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There’s something lovely about returning to a place that feels a little like home, where the food’s familiar, the atmosphere is just right, and even your dog knows the way. That’s exactly what Boston Tea Party on Alfred Street in Bath is for us. On this particular sunny afternoon, we found ourselves heading back for a light lunch, but as usual, we left with full bellies, happy hearts, and a couple of hash browns boxed up to go.
Familiar Favourite
We’ve been coming here for years now. In fact, after just a few visits, our Yorkshire Terrier, Ollie, seemed to lock the route into his internal GPS. Now, anytime we’re near Bath, he leads the way straight to BTP, ears perked and tail wagging. And yes, it helps that the café is dog-friendly (a huge bonus in our book).
Ambience
The Alfred Street branch of Boston Tea Party has always felt easy to settle into. On this visit, we were seated at one end of the long communal table, beside a cheerful group of mums and toddlers, chatting and catching up over tea and coffee. The space was filled with soft clinks and gentle conversation, giving the whole place a warm, lived-in energy.
Natural light poured in through the boxed skylight above, casting a glow on the mix of wooden furniture and potted plants that give the café its signature cosy-meets-contemporary vibe. With a blend of booths, small tables and larger sharing spaces, there’s always a comfortable corner to tuck into—whether you’re solo with a book, or arriving with the whole family in tow (four-legged friends included).
Cool Drinks for a Warm Day
Since the sun was out, we kicked things off with something refreshing. I went for the watermelon slushie, which was exactly what I wanted it to be—icy, light, and full of fruity goodness. Meanwhile, my partner chose the blended iced coffee, a clever and delicious mix of coffee, milk, avocado, and maple syrup. It was creamy and slightly indulgent, but still felt like something you could sip on without guilt.
It’s that balance BTP does so well—creative twists that feel special but not overdone. Both drinks hit the spot and set the tone for what turned out to be a very satisfying lunch.
A Light Lunch (That Turned into a Feast)
We originally set out for something light—but in true “eyes bigger than stomach” fashion, our lunch quickly evolved into a mini feast.
We started with the nachos, which arrived loaded with gooey melted cheese and a generous helping of fresh toppings—crunchy red onions, tomatoes, sour cream, and just the right hint of spice from the jalapeño pepper. It was the kind of dish meant for sharing, though I’ll admit we both kept nudging the plate back toward ourselves for just one more bite.
Next came the Ham, Vintage Cheddar & Smoky Tomato Jam Toastie, served on sourdough bread from Hobbs House Bakery. The bread alone was reason to order it—golden and crisp on the outside, pillowy on the inside. The cheddar had that sharp, aged flavour you hope for, and the tomato jam added a deliciously smoky-sweet layer. The skinny fries on the side were golden and hot, the kind you instinctively dip in mayo, ketchup… or both.
To “balance it out,” we ordered a large portion of homemade hash browns—six golden, crispy triangles stacked high on the plate. We love BTP’s hash browns; they’re satisfyingly crunchy outside and soft in the middle, like the best version of comfort food. Served with ketchup and mayo, they were more filling than expected—we ended up taking a couple home in a napkin-lined box for later.
Dog-Friendly Dining Done Right
Ollie, our little Yorkshire Terrier, made himself right at home, as always. BTP on Alfred Street is one of those rare places where being dog-friendly isn’t just a label—it’s woven into the vibe. There’s plenty of space for pups to curl up beside your table, and no one bats an eye at a wagging tail or curious snout peeking up in hopes of a fallen crumb.
We often joke that Ollie would happily write a review of this place himself—after all, he seems to enjoy it as much as we do. It’s just another reason why this café keeps pulling us back in.
Why We Keep Coming Back
Boston Tea Party, Alfred Street, has a way of wrapping you up in comfort without trying too hard. It’s the food, yes—but it’s also the atmosphere, the lovely staff, the easygoing buzz of conversation, and the way the light fills the room just so. It’s dog-friendly, family-friendly, and genuinely welcoming.
Whether we’re popping in for a quick coffee or sitting down for a longer lunch (and inevitably ordering more than we planned), it’s always a good idea. And with Ollie as our enthusiastic guide, we’ll no doubt be back again soon.
If you have visit BTP on Alfred Street, we would love to hear from you. Leave us your comments below.
