury pastries, their delicious sourdough scones with clotted cream and homemade preserve, and a pot of tea.

How to book

Rooms start at £145 per night including breakfast. Visit thebirdbath.co.uk.

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