Papilio’s design studio is located in Frome, Somerset, very close to the historic city of Bath. On the rare occasion we venture out and enjoy some downtime, we love to head to Bath. The city is rich in historic architecture, boutiques, unique shops and, of course, great restaurants and bars.
As bespoke kitchen designers, we can’t envisage a new handmade kitchen without imagining the lifestyle our clients lead, especially when it comes to food and drink. And because the southwest offers so much to offer, we love discovering what’s new in wine, craft brewing and spirit making. The bonus of being close to Bath is that the city has some excellent independent bottle shops and wine bars in the southwest. From cosy wine shops and bistros to reputable wine tastings and gin distilleries, Bath’s cobbled streets and charm always feed and hydrate the curious.
The Beckford Bottle Shop
One of our favourite bottle shops has to be The Beckford Bottle Shop. Located on Bath’s Saville Row, the wine shop and bistro has a traditional vibe with a contemporary twist. The wine shop offers a great environment to find, try and buy wine. Their lounge next door serves over thirty wines by the glass and selected artisan cheese, charcuterie and Michelin bib-gourmand-winning small plates. Part of the Beckford Group, a small but diverse group of acclaimed southwest hospitality businesses, including the Talbott Inn in Mells and The Bath Arms in Longleat, both fantastic pubs we love to visit in the region.
Kingsmead Street Bottle Shop
Another independent and eclectically curated bottle shop for excellent craft beers, independent estate wines and charcuterie is Kingsmead Street Bottle Shop. Their offer is international and constantly evolving. You can try different, unique and exciting libations and nibbles on each visit. The taproom has a convivial atmosphere, and we love its autonomous vibe. Our team can, on occasion, be found in their sister bottle shop – Palmer Street Bottle in Frome.
Le Vignoble
Le Vignoble is a charming wine shop and bar that offers wine by the glass, wine tasting, wine courses, tapas and self-service Enomatic wine dispensers. Their approach to wine is not pretentious, and you won’t feel out of your depth discovering wine here. It’s an excellent spot for a light lunch and wine found through a somewhat hidden courtyard which is abuzz with activity in the warmer months.
The Bath Gin Company
If you love gin, and we do, then The Bath Gin Company is worth a visit. Located on Queen Street in the heart of Bath’s city centre, the shop and bar is an Aladdin’s cave of locally produced gin. The Bath Gin Company has been making its gin for over 250 years. And since its inception, numerous concoctions have been developed by the master distillers, including infusions with cucumber and jasmine, orange sloe and hopped rhubarb. The bar is cosy and romantic and worth a visit.
