Pub grub with a twist is the offering at The Parmo Shop, the food arm of the refurbed Sam Wellers pub in Bath, Somerset. Newly acquired by Max Halley of London’s Max’s Sandwich Shop and business partner Ethan Davids, the duo have brought their unique brand to Bath, and have chosen upon classic Teesside takeaway the parmo as the basis for their menu. A parmo, for the uninitiated, is typically a breaded cutlet of chicken or pork, topped with a white béchamel sauce and cheese.
The Sam Wellers has had a tasteful renovation courtesy of Halley and Davids, who have managed to retain the pub's old-school charm whilst also decking it out in smart cast iron tables, and modern furnishings, as well as a fetching new navy paint job.
For the standard parmo, punters can choose from breaded pork (or aubergine for vegetarians) covered in a tomato sauce, bechamel, Mozzarella, Parmesan and Cheddar. There are other toppings available too if you want to turn your parmo into a pizza-parmo hybrid, including a classic ham and pineapple, and for the more adventurous, mortadella, artichoke and truffle oil, and 'nduja, chilli and honey. You also have the option of adding a fried egg to the top of your parmo, and fries, salads and dips are available on the side.
Although the parmos are a big part of the new offering, The Sam Wellers is still a local pub, so you can expect a good selection of local beers on draught, as well as your usual mix of spirits and wines. Fortunately, the parmos should marry nicely with a good pint of ale or lager. You're more than welcome to grab a parmo in a bag and take it home with you, but equally, The Sam Wellers is happy to punters to rock up for a pint with a takeaway from any other local establishment.