Reviewed
1.98

Hidden away next to the Turf Tavern you may have noticed the multi-talented Bath Place Hotel - not only a hotel, but also a restaurant. And not just any restaurant - possibly the finest eating establishment this side of the Manoir (and with a price tag to match). Let's be frank about this - I was mortified when I saw the bill at the end. Thoughts errupted into my mind of what I could have spent the money on - a Playstation, many many CDs, my overdraft, a small Villa in the South of France, the list went on and on…

But if your extremely rich aunt appears in Oxford and suggests going out for a meal, get on the phone to Bath Place right away, for you will be treated to a right royal pampering. On arriving, my partner and I were led into an elegant and relaxed lounge where we ordered a couple of G&T's and proceded to peruse the menu at our leisure (rushing is one thing that you will not be doing here). The choice was not overwhelming, but there was something for everyone (Vegetarians are well catered for as well as seafood lovers), and everything sounded so good that we deliberated for some time. Luckily for us canopes were provided to keep our strength up during this arduous task.
The meal itself was perfection, my Partner dining on Vichyssoise followed by Chicken in a coconut sauce, while I went for the carnivores choice - chicken stuffed with wild mushrooms followed by Beef (I cannot for the life of me remember the full contents of the beef dish, but suffice to say it was heavenly). Every course looked fantastic (think 'Masterchef' taken to the next level), it was almost a shame to eat them, and the waiters had definitely been studying the mysterious shopkeeper out of 'Mr Ben' - appearing as if from nowhere exactly when we needed them, so top marks all around.
Going to Bath Place is not something to do on the spur of the moment - but for a really special occasion (say, winning the lottery), there is simply nowhere better to go. It is an experience you will remember for a long time afterwards.

C.R.