The Bath Bun — Restaurant in Bath

The Bath bun is a traditional sweet pastry associated with the city of Bath, England. It’s a rich, round bun made from a dough enriched with butter, sugar, and often eggs, which gives it a dense and satisfying texture. The bun is typically studded with currants or raisins, and its top is often sprinkled with sugar crystals or decorated with a piece of candied fruit, adding to its sweetness and appeal.

History

The origins of the Bath bun are somewhat debated, but it is generally believed to have been created in the 18th century. One popular story attributes its creation to Dr. William Oliver, a physician in Bath who supposedly invented the bun as a nutritious treat for his patients. However, when he realized that the bun was a little too indulgent for his patients’ health, he went on to create the less rich Bath Oliver biscuit. Despite this, the Bath bun became a popular delicacy among locals and visitors alike.

Characteristics

The Bath bun is known for its soft, slightly dense crumb and sweet flavor. It’s a richer and heavier pastry compared to other British buns, like the Sally Lunn bun, which is lighter and more bread-like. The Bath bun’s sweetness comes not only from the sugar in the dough but also from the sugar topping and the dried fruit inside. This makes it a perfect accompaniment to tea, often enjoyed as part of an afternoon tea service.

Modern Day

Today, the Bath bun remains a beloved treat in Bath and beyond. You can find it in bakeries and tea rooms throughout the city, where it’s often served as a traditional part of local culture. Whether you’re enjoying it as a quick snack or as part of a more elaborate tea experience, the Bath bun continues to be a symbol of the city’s rich...

Yesterday I went to Bath and for lunch I decided to stop by the Bath Bun Cafe for some tea. It was honestly such a beautiful experience. The cafe itself has such a lovely, cosy aesthetic, and the vibes were incredible. The staff were so friendly and welcoming, and despite how busy it was, they managed everything so efficiently with hardly any wait time.

I was seated outside, and the view was just immaculate. Even the first floor of the cafe has such a charming atmosphere everything about it feels warm and inviting. I’ve actually been to this cafe once before, about three years ago, and it was just as amazing then, so I really wanted to relive that same experience.

This time, I had a tea, scone, and baguette, and it was absolutely incredible. The service was just wonderful, especially the main lady there (I wish I remembered her name). She was so kind and attentive, always checking in and letting me know if there was any slight delay. Her friendliness really made the whole experience even more special.

I really loved the energy, the food, and the people. It’s also very reasonably priced. I would highly, highly recommend Bath Bun Cafe to anyone visiting Bath. Try the Bath Bun, the scones, and enjoy the afternoon tea experience. It’s honestly such a gem of a place. If I lived in Bath, I think I’d be there...

The Bath Bun is a unique food item here in the city of Bath and there's only two places that do them. Sally Lunn's around the corner is the original and this is the competitor. It's like a French brioche bun, but sweeter, lighter and more airy and with less butter - compared to Sally Lunn's it's a LOT smaller. But it comes with crystal sugar and fruit on top, and it's baked with a lump of sugar in the middle of it.

Because it's such an iconic item, you might be waiting a while to get in if you want to be seated. If you just want to try one, just ask them for a takeout bun and they'll give you one for £2 so that you can try it out whilst sitting elsewhere (it beats queueing).

If you are prepared to queue - upstairs is the most quaint little tea-room you'll see anywhere around here.

I actually prefer the Bath Bun over the Sally Lunn, but it's personal preference. I know other people might say the opposite.

The place itself is easy to find, it's around the corner from Bath Abbey. It's definitely worth visiting if you're only seeing Bath once...