As I mentioned in my last weeknote we visited Bath for a few days as part of a mini tour of the West Country.
A few highlights from our trip.
Bath
It was nice to revisit Bath, although it feels more touristy with each visit as it slowly morphs into a Georgian theme park.
On Saturday evening we found a fabulous Spanish restaurant Pinxto Bath and had one of the best Spanish meals I’ve ever had including Spain.
My favourite part of Bath is Queen Street, I’ve joked that I could live there quite happily, which has two great pubs in the The Raven and The Salamander (the better of the two), a fabulous place for brunch and lunch in Wild Cafe and quiet possibly the finest bookshop this side of Foyles in Mrs B’s Emporium of Reading Delights.
All of which were frequented and enjoyed.
On our last morning in Bath we watched the Abbey gradually emerge into view as the fog cleared and then headed over to Bristol.
Bristol
It was nice to be in Bristol and to be able to explore it more and do some ‘touristy’ things.
We had lunch at Cargo Cantina on Wapping Wharf which was excellent and then wandered down to the SS Great Britain.
I think the last time I visited SS Great Britain was probably the early 80s when it was still pretty much a hulk being rescued. It’s now fully restored and a really great experience – highly recommended.
The next morning we walked up to Clifton via Constitution Hill which I assume is thus named as its test of one’s constitution.
We had breakfast and excellent coffee in Foliage Cafe and then walked over to Clifton Suspension Bridge which still slightly boggles my mind it’s so high over the gorge.
My Dad lived in Clifton for a period in his youth and used to drink in the Coronation Tap, one of only two places I had a drink with him, I was keen to revisit it but alas it was closed until the evening.
Cirencester
We drove home via Cirencester which has popped up on one of those 10 Best Places to Live type lists, so we thought we’d check it out as a possible move location.
I immediately felt young and poor, there seemed to be a startlingly high number of gents outfitters specialising in bespoke tweed and red corduroy trousers, and it was notable that every bank still had a high street branch there.
This tells me their customers are old and high net worth.
We won’t be moving to Cirencester.