Olive Tree Restaurant, Bath Travel Guide

Nestled in the basement of Bath’s elegant Queensberry Hotel on Russell Street, The Olive Tree feels like a well-kept secret beneath the Georgian streets. Despite its below-ground location, the dining room is surprisingly light and modern, with warm wood tables, olive-green accents, and a calm, sophisticated atmosphere. The space is intimate rather than grand, designed to focus attention on the plate rather than opulent surroundings. It’s a place where the buzz of conversation is hushed, not loud, and where the rhythm of the meal unfolds slowly, deliberately, like a carefully composed piece of music.

At the heart of The Olive Tree is executive head chef Chris Cleghorn, whose refined, inventive cooking has earned the restaurant a Michelin star and three AA rosettes. His tasting menus – ranging from four to nine courses – showcase seasonal British ingredients transformed with precision and creativity. Expect dishes like cured Chalk Stream trout with fermented carrot and citrus, Cornish lobster cooked over binchotan charcoal, or fallow venison with earthy accompaniments and rich sauces. Each course is a small work of art, often brought to the table by the chefs themselves, who explain the components and inspirations with quiet passion.

The Olive Tree is fundamentally a tasting-menu restaurant, where the full experience unfolds over multiple courses. Guests can choose shorter four-course menus on most nights, or indulge in longer six- or nine-course journeys that explore the full range of Cleghorn’s repertoire. Wine pairings are a highlight, with a globe-spanning list grouped by style to match the mood of the meal. The service is polished and attentive, with a front-of-house team that knows the menu intimately and can guide diners through unfamiliar ingredients and techniques, making even complex dishes feel approachable.

While the food is undeniably high-end, the overall tone is relaxed and welcoming rather than stiff or intimidating. It’s a restaurant that works beautifully for milestone celebrations, romantic dinners, or simply as a treat for discerning food lovers. The combination of inventive cooking, personal service, and a calm, modern interior creates an atmosphere that feels both luxurious and comfortable. Whether you’re sampling a two-course ‘Taste of Summer’ menu or committing to a full nine-course tasting, The Olive Tree offers a rare chance to experience Bath’s finest contemporary cuisine in a setting that puts the food firmly at the centre.