Mokoko Coffee & Bakery — Restaurant in Bath

I came to Bath recently, for the first time, on a mini little break before starting at the University part time. I did my research before travelling, and saw Mokoko was highly rated due to its pastries and scenic location right by Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths. I decided to add it to my foodie list, and arrived as the shop opened at 9am, and it was a Monday. I was so earlier the pastries had not been put out on the counter! I had planned to get an Almond Croissant, seeing amazing reviews for this, but overheard that these were not on the menu on that day (something to keep in mind if you're going for a specific item!). I wondered what else was on the menu and was given a list of options, where I picked the Almond Praline Chocolate Pain Suisse. It was a mild morning so I was able to sit outside, looking onto the amazing view of the Abbey - as well as the pastry! Now this was definitely one of the prettiest pastries I have even seen, which was a very positive start. Given the pastries had just been bought out I did almost expect it to be warm, which it was not at all. Nevertheless, I bit into the pain suisse. This was beautiful. The pastry was amazingly crispy and buttery - you can tell they use real butter opposed to margarine (not only by the taste but also by how the pastry comes together when you bite into it). The filling was plentiful, and the nuttiness well balanced with the chocolate. This is one of the best pastries I have ever eaten, made better by the views this place has to offer. The staff were also very friendly and welcoming. I would definitely recommend popping by Mokoko if you're in Bath, and intend on returning myself (hopefully to try the...

This place sells the best bread—period. It's hands down the best in Bath (and I’ve tried them all). It's better than any bakery in Bristol too—including the fancy ones. Honestly, it beats most bakeries I’ve tried across Somerset and Wiltshire as well (bakeries, farm shops, etc.). I haven’t found better bread even in London yet—though London is a big place, so who knows.

The loaves at Mokoko are always fresh and reasonably priced. By contrast, other bakeries often sell bread that’s stale and overpriced (Gail’s, for example), or hard and even more expensive (like Bertinet). If Mokoko ever started selling focaccia or tin loaves, I’d happily buy those too.

Their sandwiches are also on a level that’s pretty rare in England. You can tell the bread is made fresh that day, and the fillings are top-quality ingredients. Mokoko’s baker clearly has not only great skill, but great taste too.

My only (very personal) downside is that if I want a focaccia sandwich without mozzarella, butter, or mayo, I have to go for the vegan option—even though I’m not vegan and would be more than happy with something like mortadella or ham (my partner had the mortadella one, and it was amazing!). But that’s fair enough—they can’t cater to every picky customer.

Another small drawback is that they tend to sell out of bread quite early. On those days, I usually go to Green Street Butcher’s—second-best in Bath, in my opinion—which always seems to have enough stock, or I make my own bread (yes, I know—I’m Italian, I need bread with every single meal - feel free to judge 😄).

I really hope Mokoko expands its bread offerings in the future—and maybe even opens another branch on the east...

Having arrived in a busy sunny Bath rather tired, I was delighted to find an attractively placed empty coffee house (one of many) in front of the magnificent Abbey. I ordered coffee and selected a slice of cake from a cheery face. I might be rather harsh on giving one star for atmosphere, as on this occasion, it suited my weary body not be engaged in the bustle of the city, and it was 3.30pm. All was going very well until I politely enquired whether using cash was acceptable - in itself a rather ludicrous statement as it is still legal tender in this country. It wasn’t all right at all. Mokoko Cafe is card only. My cake was whipped away and my coffee cancelled, seemingly along with my existence in daring to ask such an outrageous question. There was a brief moment of silent stand off, where we just stared at each other wrapped in our own disbelief. I left the cafe - no goodbyes. Now - much as I embrace modern culture, I do think that a cafe in the centre of a heritage city should take the coin of the realm. I suppose if I had been a tourist and was faced with such a dilemma I would have used a credit card, thus incurring the usual charge for the privilege. I didn’t have a credit card on me, just pieces on plasticised paper with a picture of King Charles printed on them. Who loses most here? Undoubtedly the cafe because they lost revenue. My loss was only temporary because Cafe Nero were delighted with my cash - and they serve great coffee and cake. Come on Mokoko - move...