The perfect mix
NANCY CONNOLLY discovers a hidden gem in the gardens of The Bird hotel – perfect for enjoying a tropical cocktail and amazing views of the city
Picture this. it is a lovely summer’s evening, you have just finished work for the day, you fancy a nice, refreshing cocktail but you don’t want just any ordinary beer garden with beer swilling football or rugby supporters.
You want something really special, different from anywhere else – very different.
The garden behind The Bird hotel in Bath is exquisite and most people do not even realise it is there.
As cool as any beach bar, it is beautifully decorated; lovely soft tables and chairs, quirky furniture and tents, twinkly lights and overlooking Bath’s cricket ground with great views of the Abbey.
The secret garden is fun, creative and incredibly romantic. You can while away the hours on these long summer evenings, and it is hard to believe you are in the middle of the city - it is so tranquil and peaceful, yet also cool and contemporary.
Owners ian and christa taylor, who also own the beautiful Homewood Hotel in Freshford, have added three dining pods to the garden where groups of up to six can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea or supper in their own little hub.
Offering one of the city’s best alfresco views, the terrace is perfectly located to take in the beautiful scenery of Bath.
it sits in an elevated position with views across to the rec, Bath Abbey and the honeycoloured stone buildings beyond.
reflecting the fun and flamboyant nature of the hotel, this colourful space is designed to bring a smile to people’s faces after a year of lockdowns.
A mix of relaxed seating for dining and drinks includes dining domes and covered pavilions for the terrace to be enjoyed by families, friends, and four-legged friends, whatever the weather brings.
But it is the cocktail menu which steals the show in this jewel of a garden.
As well as the usual cocktails, staff at The Bird have created their own mixtures - including their champagne colada which has to be the perfect match; the love and marriage that is champagne and pina colada, just right for a summer evening.
The menu says: “The story of the champagne colada dates back to the incredible summer of 2018, simple yet genius.
“Our manager James had a moment of inspiration and asked a bartender to make a pina colada and then top it with champagne.
“The exact recipe is a secret and the method a bit more complex, but if you want to be immediately transported to a beach in the caribbean, this is for you.”
We can’t travel to the caribbean at the moment, but if you close your eyes in this hidden jewel of a place you can imagine the warm, white sand between your toes and sounds of the glittering, turquoise ocean.
You don’t have to book to have drinks in the garden, but booking is needed for the restaurant or any dining.
Reflecting the fun and flamboyant nature of the hotel, this colourful space is designed to bring a smile to people’s faces after a year of lockdowns