Exploring Bath
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Exploring the best of Bath
Wednesday, 17 September, 2025Cheap Eats
When you're a student, budget is key. But who says you have to eat bland and boring food?
We’ve scoured the city to find Bath’s top three cheap eats that don't compromise on flavour, starting with a little taste of Sri Lanka at The Coconut Tree on Broad Street – serving brilliant cocktails and delicious food, from slow roasted pork belly to devilled chicken wings, and even a tasty vegan menu. Trust us, you're guaranteed to find something to love here as a student.
Chilli Family Noodles is next on our list. You can get a tasty bowl of lip tingling noodles that's absolutely packed with flavour for less than a tenner. With a wide range of choices, including stewed beef, minced chicken, spareribs and tofu, what’s not to love?
Finally, the Bath Pizza Company is an absolute culinary classic, with two for £14 cocktails all week long and a brilliant selection of classic pizza options you honestly can’t go wrong –bonus points for their cheesy garlic bread and loaded Parmesan skin on fries.
Bath independents
Shopping sustainably has never looked so good than with Vintage ABS – a thriving vintage store located smack bang in the heart of Bath. The brand blew up selling reworked gems from Ebay and Depop, dressing Bath in 90s & Y2k vintage fashion, from head to toe. If you’re looking for some sustainable staples, this is the perfect spot to find pieces from brands such as Diesel, D&G, Burberry, Cavalli, Miss Sixty as-well as high street brands like Nike, Adidas, Bench... the list goes on.
Breathe new life into your new home with plants from indoor plant company, Botanica Studio. There’s nothing like a pop of green to brighten your student halls and make them feel like your own. Starting out as a market stall in the South West, Botanica Studio has evolved into a bricks-and-mortar shop and workshop space based in central Bath open every day of the week where you can find a flourishing range of indoor plants.
Green Street is a sandwich shop designed for an indulgent study break. A modern butcher and sandwich extraordinaire located in the city centre, this gem is famous for its mouth-watering, quality grub, with a range of expertly sourced meats and freshly made sandwiches that will 100% have you coming back for seconds. Whether you're after a quick bite or premium cuts for home cooking, this hotspot brings a fresh take to the sandwich shop experience – right in one of Bath’s most charming streets. Oh, and don’t forget to grab some of their brown butter cookies – a bit savoury, a bit salty and a bit sweet, it’s the perfect afternoon treat.
Indoor spots
For all the matcha fans out there, we've got just the thing. A hidden gem, this independent café is tucked away in The Corridor, serving the best matcha in Bath, alongside an assortment of vegetarian and vegan sandwiches and bakes, Matcha and Thing is THE spot for a little pick me up, where you can get cosy with a hot mug of Matcha or cool down with their delicious matcha soft‐serve ice cream.
Thirsty Meeples, located on 39 Gay Street, Bath, is more than just a spot for coffee; it’s a full-on board gaming experience. With a library of over 800 games, you can drop in any time from morning until midnight and, guided by their expert Game Gurus, get stuck into your favourite games from the classics to undiscovered. Quench your thirst with a craft beer, cider, or cocktails and tuck into their selection of sandwiches, designed to keep you fuelled through a gaming session.
The Bath Guildhall Market is a local jewel and absolutely ideal for a weekend wander. Situated just off High Street and only a stone’s throw from Bath Abbey and Pulteney Bridge, this historic spot is Bath’s oldest and most unique shopping venue.
Blending centuries of history with the warmth of family‑run businesses, you can browse a charming mix of crafts, incredible food, or pick the perfect handmade gifts from ceramics, fabrics, soaps and preserves, before you stop off for a quick refuel at its traditional café.
Wholesome activities in Bath
Looking for a wholesome day out in the city? Combine these spots for the perfect day of downtime. Starting with Landrace Bakery, this cosy, sourdough-scented bakery serves up an insane selection of pastries, most famously, their viral £4 cinnamon buns – the perfect cheap sweet treat.
Tucked away on Bath’s Walcot Street, this bakery moonlights as a part café, and upstairs, a laid-back restaurant serving seasonal British dishes with a European twist. From buttery cardamom buns to natural wines and crispy cheddar fritters, Landrace nails that perfect mix of simple, local, and seriously delicious.
A book-lover’s daydream, if you’re searching for a cozy nook to get away from it all, Topping and Company Booksellers is your spot. With floor to ceiling shelves, this beautifully restored bookshop is a former Quaker meeting house and invites customers to get lost in over 75,000 titles and even choose a mystery book for a blind date. Their buzzing events calendar boasts author talks, book launches and literary festivals where you might rub elbows with big names one evening and discover local gems the next.
If you're after a magical, community haven for stories, Toppings should be top of your list.
Bath is a vibrant city, but what makes it extra special is its connection to so much nature. If you’re looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, we’ve got just the time out for you. The Kennet and Avon Canal is an easy but beautiful walk. Combining Georgian architecture with lush landscapes and local wildlife, grab a tea or a coffee and meander along the water, taking in the boats and charming canal-side sights.
Wonders of the world, food edition
For all you foodies out there, we’ve complied our top spots in the city for eating out. Whether it’s a hand-in celebration, your family or friends are visiting, or you just want to treat yourself, these recs will have your taste buds tingling.
Put an Italian twist on your evening with Solina Pasta, serving up fresh, handmade pasta in a stylish yet laid-back setting inside the Empire building. With no booking needed, you can walk in and enjoy dishes like slow-cooked beef shin ragù or ricotta ravioli and even watch pasta being made from scratch.
Poppy's Bakery serves up freshly baked pastries, buttery croissants and is the perfect place to grab a coffee before you take in the views on Pulteney Bridge. With dreamiest view of the river, this beautiful little coffee shop and bakery, just a minutes' walk from both Waitrose and The Guildhall, is perfect for study sessions.
Noya’s Kitchen is a vibrant Vietnamese restaurant in Bath, founded by Noya Pawlyn, where those in search of authentic Vietnamese food can dig into her pho, curries, and noodle dishes. All made with locally sourced ingredients, this one's a standout destination on our list.
The Newton Farm Shop is just a short walk from our Newton Park Campus, so if you’re based on campus or have a few spare hours between lectures, this family-run gem is ideal. Set on a working farm, you can say hello to some of their many farm animals before a hearty breakfast, homemade cake, and even a Sunday roast. With a strong focus on sustainability and community, this one's a perfect spot for wholesome food in a countryside setting.