The Bird
Bristol, Bath & Somerset, United Kingdom
Reviewed by
Michael Cullen
There's a new style of hotel emerging in this post-pandemic world: the feelgood hotel. Whimsical, inventive, spoiling, comfortable (of course) - but, above all, fun - this new opening epitomises the trend. Perched on the greener edges of Bath's wonderful Georgian city centre, "The Bird, Bath" (ho ho) carries its light-hearted wit and its avian theme into two unashamedly colourful and art-packed lounges, a buzzy bar and homely restaurant, 29 playful bedrooms; and outside into a courtyard garden furnished with swinging loveseats and extravagantly fringed canopies. The vibe is crafty cocktails and succulent Sunday lunches, afternoon tea on tiered cake stands, free larders and cookie jars to raid, drench showers and private hot tubs, handpicked paintings and vibrant fabrics in the bedrooms.
It's actually a reinvention of the old 'County Hotel', and the couple behind its transformation - Ian and Christa Taylor - are experts at breathing new life into old bones. They nailed it with two hotels in Chipping Camden, then another two in Bath, so they know their market. Service is by all accounts super-smiley and positive, breakfast delicious, and rates reasonable - especially for such a prime location in such a handsome and historic city.
It's actually a reinvention of the old 'County Hotel', and the couple behind its transformation - Ian and Christa Taylor - are experts at breathing new life into old bones. They nailed it with two hotels in Chipping Camden, then another two in Bath, so they know their market. Service is by all accounts super-smiley and positive, breakfast delicious, and rates reasonable - especially for such a prime location in such a handsome and historic city.
Highs
- A great spot for a romantic break, special occasions or shopping trips in the city
- Some rooms have open views over the Recreation Ground to the Abbey's spire
- The hotel restaurant gets rave reviews for its creative recipes and low food mileage
- The terrace, with its funky decor and views across to Bath Abbey, is a great spot for celebratory meals and cocktails
- Easier to reach (and to park) than most Bath-centre hotels, yet only 10 mins' walk from the Abbey, Pulteney Bridge etc
Lows
- There can be noise from the terrace at night (from locals and residents alike), so avoid terrace-side rooms
- Not ideal for those seeking sober décor, or a quiet night out, or coming with kids
- There's no lift and quite a few sets of stairs up to the bedrooms
Best time to go
Bath buzzes with life all year round. Come in spring or summer for flowering parks and riverside picnics, or choose winter for lots of festive cheer (the city's Christmas market is renowned). Annual events worth catching include the Literature Festival in March, the Comedy Festival in April, the International Music Festival in May, and the Jane Austen Festival in September.
Our top tips
Take some time to enjoy the bespoke artworks around the hotel, much of it loaned from the owners' private collection. In the blue lounge, you can't miss Graham Knuttel's dramatic tiger-striped Red Cat, set well and truly among the pigeons (and the finches and robins). Elsewhere there are works by young artists from Falmouth Art School who are sponsored by the Taylors, as well as bird-themed china sculptures in the bar, colourful glass plates in the restaurant and zany light installations throughout.