REVIEW: Sharing Plates & Good Conversation at The Coconut Tree Bath

Our Business Editor Sarah recently headed to The Coconut Tree in Bath for a long-overdue dinner catch-up with a friend, here’s her full review of her visit.

My friend Jordan and I headed to The Coconut Tree, Bath ready to enjoy a feat and good catch-up, we’ve both been before with partners but were super excited to visit for a girl dinner catch up and enjoy some wonderful food and cocktails. We hadn’t caught up properly in months, and choosing somewhere that encourages sharing plates turned out to be a smart move. Instead of the usual routine of ordering individual dishes, the format meant we were constantly trying things together, which made the evening feel far more sociable.

The Sri Lankan-inspired small plates offered us plenty of variety. We tried a good mix of dishes including the Hot Battered Calamari (light, crisp and not at all greasy), the Kaju Maluwa Cashew Nuts which had a surprisingly rich, creamy depth, and the Black Pork which was easily the standout – bold, spiced and slow-cooked to the point it almost fell apart. The Roast Chicken Hopper was also a great choice, especially for anyone trying hoppers for the first time, as it felt familiar but still brought that Sri Lankan twist.

Nothing felt repetitive and the flavours were bold without being overwhelming. The portion sizes also make it easy to sample lots of dishes without over-ordering, which is ideal if you’re curious but not familiar with Sri Lankan food.

We also tried a couple of their cocktails and mocktails, which are, worth mentioning. The cocktail list is fun, colourful and playful, but there’s substance behind the creativity. For those not drinking, the mocktail options are genuinely good rather than an afterthought, which isn’t something every restaurant manages.

Atmosphere-wise, it’s relaxed and lively without being too loud. Service was friendly and helpful, especially with guiding us through combinations that work well together. We never felt rushed and were able to take our time, which made the dinner feel more like a proper catch-up than just a meal.

Looking back, the best part wasn’t only the food, but how the shared dishes and drinks encouraged proper conversation. Passing plates around and choosing together made the experience feel collaborative, which is exactly what we needed after far too long between catchups.

The Coconut Tree is a great option if you want an evening centred around good food, interesting flavours and easy conversation. The sharing style, confident menu and excellent cocktail/mocktail choices all work together to make it a genuinely enjoyable night out in Bath.