48 HOURS IN BATH - ft. The Best Restaurants & Bars + Our Road Trip Through The Cotswolds

 "Hey there! I'm Jesse, and I'm Will, and together we are Top Jaw."

This weekend was meant to be a getaway in Lisbon, but with quarantine restrictions constantly shifting, we made a last-minute decision to stay in the UK. Instead of taking our flight, we jumped in the car and headed west from London—with no plan at all. This entire adventure was shaped by you, our Instagram followers, whose recommendations turned our impromptu trip into something special. If you're feeling generous, hit that subscribe button!

Day One: Fresh Air and Bonfire Skies

Ah, smell that—a blend of fresh air, autumn breeze, and a hint of bonfire smoke. That sky though... what a beauty. We got a little closer to capture it as Will hammered away on Instagram, updating our route on the go.

We rolled into town around 8 PM, just in time for our dinner reservation. A couple of pints down, we realized we had accidentally booked a twin room. Correction: a double room. Guess we're bunking up tonight, "just in cases."

Dinner was classic British fare but with a twist. Imagine Welsh rarebit, but transformed—gooey, cheesy, and with a dip you won’t forget. Lamb croquettes? Salty, crunchy perfection. We stuffed ourselves on pork, chicken Milanese, and triple-cooked chips—delicious but with a side of regret. Will, ever the dessert lover, ended with a chocolate nemesis. Was it his nemesis because he couldn’t finish it? We'll never know.

Day Two: Postcards and Pit Stops

We kicked off the day with a quick stop in Burford, the “Gateway to the Cotswolds,” a proper postcard-worthy town. With its charming streets and quaint shops, it’s the perfect place to grab a coffee from Lynwood & Co, a cozy café set up by an Australian. Pickles, our longtime friend and Will’s usher, joined the adventure from here.

Our next surprise stop? Molly’s Diner. Picture roadside glamour—think 1950s America, but in the UK. This wasn’t on our agenda, but we were drawn in by the allure of Pickles’ custom breakfast: waffles, chicken bites, maple syrup, and a big Oreo milkshake. Unusual combo? Maybe. But trust us, it worked.

We kept getting sidetracked—Guinness stops, scenic bridges, and random pubs—but that’s what road trips are about, right? It's all in the journey. By late afternoon, we finally touched down in Bath, just in time to grab a pizza and a few beers at Bath Pizza Co., located in an old train station. The historic setting paired with great food made the wait well worth it.

Exploring Bath: Gin Bars and Tapas

Bath isn’t just about stunning architecture; it’s also home to over 250 different gins! We stopped by the Canary Gin Bar, which had an overwhelming variety. Gin lovers, this one’s for you. But if gin isn’t your thing, no worries—they’ve got whisky and beer too.

Dinner was at Pinchos, a Spanish tapas bar inspired by San Sebastian. We tried everything from garlic prawns to patatas bravas and fried squid. Oh, and Sherry—who knew Sherry could be this good? The night ended on a high note, full of laughter, great food, and even better memories.

Day Three: Coffee and Georgian Architecture

After an epic night of indulgence, we were in desperate need of coffee. Specialty coffee, to be precise. Enter Colonna & Smalls, run by an award-winning barista. Bath under blue skies is a sight to behold, with its golden Georgian stone buildings shining in the sunlight. We felt like tourists all over again.

Next, we visited Landrace, a bakery known for its incredible sausage rolls, chicken buns, and rhubarb ketchup. Everything was so fresh, you could taste the care in each bite.

A walk through the Royal Crescent reminded us why Bath is so special. The sweeping crescent of Georgian homes is nothing short of iconic. We wandered around, soaking in the history and beauty, before heading out for our next adventure.

Bruton and Michelin-Star Dining

Bruton is home to one of the most exciting new restaurants in the UK—Osip, run by a Michelin-starred chef. Here, the menu changes daily, depending on what the local farmers bring in. We dined on stuffed charred leaves, pig’s head, and fresh local plums, all served in a casual yet refined setting.

As night fell, we ventured to At the Chapel, a modern restaurant housed in a restored 17th-century chapel. We enjoyed pizzas made from stone, dug up during the renovation, and soaked in the contrast between contemporary cuisine and historical charm. Cocktails in hand, we toasted to our time in Bruton.

The Final Day: Wrapping Up in Style

On our last day, we checked into a luxury camp near Glastonbury, where we stayed in an incredible house with the most stunning views. Bert and his team, who run this high-end glamping experience, know how to do it right. The perfect blend of comfort and nature.

For our final meal, we stopped by 28 Marketplace, a highly recommended restaurant in Somerton. The food? Absolutely divine—fresh ingredients, perfectly cooked, and beautifully presented. Dessert was a nectarine cheesecake and a delectable parfait. It was the ideal way to wrap up a weekend full of unforgettable meals.

Final Thoughts

We may have started this journey disappointed about missing Lisbon, but our UK staycation turned out to be better than we could have imagined. Highlights included our meal at Corkage, the epic food at Bath Arms, and of course, the stunning landscapes we discovered along the way.

Big thanks to everyone who followed along on Instagram and sent us recommendations. If we’re still in lockdown next month, we just might plan another UK road trip. Where should we go next? Let us know in the comments!