SLAP bang in the centre of Bath, amid the historic neighbourhood of Bathwick, is The Bird, a flamboyant boutique hotel housed in classic Bath stone.
Owned by Ian and Christa Taylor’s Kaleidoscope Collection, the quirky property boasts an unmatched location, positioned mere minutes from some of the UK’s best-loved heritage sites, including Great Pulteney Street, The Victoria Art Gallery, and the famed healing waters of the Roman Baths. And, it’s not just the location that’s a knock-out.
The Bird
After a two-hour trip from my home, upon check-in, my mood is instantly uplifted by faultless service and gooey chocolate cookies freshly baked in-house that morning. Surrounding the reception desk is a host of charming ornaments and artworks, including a large, panelled frame of oyster shells, taxidermied birds, and a giant rectangular rug punctuated by a splendid red cat.
The reception at The Bird
The reception at The Bird
Ensuring no two rooms are the same, the Taylors’ have designed The Bird’s 31 suites with hand-crafted wallpapers, unique decorations, and one-off touches. My room for the night, situated on the second floor, is imagined in a soothing grey and mustard colour scheme, with a plush floral-printed velvet sofa, spacious bathroom – filled with Malin + Goetz’s bestsellers – a glittering chandelier and bright sash windows with views of the adjacent croquet lawn, recreation ground, and Bath Abbey.
Bedrooms at The Bird
Bedrooms at The Bird
Bathroom at The Bird
Down on The Bird’s ground floor is the newly-launched Plate restaurant and bar, serving up a feast of classic British dishes, each created by Head Chef Leon Smith using the freshest seasonal ingredients. After establishing his reputation at some of the UK’s finest establishments including Tom Aikens in Chelsea, Wild Honey, Berwick Lodge, The Pony and Trap – one of the few Michelin starred pubs – and The Royal Oak at Paley Street, Smith has returned to the West Country to head this wonderfully inviting dining area.
The perfect relaxed experience for everyday dining, the Plate is furnished with a host of bespoke hand-drawn designs adorning both the walls and tables, created down the road at Westbury’s White Horse Pottery, setting the tone for the flavoursome menu to come.
The Plate Restaurant and Bar at The Bird
The Plate Restaurant and Bar at The Bird
With an emphasis on hand-sourced produce, the starters at Plate are perfect for sharing, ranging from cured salmon and ham hock terrine to delectable devilled whitebait. For mains, no detail has been left unconsidered: The Bird pie is complemented by the most delicate of crusts, venison haunch is paired perfectly with courgette & pea fritters, while tender beef and lamb, sourced from the family-owned Beeswax Dyson, is hand-cut by Head Chef Leon.
Desserts continue on a classic British front, with sticky toffee pudding, Valrhona chocolate fondant, Forced Yorkshire rhubarb and an indulgent cheese selection – to be enjoyed both indoors and on The Bird’s outdoor Plate Terrace. I had the pleasure of dining in one of the Terrace’s heated pavilions, with open-air tables and domes also available, offering some of the city’s best al-fresco dining with views to match.
Dining at The Bird
Dining at The Bird
The Plate Terrace at The Bird
As I checked out, I was once again greeted with cookies, fresh from the oven, and warm smiles; the perfect end to a delightful city staycation. With heart-warming, local values and quirkiness at its core, The Bird boasts some of the best service and dining Bath has to offer and is most certainly a place I hope to return to again in the near-future.
by Joshua Hendren
The Bird, 18-19 Pulteney Road, Bath BA2 4EZ
Tel: 01225 580438