The festive lights are up in Bath and the Christmas Market on its way; but for those of you not lucky enough to live near the city or able to visit this year, you can still enjoy the best of Bath with some virtual shopping. We’ve come up with a list of great gifts for all you lovers of our city. If you are coming to visit then its a handy guide of where to go, otherwise bookmark this page and send it to your family with some not so small hints about what you would like in your stocking this year.
- Food Glorious Food
Bath is renowned for its gastronomic delights, including award winning restaurants and bars, as well as being home to the UK’s first Farmer’s Market (back in 1997) that is still going strong. If you aren’t able to come and indulge in some of the great produce the market and shops have to offer, then a fabulous new hamper service, called Taste of Bath, is just for you! Putting together some of the finest goods from our city including the famous Bath Oliver biscuits, Choc on Choc chocolates, Honey Midford Cider and Henny & Joe’s Chai, these traditional crates are a cracking idea if you’re stuck on what to get someone as a gift or to treat a homesick ex-Bathonian. Create your own Hampers are also available online.
If you really want to overload someone with cheese this Christmas, or simply want to make sure your cheeseboard is the best around, then Bath Fine Cheese Company have hampers and selection boxes galore on their website. For further indulgence, and a loosening of the belt, head to Charlotte Brunswick for fine handmade chocolates in beautiful packaging – choose from truffles to florentines, biscuits to ballotins; it’s something a little bit more special than a tin of commercial chocs at Christmas.
Receive 10% off your Taste of Bath Hamper order using this Promo Code at Checkout: 10WEST
2. Good Cheer!
A Christmas party wouldn’t be a party without a little tipple of something to warm the cockles on a cold winter’s night. Order yourself a bottle of the Bath based Gin known cheekily as Gin Austen if you can’t get yourself to their shop and Bar on Queen Street. For the ale lovers you can’t go wrong with some of the local breweries – from traditional Abbey Ales and Bath Ales to the funky craft newbies Electric Bear. Once only available on tap, The Raven’s exclusive beers, Raven’s Gold, Raven and Stark Raven, are now available in Gift Sets but only direct from the pub in Queen Street. If whisky is more your thing then you can’t go wrong with heading to the mecca that is all things booze related and with one room solely dedicated to the “water of life” you’re bound to find something a little bit out of the ordinary at Independent Spirit.
For the non-drinkers out there, do not despair as Bath has many outlets just for you. If you’re able to head to the Farmer’s Market (every Saturday at Green Park Station) then head to Keith’s apple juice stall for some truly remarkable juices, some from varieties for which there is only one single tree left in the country! If you prefer your drinks caffeinated then you can buy from a number of online outlets that also have shops in the city. Gillards of Bath have been providing Bathonians with tea and coffee for over 120 years and still can be found in the Guildhall Market on Mondays to Sundays. You can also order online, just like you can for the exclusive and rare beans that Colonna and Smalls’ source from small producers around the world. For that perfect cup of chai head to Comins Tea House where you can pick up handmade tea sets and gifts as well as loose leaf teas (online ordering available).
3. Get Creative
Looking for a piece of artwork or a fun gift for that person in your life who loves beautiful objects then we’ve got some ideas all wrapped up for you.
If you’re looking for something for children, then Eric Snooks has 50 years of experience in providing gifts of fine craftsmanship and love. This cavern of delights can be found in Union Passage and is definitely worth a visit. For an online present then head to Bertie and Jack who have been selling personalised wall art and creative cushions in Bath since 2010. Flamingo over the river in Widcombe has fantastic cards, small gifts and other knick-knacks perfect as stocking fillers.
Bath Aqua Glass have 2 shops in the city, plus an online shop and glass blowing experiences available as a “gift with a difference” at their Walcot Street based studio. If paintings and sculpture is more your scene then there are plenty of galleries in the city you can browse and buy from including Bath Contemporary on Gay Street and Rostra Gallery on George Street.
4. Handbags and Gladrags
Renowned for its independent boutiques and shops, Bath is awash with colour and style, especially at Christmas time. Cosy into cashmere ponchos and jumpers from Sisi and May of Bartlett Street, strut your stuff with shoes from Chanii B in Milsom Place, and pack your bags with Bath-made Liz Cox on Margarets Buildings.
The chaps don’t have to miss out with on trend styles and traditional cuts at Gabucci on Milsom Street and Marc Wallace on Broad Street.
To accessorize your outfits head to Bloomsbury in the heart of the city, where you can find some quirky individual accessories perfect for both men and women. More British designer delights can be found in Green Street at Magpie and Bear where they stock jewellery, scarfs and leather goods. Finally Rossiters on Broad Street is the classic go-to for everything from china and furnishings to gifts and cards.
5. Can Vouch for everything
If you really can’t find something to buy your loved ones this year or simply find it easier for them to choose the items themselves then a Gift Voucher is a perfect present. Most shops and restaurants have them these days and we at The Royal Hotel are no exception. Our Gift Vouchers can be used towards one of our popular Spa Breaks away or to pay for a delightful candlelit meal in our Brasserie Brunel. Whatever you choose to spend your Royal Gift Voucher on you’ll sure to be delighted.
You could always book that break away as a surprise present instead and if so, don’t hesitate to call us on 01225 463134 and inform us so that we can make all the necessary arrangements for you. We can provide chocolates, champagne, balloons etc…to be awaiting you in your room on arrival with prior arrangement (please allow at least 24 hours notice. Payment to be made at time of booking. For details of prices please contact Reception).
Whether you are staying with us in the run up to Christmas on a Festive Break or over the New Year; or will be popping in and celebrating with us on a Party lunch or dinner in the restaurant, do pick up and use your FREE Loyalty Card which enables you to save money every time you spend. We like to spread a little extra Christmas cheer!
The Royal Hotel – Tel: (+44) 1225 463134; Email: info@royalhotelbath.co.uk
We’d like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy 2017!
(Details, Prices, and Promo Codes correct as of October 2014. All photos used copyright of the business mentioned. Marc Wallace photo used copyright Brides Magazine)