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The city of Bath could easily rest on its Georgian laurels—those honey-coloured crescents and Roman Baths draw millions annually. Yet scratch beneath the surface of this UNESCO World Heritage site and you'll uncover a thriving ecosystem of independently run shops and cafes that breathe contemporary relevance into ancient streets. These creative sanctuaries champion handmade craft, thoughtful curation, and a commitment to supporting local makers that transforms Bath from tourist postcard into a living, breathing hub of design and creativity.
During a whirlwind 24 hours exploring this south-west gem, I sought out the independent businesses keeping Bath's soul intact. Here's what I discovered.
Where I Stayed...
Gainsborough Hotel & Spa
Bath holds a special place in my heart, I attended the city of Bath College back in 2004 when it occupied the Gainsborough Building and so it felt fitting to head back there and stay in what is now a beautiful hotel and spa. It was surreal to walk in and see the transformation to the building and to explore the lower levels where we had our studios and life drawing classes - it is now home to the hotels beautiful spa village where I spent a full two hours relaxing and pruning in the very hot thermal baths (the only hotel in Bath to utilise the Citys thermal waters).
Where I Shopped...
Hidden Store, Bath
Owner Natasha curates an exquisite selection of homewares, ceramics, and lifestyle products that feel both contemporary and timeless. There is alot of overlap between Hidden Store and TBA and it was lovely to have an extended chat with someone who cares as much about the curation as the products and its makers as I do. It also helps that Natasha has impeccable taste so you know you are in good hands if gift buying for others! A few product highlights included the hand built ceramic wall sconce by Poesy, beautifully scented soy wax candles in recycled glass yogurt pots by Old Green Studio (incredibly tactile) and the plant based Pygmalion dinner Candles. I could go on; Hidden Store is essential viewing for anyone invested in design integrity and ethical products.
The River Mouse, Bath
Perched in the same building as Hidden store, The River Mouse is run by Lucy who has created a space celebrating UK designed children's goods full of joy. Suspended above the shop lives The River Mouse himself who can be found aboard his miniature narrowboat, chugging along a floating river – an invitation for little (and big!) people to look up and slow down. Its utter magic. The shop also aims to be a celebration of community, a relaxed place to be away from the bustle of the high street with lots of events peppered through the year celebrating all things indie. Lucy is also a trained shoe fitter and operates a shoe-fitting service (up to size 10) from the shop.
Somer Store, Bath
A sustainable fashion and lifestyle store that opened in summer 2025, founded by The Future Fashion works and Bath Spa University. Housing 200 makers, many of whom are local makers and graduates. The Store aims to offer additional advice and business resources to the makers they work with, mentoring graduates to sustain their creative practises post University.
Nam Store, Bath
Sharan Kaur owner of Nam has created a beautiful intimate boutique shop in Bath specialising in table and homewares. The space is light filled and every object given space so that you can view it and appreciate it like a work of art. Tucked just behind the Cathedral, the shop is positioned in one of the busiest streets in Bath and how refreshing to discover such a unique space in an area that can otherwise feel very touristy (ice cream, fudge, coffee etc). Stand out pieces for me are the utterly beautiful hand built ceramics by 1690 studio.
Berdoulat
Run by husband and wife team, Patrick and Neri who also live in the beautiful building, Berdoulat opened its doors in early 2021 after a four year renovation. A former grocer’s shop known as the Fortnum’s of the West, its here that Bath Oliver biscuits were invented. Each product in the collection is unique to Berdoulat: a collaboration with local artisans, the vast majority of whom are based within an hour's drive of the studio. Most take inspiration from historic kitchens and traditions from the 18th & 19th century, sometimes with twists of France and Turkey. With fifteen years of experience working on period buildings, and a life-long appreciation of historic fabric and design tradition, Berdoulat has a deep rooted belief in good design and quality in its execution resulting in heirloom pieces that stand the test of time, and will be passed down through generations. Once inside its very hard to leave such a beautiful space.
Where I ate...
Upstairs at Landrace
Landrace is a bakery, (Upstairs) restaurant & flour mill restoring a regional community of speciality grains & beautiful ingredients. Somerset, UK. Landrace Bakery has earned cult status for its sourdough, but venture upstairs and you'll discover a serene cafe serving up delicious plates during the day and stone cooked pizza by night. The menu emphasises seasonal, locally sourced ingredients transformed into unfussy, flavour-forward dishes. Upstairs feels like a little French Bistro has landed in Somerset. Perfection.
Cortado
Cortado Café is run by Argentinian/British couple Fran and Sophie. An independent café in the heart of Bath on the infamous Pultney Bridge serving speciality coffee, brunch and lunch options, as well as their speciality- Argentinian empanadas! (the chorizo and chicken option was yum). They are conscious about environmental impact and try to make sustainable choices where they can, while using local suppliers as much as possible, supporting other small businesses in the area.
Palette
Palette is an independent café, shop, and gallery space - housed in a beautiful four-storey Georgian townhouse at the heart of Walcot Street, Bath’s historic Artisan Quarter.
Blending curated art, contemporary design, and exceptional food, Palette is a unique creative destination for locals and visitors alike. The menu had some interesting options and i opted for the Welsh rarebit crumpets which did not dissapoint.
Other options I have been recommended but did not get the chance to visit on this trip are: Oak Restaurant (lunchtime set menu), Noyas Kitchen (Vietnamese), Scallop shell (fish and chips/seafood), Sonina (Fresh pasta) and Green Street butchers (fresh meat bagels)