The Architect, Bath at The Empire

What used to be Garfunkel’s Restaurant at The Empire is now The Architect. The Architect at The Empire in Bath is a dining experience that truly stands out, blending a rich historical ambiance with contemporary British cuisine.

Located within the iconic Empire Hotel, a Grade 2 listed building The Architect offers diners spectacular views of the River Avon and Pulteney Bridge, providing a picturesque backdrop to an exceptional meal. The building was designed by the Bath City Architect Major Charles Edward Davis for the hotelier Alfred Holland in 1901. Since then it was refurbished and turned into apartments and a restaurant.

The Architect

Upon entering The Architect, one is immediately struck by the elegant decor that pays homage to the building’s Victorian heritage, with high ceilings, ornate detailing, and large windows that flood the space with natural light. The atmosphere is sophisticated yet inviting, making it suitable for both special occasions and casual dining.

The Interior

Official Photographs

The Food

The menu at The Architect is a celebration of British culinary traditions, with a modern twist. Ingredients are locally sourced, emphasizing freshness and seasonality. Starters such as the roasted cauliflower, sweet potato, spinach and lentil samosas, the deep fried brie with salad, the smoked salmon served with dill cream cheese, caper and fennel salad and malted bread and the pressed ham hock and pea terrine with apricot and carrot chutney are some of the more traditional pub offerings.

While, under the Nibbles list, offerings such as the sweet chilli king prawns, buffalo chicken wings with blue cheese dip, chicken and ginger gyoza with hoisin sauce and crispy beef bar bun with gochujang reach out to those with a more international palate.

As for the mains, these are broken down to Light Bites and Large Plates. For Light Bites, choose from the Baked Camembert with roasted grapes, walnut and pink peppercorn crostini or the Goat chesese, red pepper and blushed tomato quiche with creme fraiche new potato salad. Or, the Salmon and smoked haddock fishcake with poached egg, white wine, tomato and caper sauce.

For the Large Plates, our favourites are the 8oz Bacon Chop with fried egg, grilled pineapple and chunky chips and the Lamb Shoulder – raised shoulder of lamb, crushed minted new potatoes, rosemary gravy. The latter is no longer available on the menu.

8oz bacon chop, fried egg, pineapple, chips

Braised shoulder of lamb, crushed minted new potatoes, rosemary gravy

Cod and Chips

We also ordered the Deep fried cod in beer batter served with chips, mushy peas and tartare sauce.

Other options included the Buttercross farm pork, dijon and tarragon sausages served with butter mash potatoes and onion gravy; 10oz British Sirloin 28 day dry aged with pepper sauce, portobello mushroom, tomato and chunky chips; chicken, ham and leek pie with butter mash green veg, white wine and tarragon sauce. Then there are the pan fried chicken with Gorgonzola gnocchi, smoked pancetta and button mushrooms in white wine sauce and Steak burger served with beer onions, grilled pancetta, Monterey Jack, spiced tomato mayonnaise and fries.

Vegetarian and vegan options are thoughtfully crafted, ensuring that all diners have a satisfying experience. They are the Sweet potato, aubergine and spinach Malaysian curry with coconut rice and pak choi and Moving mountains vegan burger with smoked applewood cheese, spicy tomato mayonnaise and fries. Of course there are also the aforementioned baked camembert and the Goat cheese, red pepper and blushed tomato quiche which are both great vegetarian options.

Last Words

The service at The Architect is commendable, with attentive and knowledgeable staff who enhance the dining experience with their professionalism and friendliness. The wine list is also noteworthy, offering a wide selection of options to complement the meal perfectly. The sum up, The Architect at The Empire in Bath provides a dining experience that skillfully combines historical elegance with modern culinary excellence. Its beautiful setting, traditional and fusion dishes, and impeccable service make it a must-visit destination for foodies and anyone looking to enjoy a memorable meal in Bath.

Check out their Daily Menu , Sunday Menu and Pudding and Cheese