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Olive Tree Bath

British, Modern European, Vegan, Vegetarian·
££££
·
Gold Award
·

SquareMeal Review of Olive Tree Bath

Gold Award

Having gained and lost them over the years, Bath now has a Michelin-starred restaurant once again courtesy of chef Chris Cleghorn, whose imaginative and exciting cooking is delivered via five- or seven-course tasting menus.

Things might kick off with crunchy, chicken skin profiteroles, ahead of scallops with seaweed tea and mushroom ketchup, an unctuous ball of truffle tagliatelle with slices of local black truffle, and tiny slabs of monkfish with mussel cream. The quality of duck served with a salty hazelnut crunch, an almost violet venison and a simple parfait (presented on a small podium like a track-and-field star) spoke for themselves, while an unforgettable dish of oozing dark chocolate fondant balanced with salty slices of briny green olives was a witty nod to the restaurant’s name and the colour scheme of the small, wood-floored dining room.

Vegetarian and vegan tasting menus are a welcome idea alongside the meat and fish versions, and all dishes can be ordered à la carte if you’re not so hungry. Wine pairings are worth the extra cost if you fancy trying something new, with the ‘journey’ presented by a waitress so knowledgeable we at first assumed she was the sommelier, including a glass from Lanzarote that tasted of the “summer holidays” she promised and went brilliantly with a plate of trout.

There was a quiet atmosphere when we visited mid-week, despite restaurant and hotel being fully-booked. If you can stay, do, as the suites are stunning and with a top-of-town-location, you can perfectly explore the city by wandering down through the famous Circus.

Cleghorn, who is currently juggling his first newborn with his first Michelin star, trained under Michael Caines and at Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck, and you can tell. Eating here is a delight, if you can get a table.

Good to know

Average Price
££££ - Over £80
Cuisines
British, Modern European, Vegan, Vegetarian
Ambience
Fine dining, Quiet conversation, Romantic, Traditional, Widely spaced tables
Awards
One Michelin star, SquareMeal UK Top 100
Food Occasions
Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Special Features
Vegan options, Vegetarian options
Perfect for
Dates, Romantic, Special occasions
Food Hygiene Rating

About

The Olive Tree restaurant is Bath's only Michelin-starred restaurant - set inside the magnificent townhouse at the Queensberry Hotel in Bath. This boutique hotel is one of the most popular in the city, and sits just a stone's throw from famous Bath landmarks like The Circle, the Georgian Gardens and the Royal Avenue.

At the time of writing, The Olive Tree is the only Michelin-starred restaurant in the city and, with Chris Cleghorn at the helm, it seems likely to retain that award for some time. Chris honed his skills while working with the likes of Michael Caines at Gidleigh Park and James Sommerin. Not to mention spending time at Heston Blumenthal's The Fat Duck. His cooking is a reflection of each of these experiences - combining the precision of dishes at The Fat Duck with a style that honours local West Country produce. Bath is fortunate to be surrounded by exceptional farmland, and The Olive Tree aims to showcase the best local and seasonal ingredients in a refined and modern manner. 

There's a six-course and a nine-course tasting menu, as well as a smaller four and three-course menu, available at lunch on Fridays and Saturdays, so there's something for every occasion and budget. Dishes include the likes of veal sweetbread, Westcombe ricotta, salted lemon and mint as a starter, Cornish monkfish with sea herbs and vin jaune as a main, and yuzu, Szechuan pepper, meringue and nasturtiums for dessert. There are dedicated vegan, vegetarian, pescetarian and dairy-free alternatives for the nine-course option, so dietary requirements are no problem at all. 

The Olive Tree is also a past winner of The AA’s Overall Best Wine List, so as you'd expect, the wine choice is varied here, with a wealth of new and old world wines as well as biodynamic, organic and vegan options.


FAQs

Does the restaurant have a Michelin star?

Yes, it has one Michelin star. At the time of writing it is the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Bath.

Helpful? 0

Do you have to book?

Yes, booking is strongly advised.

Helpful? 0

What is the dress code at the restaurant?

Smart casual.

Helpful? 0
Meet the team
Olive Tree Bath

Chris Cleghorn

Executive Head Chef

Chris Cleghorn is executive head chef of The Olive Tree Restaurant in Bath. The restaurant is at the heart of the multi-award-winning boutique hotel, Queensberry Hotel, and has maintained a Michelin star since 2018. Under Chris’s direction, it's also been awarded three rosettes from the AA, and ranked in SquareMeal's Top 100 UK Restaurants in 2023. Chris achieved Hotel Restaurant Chef of the Year at the Hotel Catey Awards in 2022.

Olive Tree Bath

Aisling Bury

Restaurant Manager

Aisling Bury is a globetrotting wine enthusiast who has travelled the world honing her hospitality skills at hotels in Paris, South Africa, and Abu Dhabi. She also studied at the prestigious Les Roches school in Switzerland, before returning to Bath to continue building her career, where she now pursues her passion as restaurant manager at Queens Berry.


Location

Queensberry Hotel, 4-7 Russell Street, Bath, Somerset, BA1 2QF

01225 447928 01225 447928

Website

Opening Times

Lunch
Mon Closed
Tue Closed
Wed Closed
Thu Closed
Fri 12:30-13:30
Sat 12:30-13:30
Sun 12:30-13:30
Dinner
Mon Closed
Tue 18:30-20:30
Wed 18:30-20:30
Thu 18:30-20:30
Fri 18:30-20:30
Sat 18:30-20:30
Sun 18:30-20:30

Reviews

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4 Reviews 
Food/Drink
Service
Atmosphere
Value

Rob T

21 October 2024  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 4
A tsunami of flavours

Tucked away under the Queensberry Hotel, this Michelin-starred hidden gem didn’t disappoint. Prepare yourself for an extraordinary culinary journey, where every dish is a wave of flavour and artistry.

We opted for the 9-course vegetarian tasting menu at £120 and 6 courses at £95. From the first mouthful, to the last (after 3 hours), the food was nothing short of a taste sensation, meticulously

crafted to delight even the most discerning palate.

From the moment you step inside, the atmosphere captivates you. The restaurant’s theatre-like ambiance, with its elegant decor, and Bath’s unique feeling of grandeur and splendour sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.

Each course was presented with a flourish, adding a touch of magic to the evening. The service was impeccable, with choreographed staff who anticipate your every need without being intrusive. Their knowledge and passion for the cuisine enhance the overall experience,

making you feel like you are sourcing every ingredient from an Italian culinary artist yourself.

Every dish on the menu is a masterpiece, showcasing Chris Cleghorn’s creativity and dedication to food, and on this occasion vegetarian cuisine. From the delicate appetisers to the decadent

desserts, each course is a harmonious blend of flavours and textures that leave you in awe. 

The use of fresh, seasonal and exclusive ingredients elevates the dishes to new heights, making every bite a revelation. Liquid nitrogen to freeze the cheese, the use of olive oil, and balsamic

Vinegar for a desert…is mind blowing.

 

While the experience is undoubtedly a financial splurge, it is worth every penny for a special occasion. The attention to detail, the exquisite flavors, and the overall ambiance made it a dining experience that we will remember and cherish for a longtime. 

In summary, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers a tsunami of flavours and an unforgettable dining experience. Perfect for celebrating life’s special moments, it is a place where culinary dreams come true, even for vegetarians.

 

 

What can i say about the Olive Tree in Bath? Tucked away under the Queensberry Hotel, this Michelin-starred hidden gem didn’t disappoint.  Prepare yourself for an extraordinary culinary journey, where every dish is a wave of flavor and artistry. 

We opted for the 9-course vegetarian tasting menu at £120 and 6 courses at £95. From the first mouthful, to the last (after 3 hours), the food was nothing short of a taste sensation, meticulously crafted to delight even the most discerning palate.

From the moment you step inside, the atmosphere captivates you. The restaurant’s theatre-like ambiance, with its elegant decor, and Bath’s unique feeling of grandeur and splendour sets the 

Rob T

21 October 2024  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 4
A tsunami of flavours

Tucked away under the Queensberry Hotel, this Michelin-starred hidden gem didn’t disappoint. Prepare yourself for an extraordinary culinary journey, where every dish is a wave of flavour and artistry.

We opted for the 9-course vegetarian tasting menu at £120 and 6 courses at £95. From the first mouthful, to the last (after 3 hours), the food was nothing short of a taste sensation, meticulously

crafted to delight even the most discerning palate.

From the moment you step inside, the atmosphere captivates you. The restaurant’s theatre-like ambiance, with its elegant decor, and Bath’s unique feeling of grandeur and splendour sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.

Each course was presented with a flourish, adding a touch of magic to the evening. The service was impeccable, with choreographed staff who anticipate your every need without being intrusive. Their knowledge and passion for the cuisine enhance the overall experience,

making you feel like you are sourcing every ingredient from an Italian culinary artist yourself.

Every dish on the menu is a masterpiece, showcasing Chris Cleghorn’s creativity and dedication to food, and on this occasion vegetarian cuisine. From the delicate appetisers to the decadent

desserts, each course is a harmonious blend of flavours and textures that leave you in awe. 

The use of fresh, seasonal and exclusive ingredients elevates the dishes to new heights, making every bite a revelation. Liquid nitrogen to freeze the cheese, the use of olive oil, and balsamic

Vinegar for a desert…is mind blowing.

 

While the experience is undoubtedly a financial splurge, it is worth every penny for a special occasion. The attention to detail, the exquisite flavors, and the overall ambiance made it a dining experience that we will remember and cherish for a longtime. 

In summary, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers a tsunami of flavours and an unforgettable dining experience. Perfect for celebrating life’s special moments, it is a place where culinary dreams come true, even for vegetarians.

 

 

What can i say about the Olive Tree in Bath? Tucked away under the Queensberry Hotel, this Michelin-starred hidden gem didn’t disappoint.  Prepare yourself for an extraordinary culinary journey, where every dish is a wave of flavor and artistry. 

We opted for the 9-course vegetarian tasting menu at £120 and 6 courses at £95. From the first mouthful, to the last (after 3 hours), the food was nothing short of a taste sensation, meticulously crafted to delight even the most discerning palate.

From the moment you step inside, the atmosphere captivates you. The restaurant’s theatre-like ambiance, with its elegant decor, and Bath’s unique feeling of grandeur and splendour sets the 

Helen L

17 February 2024   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

The whole occasion from start to finish was incredible. The ambience in the restaurant was very relaxing helped by the welcome from Aisling,  front of house and all the chef's bringing their course to our table. The food was sublime , what a wonderful dining experience 

 

Mark D

28 March 2019  
High spec Michelin food in brasserie style, reasonably informal setting and so much the better for it. Good service.
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