The Beckford Canteen

Bath natives know all about the Beckford Group at this point. Responsible for a clutch of excellent gastropubs across the south west, they’ve also put a name to two of Bath’s busier restaurants - The Beckford Bottle Shop, and Beckford Canteen - a younger, more restauranty sibling to the cave a manger Bottle Shop.

First impressions are promising - Beckford Canteen sits on one of Bath’s many quaint, cobbled mews, taking up residence in an old Georgian greenhouse. It’s no garden variety greenhouse mind you - this one has a big vaulted ceiling that provides a sense of airy calm, whilst big windows fill the space with natural light and provide ample people-watching opportunity.

The menu is just as attractive as the dining room. Right at the top of the bill, a set of crumpets (one rarebit with pickled onion and one with beef tongue) demand to be ordered. The rarebit crumpet is especially good, with angry blackened spots contrasting the sweet and sour pickle. We immediately order a second.

There’s plenty more in the way of seasonal delights too. Beckford Canteen has confidence in the quality of its cooking, and rarely feels the need to mess around with embellishments. There’s a lovely plate of smoked eel with egg yolk and crispy leek, well-made ricotta agnolotti in a slick of pumpkin puree, and a rich rust-brown fish stew that is bursting with fishy flavour. The team does a fantastic job with accompanying wines as well, and we can confirm they mix an excellent chilled Negroni in a frosty glass.

With just enough room for a pud, we managed to squeeze in a bit of cherry sorbet and a smart little puck of chocolate delice with Jerusalem artichoke malt. Throw in a squad of lovely staff and it’s clear that Beckford Group know how to make a good restaurant - Beckford Canteen is another smash hit in a city that is fast becoming one of our favourite foodie destinations.

The Beckford Canteen is the perfect spot for family and friends to come together to enjoy delicious food and exceptional service. Stop by for a quick bite to eat or stay for longer and enjoy an indulgent dining experience featuring the best quality, locally sourced ingredients and finest cuisine.

Located on Bartlett Street in Bath, housed in a former Georgian greenhouse, The Beckford Canteen isn't the first restaurant for the Beckford group. It also runs nearby Beckford Bottle Shop and pubs The Beckford Arms, The Talbot Inn, The Lord Poulett Arms and The Bath Arms.

Open from noon through until the evening, Beckford Canteen serves lunch and dinner alongside snacks, as well as drinks inspired by nostalgia and modern British cuisine. Featuring seasonal produce, the menu features sardines on toast, mouth-watering confit pork belly with pumpkin and quince, and a spectacular caramelised apple sorbet, with the option to add a five year old Cider Brandy. Make a reservation to book on Sundays and enjoy delicious roast chicken breast, pork belly or roast beef sirloin, served with all the trimmings including the Beckford Canteen’s popular confit potatoes.

The menu is developed using the best locally sourced ingredients from local suppliers such as Walter Rose Butchers, a multi-award winning butcher, recognised for its master butchery skills and sustainable meat products, along with Trenchmore’s slow grown, grass fed Wagyu beef. The Community Farm Bristol (which is a not-for-profit, community-owned organic farm which grows and sources delicious produce and vegetables) supplies most of the other ingredients used in the kitchen.

To accompany your meals, Beckford Canteen has a large drinks menu featuring an array of white, red and sparkling wines. If nothing tickles your fancy, the Beckford Bottle Shop is just up the street with an extensive selection of wines to choose from, alongside a range of local beers, cider and soft drinks.