Review: Aqua À La Carte Menu

Eating out in Bath has got to be one of my favourite things to do. So when I was kindly invited along to Aqua Bath to review their à la carte menu with a friend, of course, I jumped at the chance!

Neither of us ever having been to Aqua before, we booked our table for a late dinner, hoping to sample some of their famous Bellini's and delicious cocktails and fill our boots before we spent the rest of the evening in Bath.

Conveniently located on Walcot Street, Aqua was just a few minutes walk from the bus station in the city centre, therefore a great place to start our evening out.

On approach, the exterior of the restaurant certainly made a statement with its quintessential honey-coloured Bath stone and stained glass windows, as you’d expect from a former church house in Bath. But even so, the interior did not disappoint! The décor was stylish and chic with chandeliers, large windows and even a grand piano. Though in spite of that, the candlelit setting managed to make it warm and inviting, which was much appreciated on a rather chilly evening!

We were greeted pleasantly and after being shown to our table (which happened to be a cosy booth to my delight!) we gazed over the extensive drinks menu as our drinks orders were taken. There was a huge selection of cocktails, mocktails, wines, fizz and beer.

In true Aqua style, I opted for one of the classic Italian prosecco cocktails, the Riverside Bellini. The flavour from the Raspberry Purée and Chambord was sweet and strong but not so much to overpower the prosecco.

My guest being an avid cocktail lover, chose the Raspberry Daiquiri, which was a tasty concoction of Bacardi, Lime Juice, and Raspberry Purée. I couldn't say no to a taste of her drink, which was delicious! She even described it as 'one of the best cocktails I've ever tasted' which believe me, is quite the accomplishment!

Once our drinks orders had arrived we were talked through the à la carte menu, which had a considerable choice of sharers, starters, and mains. Even after feasting my eyes on the menu before the visit I still found myself stuck for choice with all of the appetizing options on offer!

While chatting over our drinks, our starters swiftly arrived. I ordered Focaccia Bread to share with my guest, it came with a flavourful tomato dipping oil, which complimented the bread amazingly with the taste and a hint of spice.

My guest went for King Prawns, which consisted of 8 King prawns baked in a spicy peperonata sauce with Tuscan salami Picante & caperberry. She said it was a bit hot, but only so much so that it added to the palatable flavour.

After eating perhaps too much bread for starters, I decided to go for a dish from the 'Light Mains' section of the menu. Their Seared Beef Salad looked very appealing, it had rocket, sundried tomatoes, balsamic onions with honey & wholegrain mustard dressing. It arrived presented excellently with a burst of colour, the flavours worked together harmoniously, with the dressing bringing all them all together. And I must say the portions of beef were extremely generous.

My guest's Pollo Farcito, which is crumbed chicken stuffed with mozzarella & peston, was served with crispy onion & herb-buttered spaghetti. It looked exceptionally appetizing on approach with the mozzarella & peston oozing out of the crispy crumbed chicken, and the spaghetti looking perfectly seasoned and far from bland, I was almost envious!

Although such bountiful portions for the mains, we could just about squeeze dessert in!

I picked the Lemon Posset, and my guest had the Sorbet. Not too heavy, the desserts were the perfect way to finish a very satisfying meal! My Lemon Posset was very much to yearn for, it was topped with a berry compote which blended with the strong lemon flavour dreamily. It was served with a couple of zesty shortbread biscuits which I found perfect for dunking in the posset.

My guest's 3 scoops of Sorbet had pieces of fruit mixed in according to the flavour. A perfect refreshing dessert for when you're feeling a bit on the full side.

Due to being satiated after our 3 hearty courses, we declined tea and coffee. We could have quite happily stayed another hour or so to have a few more cocktails while taking in the beautiful setting and atmosphere, but the rest of our evening out in Bath awaited!

It's fair to say I'm regretful that I've never visited Aqua before. The drinks were great, the food was mouth-watering and filling, the service was friendly and attentive without being excessively so – and with the most expensive main on the à la carte menu being just £15.00, if you’re looking for somewhere a bit fancier without burning a hole in your pocket, I’d strongly recommend paying Aqua a visit.

We certainly will be again!