Dorset, Somerset &amp; Bristol


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where">WHAT, WHERE?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="733" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/The-ElderIMG_6701.jpg" alt="The Elder, Bath" class="wp-image-77419" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/The-ElderIMG_6701.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/The-ElderIMG_6701-800x586.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/The-ElderIMG_6701-400x293.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/The-ElderIMG_6701-768x563.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/The-ElderIMG_6701-716x525.jpg 716w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Located on the Georgian South Parade terrace in the centre of Bath, next door to Hotel Indigo and not far from the Abbey, <strong><a href="https://theelder.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Elder</a></strong> is an elegant yet relaxed fine dining restaurant owned by Mike Robinson (acclaimed chef, authority on wild food and game and co-owner of The Harwood Arms in Fulham, the only London pub to hold a Michelin star). </p>



<p>New head chef Jon Coates shares his passion, so no surprise to discover that game and other sustainable, locally sourced – often wild – grub is the main event here. </p>



<p>Oh, and the name?  Could it be John Wood the Elder, the architect responsible for many of Bath&#8217;s iconic buildings including The Circus, Prior Park and the North and South Parades? </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE VIBE</h2>



<p>The décor in this beautiful Georgian building is classic British with leather banquettes, wooden tables and floors and sage green walls adorned with animal memorabilia. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="760" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/The-ElderIMG_6717.jpg" alt="The Elder, Bath" class="wp-image-77420" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/The-ElderIMG_6717.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/The-ElderIMG_6717-800x608.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/The-ElderIMG_6717-400x304.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/The-ElderIMG_6717-768x584.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/The-ElderIMG_6717-691x525.jpg 691w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>There are contemporary touches, with some Art Deco-style lighting. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="794" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/I-The-Elder-MG_6719.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-77409" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/I-The-Elder-MG_6719.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/I-The-Elder-MG_6719-800x635.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/I-The-Elder-MG_6719-400x318.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/I-The-Elder-MG_6719-768x610.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/I-The-Elder-MG_6719-661x525.jpg 661w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>As well as the restaurant rooms there&#8217;s a sumptuous and informal lounge and interconnecting bar area serving wonderful cocktails. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/The-Elder-IMG_6710.jpg" alt="Bar at The Elder, Bath " class="wp-image-77416" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/The-Elder-IMG_6710.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/The-Elder-IMG_6710-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/The-Elder-IMG_6710-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/The-Elder-IMG_6710-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/The-Elder-IMG_6710-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<p>Renowned for its game – though there are fish and veggie options too – The Elder aims to offer guests a &#8216;seasonal journey through the best of British ingredients&#8217;, with an a la carte menu (which we had) and a tasting menu. Producers are all ethical, sustainable and as local as possible, chefs curate the kitchen garden and deer roam free on the Bathurst Estate – which leads neatly onto our hearty complimentary venison broth which arrived with warm rosemary and rye bread.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="800" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/The-Elder-MG_6725.jpg" alt="venison broth, The Elder, Bath" class="wp-image-77417" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/The-Elder-MG_6725.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/The-Elder-MG_6725-800x640.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/The-Elder-MG_6725-400x320.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/The-Elder-MG_6725-768x614.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/The-Elder-MG_6725-656x525.jpg 656w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Onto the starters!  I had the Elderwood gin-cured sea trout with dill, lemon and delicious treacle bread, the sweetness of which beautifully complemented the citrus notes of the fish.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="780" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/IThe-Elder-MG_6731.jpg" alt="sea trout The Elder, Bath" class="wp-image-77411" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/IThe-Elder-MG_6731.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/IThe-Elder-MG_6731-800x624.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/IThe-Elder-MG_6731-400x312.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/IThe-Elder-MG_6731-768x599.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/IThe-Elder-MG_6731-673x525.jpg 673w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>My partner had the wild boar, wood pigeon and pistachio terrine with fig, balsamic and duck fat foccacio, which was a wonderfully balanced dish full of rich autumnal flavours.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="802" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/IThe-Elder-MG_6730.jpg" alt="wild boar terrine, The Elder, Bath" class="wp-image-77410" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/IThe-Elder-MG_6730.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/IThe-Elder-MG_6730-800x642.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/IThe-Elder-MG_6730-400x321.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/IThe-Elder-MG_6730-768x616.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/IThe-Elder-MG_6730-655x525.jpg 655w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>For our main courses, I had roast red leg of partridge with Puy lentils, chestnuts and mushrooms in an Albufera sauce – which was exquisitely tender and tasty – and made me realise how bored I am of chicken. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="755" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/IThe-Elder-MG_6737.jpg" alt="The Elder, Bath" class="wp-image-77413" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/IThe-Elder-MG_6737.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/IThe-Elder-MG_6737-800x604.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/IThe-Elder-MG_6737-400x302.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/IThe-Elder-MG_6737-768x580.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/IThe-Elder-MG_6737-695x525.jpg 695w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>My partner had the signature roast pavé steak from Bathurst Estate fallow deer, with pumpkin, sprouts, mash and a Grand Veneur sauce. The venison was perfectly cooked, with a very good balance of deep savoury flavours.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="729" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/IThe-Elder-MG_6736.jpg" alt="venison steak The Elder, Bath" class="wp-image-77412" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/IThe-Elder-MG_6736.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/IThe-Elder-MG_6736-800x583.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/IThe-Elder-MG_6736-400x292.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/IThe-Elder-MG_6736-768x560.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/IThe-Elder-MG_6736-720x525.jpg 720w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>To accompany, we had a light and characterful Languedoc Viognier with the starters and a medium bodied fruity Valpolicella which was a good match with the game.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="789" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/IThe-ElderMG_6732.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-77414" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/IThe-ElderMG_6732.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/IThe-ElderMG_6732-800x631.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/IThe-ElderMG_6732-400x316.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/IThe-ElderMG_6732-768x606.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/IThe-ElderMG_6732-665x525.jpg 665w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>And finally, dessert. My partner had what was clearly the house special – the passion fruit soufflé with mango jam, and banana and passion fruit ice cream with was a thing of beauty, light as a feather with piquant tropical fruits. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="833" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/The-ElderMG_6738.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-77422" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/The-ElderMG_6738.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/The-ElderMG_6738-800x666.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/The-ElderMG_6738-400x333.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/The-ElderMG_6738-768x640.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/The-ElderMG_6738-630x525.jpg 630w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>I had the cranberry, mandarin and bitter orange sorbet with a dark chocolate crisp. Exquisite.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="775" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/The-ElderIMG_6741.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-77421" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/The-ElderIMG_6741.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/The-ElderIMG_6741-800x620.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/The-ElderIMG_6741-400x310.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/The-ElderIMG_6741-768x595.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/The-ElderIMG_6741-677x525.jpg 677w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>A few words for the service: friendly, knowledgeable, impeccable. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">DOG FRIENDLY?</h2>



<p>Service dogs only.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">DISABLED ACCESS</h2>



<p>The restaurant&#8217;s on the ground floor but the loos are down some stairs. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">OUT &amp; ABOUT</h2>



<p>The UNESCO World City of Bath is on your doorstep, need we say more? </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>Good for: </strong>A birthday or anniversary dinner. The relaxed vibe is great for couples and friends looking for a special night out when visiting or staying in the city (the restaurant&#8217;s next door to Hotel Indigo and guests have their breakfast in the restaurant). </p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> Children, people looking for a quick bite, this is more of an adult fine dining experience with the emphasis on local produce and game.</p>



<p><strong>The damage:</strong> Good value for the quality. On the a la carte, starters £12-16, mains £28-33 and desserts £11-13 Come for a light lunch Mon to Sat; the a la carte and tasting menu (£80) from Weds to Mon; and Sunday roast set menu (2 courses £32, 3 courses £40).</p>



<p></p>



<p><em><strong><a href="https://theelder.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Elder</a>, 2–8 South Parade, Bath BA2 4AB.</strong> </em><strong><em>01225 530616 </em></strong></p>



<p></p>



<p>Photos<a href="https://rickfoulsham.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Rick Foulsham</a></p>


Review: The Elder, Bath

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