choices – ordering way too much … eyes bigger than my belly , as always . I couldn ’ t help it , everything on the menu looked so good ; my Italian grandmother would have been proud of my efforts to eat at least half of the dishes on the menu .
Let me just put this out there : I did have a dining companion , so I had help .
We started with the risotto balls , fig and mozzarella salad , and fritto misto ( tiger prawn , calamari and white bait with Aqua dressing and capers ). The risotto balls were my standout dish – the pea , mushroom and parmesan all wrapped up together in yummy little spheres of deliciousness .
While in Bath …
Bath boasts some of the finest architectural sights in Europe , can lay claim to being the only thermal spring in the UK and presents attractions including the Roman Baths , Bath Abbey and Thermae Bath Spa . The city and the surrounding area positively teems with history and simply must be explored .
Thermae Bath Spa
Bathe in the mineral rich waters that Bath is so famous for at the Thermae Bath Spa . Modern meets ancient in this stateof-the-art facility which combines a contemporary split-level spa with historic spa buildings . Relax in the indoor Minerva Bath or climb to the rooftop pool and spend a while gazing out at the view over the City of Bath and that most beautiful of skylines . You can also stop for lunch at the on-site restaurant and enjoy a surprisingly fine dining menu using ingredients that are sourced locally and freshly prepared on site , and end your day by choosing from over 40 spa packages including the exclusive Watzu . Combining elements of massage and acupressure , the treatment involves being cradled by a therapist in the warm waters , while being gently stretched and guided in flowing movements ; a deeply relaxing experience . www . thermaebathspa . com
I chose the pollo farcito for my main – an Italian crumbed chicken breast stuffed with mozzarella and pesto , served with crispy onion and herb-buttered spaghetti , and ate probably half of my fellow diner ’ s smoked haddock risotto ( obviously , I like risotto ). I also tried my best to eat my chosen sides of courgette fritti , garlic spinach and green beans with lemon and mint . Yeah , I ’ m a glutton when it comes to Italian . Especially good Italian .
© visitbath . co . uk / Bath Tourism Plus / Colin Hawkins
Royal Crescent
Roman Baths Torchlit Visit & Dinner at Roman Baths Kitchen
Take a twilight tour of the amazingly beautiful and captivating Roman Baths gaining fascinating insight into the original bathing complex and the great Roman temple of Sulis Minerva . As dusk settles and the air cools , the steam rising from the warm greenish waters produce a ghostly appearance and perfectly sets the scene for a torch-lit circuit of the buildings . Truly captivating and a good way to work up an appetite for a 3-course dinner at the Roman Baths Kitchen , which is included in the price of your ticket . The menu is seasonal and the food sublime . www . romanbaths . co . uk
I know you ’ re curious … yes , we did have dessert , and no , I don ’ t know how we ate it all . I thoroughly enjoyed my raspberry crème brûlée , while my dining companion was a bit more sensible and had a ‘ miniature dessert ’ of fig , honey and almond tart .
Overall , a delectable experience . Food , service , ambiance – Aqua knows how it ’ s done . And guess what ? Soon you won ’ t have to go all the way to Bath to get your Aqua fix ! They ’ re opening a new location at The Old Courthouse , Lewes ( E Sussex ) on 26th October .
Aqua 88 Walcot Street Bath BA1 5BD www . aqua-restaurant . com
Built between 1767 and 1775 and one of the greatest examples of Georgian architecture in the UK today , the Royal Crescent was built to accommodate the affluent population during the boom in Georgian Bath . The sweeping crescent contains some 30 houses , one of which is now the Royal Crescent Hotel , and a recently renovated townhouse museum depicting Georgian living both above and below stairs .
Bath Abbey
From its beginnings in 1499 , three different churches have occupied the site of today ’ s abbey : an Anglo-Saxon abbey church dating from 757 ; a massive Norman cathedral begun about 1090 , and the present abbey church which is described as the last of the great medieval churches of England . The Abbey is particularly noted for its magnificent fan vaulted ceiling made from Bath stone . Take the opportunity to look at the Abbey from a different perspective on the Tower Tour . Visit the ringing chamber and bell chamber , stand on top of the Abbey ’ s vaulted ceiling , and even sit behind the clock face .
© visitbath . co . uk / Bath Tourism Plus / Colin Hawkins
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