Last Saturday, Jon and I were in Bath for an afternoon of R&R at the Thermae Spa, and to fortify ourselves for the tough task of undergoing spa treatments and lounging in the steam room and pools, we needed lunch.
Despite its mention in the 2009 Michelin Guide, The Marlborough Tavern didn’t make a good first impression. Like most buildings in Bath, the Tavern’s stone exterior looked stark and forbidding in the cold, winter gray. But once we were inside, servers were welcoming, and the fireplace warming.
The menu choices were limited (i.e., a burger, a terrine, specials of the day and lots of sandwiches). But everything we tried showed a lot of care and attention to detail. And I much prefer a place that does a few things well, rather than a lot of things poorly.
My soup-of-the-day was a potato-leek with a suspiciously-dark-brown color. I’m guessing they caramelized the leeks to get it that brown, but however it was made, the soup was rich and creamy. Homemade garlic croutons and lots of minced chives were attractive and tasty finishing touches.
Jon’s veal stew was hot, fork-tender, but I thought my chorizo-and-pepper sandwich was the high point of our lunch.
I’d expected a Brindisa-style grilled whole sausage slapped onto a roll, but despite the pedestrian appearance of the Marlborough’s version, the sandwich was delish. The bun was toasted; the chorizo was grilled and thinly sliced in neat-to-eat layers. The baby/microsprouts salad on the side added color, crunch and lightness.
Most mains on the menu were £8-10, and I loved the pot of fragrant English Breakfast for £1.50. Our tab for two mains, a starter and drinks totaled £30 after service.
And then the rest of our day at the Thermae Spa was exactly what we needed. It’s been almost a year and a half since our first trip to the Thermae Spa, and I was glad to see things were still as clean and luxurious as I remembered, especially when you consider the high volume of visitors the Spa receives. I love the Thermae’s spaciousness and the fact that all the water is thermal (it eases my liberal-environmental guilt).
If it weren’t a two-hour train ride to Bath, I’d be down there more often. Especially during these cold, gloomy months.
I am yet to make it to Bath which I know is a travesty after almost two years in London. I am planning to head there shortly though and will be noting down this restaurant and the Thermae Spa for sure.
Oh, now that spa is a great recommendation! I agree with you on preferring places that do fewer things well. This looks like perfect comfort food. Delicious!
Ooh, I love the Thermae Spa, especially that rooftop pool with the backdrop of rooftops of ancient buildings. Good to know about the Marlborough–thanks!
Gourmet Chick – I can def relate. It also took me two years to get myself down to Bath, and when Jon and I finally made it, we had a great time. I’d recommend an overnight stay if it’s your first trip, so you have a day to see the sights, and another day to loll around in the Thermae Bath Spa. LOL.
Niamh and NYiL – Yes, the Spa is pretty and wonderful, and I 100% agree about the beautiful views from the rooftop thermal pool. I’m not usually a huge fan of hanging around spas for more than a single treatment, but the Thermae convinces me the Romans were really onto something.
hi, I lived in london ages ago!!!!! I hear it’s really different now. I visited bath and loved it, but it looks a bit more posh from your photos, as it did when i was there. but i was also younger and paid less attention to things outside of ME:)
The Travel Expert(a) and an Expat with a Twist
marina – I’ve heard that Bath has benefited from a lot of restoration and regeneration, so it wouldn’t surprise me if it *is* more posh now than when you were there. You should revisit!
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