Tucked away in Bath’s narrow streets are a whole load of fabulous delicatessens and specialised food shops – so many that it’s difficult to know where to start. But with picnic weather now upon us (well, some of the time), I’ve rounded up my favourite places to get those al fresco dining essentials.
Bertinet Bakery
Delicious fresh bread is crucial for a perfect picnic, and it doesn’t come more delicious than at the Bertinet Bakery. Using only the purest organic ingredients, Richard Bertinet and the team create a fabulous range of different breads, freshly baked each day. For the ultimate sandwiches, pick up a chewy, tangy sourdough loaf (more to come on fillings) or a rustic white with a beautiful crust. For something appropriate for dipping in oil or spreading with pate, grab a baguette à l’ancienne. And if you fancy surprising your taste buds with something new, go for the cheese and cumin loaf or perhaps the black olive and lavender – don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it, because the subtle essence of lavender provides a perfect contrast with the rich, salty olives. Finally, check out the beautiful viennoiseries and patisseries freshly made each morning. When I popped in the other day my eye was immediately caught by individual tartlets with a row of plump raspberries set atop a scattering of pistachio crumbs like a beautiful summer lawn. Gorgeous!
Paxton & Whitfield Cheesemonger’s
This tiny cheesemonger’s is tucked away on a corner of Quiet St and John St, and is so small that you might have completely missed it in the past – but this is definitely a secret worth discovering. Having just entered its third century, currently holding two Royal Warrants and boasting a personal recommendation by Winston Churchill, this is the place to sample the very best that British cheesemakers have to offer – try the Cropwell Bishop Stilton, which according to the friendly staff is the best Stilton to be found anywhere in the world. A partnership with the biggest cheese supplier in France ensures that this little company can also supply you with the most delectable French cheeses, such as the Ste Maure soft goats’ cheese – rich, creamy and full of flavour. There are also a few little Spanish and Italian gems to be found here as well, so if you’re in the mood to discover something a bit different, try the Picos Blue, a Spanish blue cheese made from a mixture of goats’ and cows’ milk, and wrapped in maple leaves.
All of these are perfect for nibbling, but if you’re looking to whip up a scrumptious sandwich with your Bertinet breads, try combining Kelston Park (a soft, Brie-like cheese made in Bath) with the sourdough, or Cornish Yarg (a mellow, creamy hard cheese) with the rustic white, and don’t forget to pick up some Great British Gooseberry Chutney to really make those flavours explode. Paxton & Whitfield stocks a range of lovely accompaniments for cheese, including various chutneys and pates, so just pop in and ask for some advice on what will go best with your cheesy choices – the staff are lovely and happy to help.
Chandos Delicatessen
Having started with one shop on Chandos Rd in Bristol, the company has now grown to support eight different branches, including this one on George St. But there’s no feeling of a ‘chain’ in here – the staff are friendly and very knowledgeable, and the products are hand-picked with great care, covering a huge range of different foods. You can pick up something freshly-made from their selection of sandwiches, tarts and salads, or head for the charcuterie counter – the Parma ham is particularly delectable, or if you fancy trying something new, go for the Lomo wafer-thin air-cured pork (manager Henry suggests you serve it sprinkled with a bit of olive oil and lemon juice) or some of the biltong (cured meat) specially created for Chandos Deli by Native Breeds. This deli is also a perfect place to discover that little extra something to make absolutely sure nobody gets bored at your picnic – ostrich jerky, anyone?
Finally, head to the back of the shop and pick up something chilled and delicious to wash it all down. Chandos Deli stocks a lovely range of Ridgeview English sparkling wines, and the Fitzrovia Rosé is perfect for a warm summery day. Or, if you fancy trying something a bit different, why not go for an ice wine – the grapes are allowed to freeze on the vine and kept frozen while pressed. Much less juice is extracted and it has a far more concentrated flavour, resulting in a fresh, sweet wine. Cheers!
Country Cupcakes
This really is one of Bath’s little secrets – tucked away in the cobbled Landsdown Mews, right on the edge of the city’s heart. The minute shop is filled with the most wonderful smells of warm cake and melted chocolate from the kitchen just behind, where the lovely Celia and her small team create the most exquisite confections, always from fresh ingredients of the very highest quality. At the moment, only a few of the cakes are sold over the counter, but the team are moving into a much bigger shop next door (which will be ready to open at the beginning of August) and so will soon have a fabulous range of sugarcraft and baking supplies on offer, as well as a much wider range of cakes. The classic vanilla cupcakes (usually available over the counter), decorated with gorgeous pink frosting roses and sprinkled with edible glitter, are delectable, or you can also commission something special just for you – for a summery occasion like this, how about gin & tonic cupcakes? The cake is baked with gin and tonic water, and frosted with candied lime – scrumptious. Or you could test for yourself Celia’s Bakewell Amaretto cupcake, which made the finals of the National Cupcake Awards. If you have any specific requirements, the team are willing and able to create something gluten-, dairy- or egg-free, and cupcakes on commission start at just £2.50 each. If you’re commissioning something special you need to leave at least two business days for the magic to happen, so pop in here early.
So there you have it – all the essentials for a long, summery afternoon of delicious food and lovely chilled booze. All you have to do is pick the perfect spot, dust off the deckchairs and cross your fingers for sunshine…
Sally Godfrey also writes a fabulous blog, including recipes, reviews, and tips & tricks for the kitchen, at www.salskitchen.blogspot.co.uk.
