Corkage Bath, Bath Travel Guide

Corkage Bath occupies a distinctive position in Bath's dining landscape as an award-winning independent restaurant, bar, and wine shop. Located at 5 Chapel Row in the city centre, it represents the evolution of a concept that began as a pop-up bodega on Walcot Street in 2015. Founded by Richard Knighting and Marty Grant, whose unconventional path into hospitality infuses the establishment with genuine passion and creativity, Corkage has become synonymous with quality small-plates dining and an uncompromising approach to wine selection.The physical space tells its own story. A long, narrow dining room anchored by chunky wooden furniture creates an intimate setting, bookended by a snug front bar and a timbered, tented rear terrace. Rich velvet curtains, warm wood tones, and artfully peeling paint establish an atmosphere that feels like stepping into a friend's sophisticated home rather than a formal restaurant. Natural light floods through skylights, while the heated and covered courtyard garden provides a hidden sanctuary in the city centre—a secret suntrap that transports diners to Mediterranean climes regardless of season.

The kitchen philosophy centres on simplicity and seasonality, with each menu iteration built around a key ingredient—perhaps crab, cauliflower, or pigeon—treated with classical technique but infused with innovative twists. The short, regularly changing menu reflects influences from across the Mediterranean basin, the seasons, and the chef's current enthusiasms. Dishes might include cured-and-torched mackerel fillet with soured cream, vermouth jelly and breadcrumbs; lamb sweetbreads with peas, broad beans, shallots and labneh; slow-braised shoulder of lamb with butter beans, lemon and greens; or nicely charred octopus atop chickpea purée with red pepper and onion salad. Desserts showcase creativity, from seasonal tarts with crème fraîche to the signature burnt Catalan cheesecake.The dining experience is designed for sharing. Guests are encouraged to order a selection of dishes to share, creating a convivial, exploratory approach to the meal. This format allows diners to experience the full range of the kitchen's capabilities without committing to a rigid course structure.

With a name like Corkage, the wine programme commands equal attention to the food. The list comprises approximately 200 bottles, with more than 60 available by the glass, making it one of the most extensive selections in Bath. The wine philosophy emphasises quality over quantity, curating a mainly Eurocentric collection that includes skin-contact wines, funky natural offerings, and classic expressions. The team—described as walking wine lists—possess genuine expertise and enthusiasm, capable of guiding guests toward discoveries or steering them toward familiar territory with equal confidence. The establishment also hosts a fortnightly Wednesday Wine Club, an informal gathering where guests explore unexpected wines in a relaxed setting.

The restaurant welcomes families with children before 7:30 PM and provides high chairs. Well-behaved dogs are permitted throughout the establishment. The ground floor dining room is wheelchair accessible, with basement-level toilets available. The establishment is committed to sustainability practices, including plastic-free waste management, and caters to various dietary requirements including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and coeliac needs.

Corkage succeeds in creating an environment that balances sophistication with approachability. The rough-edged charm, evident passion of the owners, and knowledgeable yet unpretentious service create an experience that feels both special and genuinely welcoming. Whether sipping Pomelado orange wine in the garden with arancini, enjoying a multi-course experience beginning with freshly shucked oysters and English fizz, or simply gathering for wine and conversation, the establishment delivers a sense of occasion without formality.