Home » United Kingdom Travel News » France, Nepal, and Vietnam Bring Unforgettable Culinary Experiences to Bath, UK, Creating a Global Food Destination Like No Other
Published on
October 19, 2025
Bath, UK, has become a renowned global culinary hotspot, thanks to the infusion of rich and diverse flavours from France, Nepal, and Vietnam. These vibrant cuisines have elevated the city’s food scene, offering a unique blend of traditional French elegance, Nepalese authenticity, and Vietnamese finesse. With renowned restaurants like the Michelin-starred Olive Tree and family-run eateries such as Yak Yeti Yak and Noya’s Kitchen, Bath has seamlessly integrated international culinary influences into its historic charm. This fusion of cultures has transformed the city into a must-visit destination for food lovers, enhancing its appeal as a global dining hub.
Bath has always been a city of great architectural distinction, famous for its Roman baths and stunning Georgian buildings. The Roman baths, located at the heart of the city, continue to attract tourists from around the world, as does the nearby cathedral. But while Bath’s social scene might be quieter compared to larger cities, it still boasts a charm that resonates deeply with those who visit. Recently, however, Bath has been named the UK’s best city, receiving widespread acclaim from both tourists and critics alike.
In a recent ranking by Condé Nast Traveller, Bath took the top spot as ‘Britain’s Best City’ with an impressive score of 97.78 out of 100. This was a remarkable improvement for the city, which was ranked sixth just the previous year. The sharp rise in its position is largely attributed to a revitalisation of its restaurant and bar scene, which has injected new life into the city. The diverse culinary scene, along with the city’s timeless beauty, has made Bath a must-visit destination.
Perfect for a relaxing weekend getaway, Bath offers a variety of luxurious accommodations. The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, a five-star hotel with 45 elegant, bespoke rooms, has been praised for its exceptional service and historic charm. Time Out, a renowned travel publication, has featured this hotel as one of Bath’s top stays. The city is also home to No. 15 by GuestHouse Bath, which exudes a chic, feminine atmosphere, and the Gainsborough Bath Spa, a luxurious spa hotel offering total relaxation and indulgence.
One of Bath’s hidden gems lies in its independent businesses that line its streets. The city’s high streets are filled with unique stores that showcase locally sourced products and offer something truly special for those looking to bring home a piece of Bath. Beercraft of Bath, for example, is a local bar that boasts an impressive selection of over 550 beers, including craft beers from local breweries such as Verdant Brewing and Electric Bear. Homefront Interiors offers a delightful range of ceramics, prints, cards, and even jewellery, while Icarus Jewellery is renowned for its high-quality silver pieces, with some designed by its founder, Dilek Koroglu.
For book enthusiasts, Bath is home to one of the oldest bookstores in the UK, the George Bayntun Bookshop. Located in a converted Post Office sorting office, the bookstore retains its antique furnishings from its 1938 conversion, providing visitors with a nostalgic experience. The shop offers a diverse range of first editions, rare prints, old maps, and preloved stories. For book lovers, this is a place that evokes a true sense of history and charm.
Bath is also known for its thriving food scene. The Olive Tree Restaurant, located within the Queensberry Hotel, holds a Michelin star for its expertly crafted British dishes with Mediterranean influences. Executive chef Chris Cleghorn is celebrated for creating menus that highlight locally sourced ingredients, catering to a range of dietary preferences, including vegetarian, pescatarian, and vegan options.
For those craving French cuisine, Chez Dominique is a modern French restaurant offering everything from à la carte meals to three-course prix-fixe menus. The restaurant is often described as “a slice of Paris,” with a charming atmosphere and a semi-private room with views of the weir. For something more adventurous, Yak Yeti Yak, a family-run Nepalese restaurant, and Noya’s Kitchen, a refined Vietnamese eatery, are both top-rated by visitors. These restaurants offer unique dining experiences, with Yak Yeti Yak’s rich flavours and Noya’s five-course Vietnamese meals standing out as highlights.
Bath’s recent surge in popularity comes on the heels of a cultural shift where visitors are looking for more than just the typical city break experience. The shift towards cities rich in history, culture, and nostalgia has made places like Bath increasingly attractive. This trend is further reflected in the Condé Nast Traveller rankings, where Bath’s closest competitor, Manchester, was a close second with a score of 96.30, followed by London in third place with a score of 92.56.
What makes Bath so compelling is its ability to blend the old with the new. The city’s ancient Roman baths are a testament to its rich history, while its newly revived restaurant and bar scene show that Bath is far from a city stuck in the past. The combination of history, modern luxury, and a diverse array of activities makes it an ideal destination for anyone looking to explore the best of what the UK has to offer.
Bath, UK, has evolved into a global culinary hotspot, blending the rich flavours of France, Nepal, and Vietnam. With renowned restaurants and vibrant international influences, the city offers an unforgettable dining experience that attracts food enthusiasts from around the world.
Whether you’re enjoying a spa weekend, sampling local craft beers, wandering through the historic streets, or indulging in world-class cuisine, Bath offers an experience that will leave visitors feeling refreshed and inspired. Its new-found recognition as the UK’s best city is well-deserved, and with more tourists flocking to its charming streets, it’s clear that Bath is a destination that will only continue to grow in popularity.
Dining and Cooking