NEWS Meet Bath’s booze fairies and other updates from the foodie world

FOOD & DRINK

SNAPSHOTS OF BATH’S FOOD SCENE

Booze fairies are on the way!

Paul Stallan chooses stock from sustainable sources

WHAT A CATCH! Bath now has its very own fishmonger. Net & Line has just opened on Third Avenue, Oldfield Park, where owner Paul Stallan sources only the very best fish and seafood with an emphasis on sustainability, care, and his passionate love of cooking. His stock comes straight from the ports of Cornwall and Brixham, the shores of the med and even Chew Magna Lake. In addition to the shop, Paul has partnered with Three Bags Full to provide a local home delivery service. For more: www.netandline.com

FLYING TO THE RESCUE

Rachel Sweet started Sweet Drinks Ltd at the beginning of the first lockdown in March to promote and sell independent West Country drinks brands online. The project quickly evolved however. As many brands found their usual outlets forced out of business by the pandemic, Rachel realised that the small, often family-run, enterprises were struggling to meet the demands of making, marketing and searching out new outlets – so she got creative to give them a helping hand.

She and her team of fellow West Country businesswomen – event organisers, business advisers, a graphic designer, a solicitor, a one-time television director, and a Bath Blue Badge Guide – came to the rescue.

“Rachel has put together a fantastic team of passionate ‘booze fairies’ who stop at nothing to provide an amazing selection of West Country drinks for the public,” says Mark Rees of Gotland Gin, one of Rachel’s brands.

The team booked up market stalls and pop-up shops, organised online drinks tasting parties where lucky guests got to meet the makers over Zoom and even dressed up as – you guessed it – fairies to hand-deliver much needed lockdown supplies of gin, vodka, rum and cider to customers across the region.

“The Sweet Drinks team has been excellent in representing our brand and promoting our products at various events. Their corporate Zoom tastings have been hugely beneficial in getting our product known further afield, leading to increased sales and brand awareness. We are extremely delighted to be working with them,” says founder of Viper Gin, Carl Hankey. For more: www.sweetdrinks.co.uk

Utterly atmospheric dome dining is now available at The Bird

LIVING IN A BUBBLE

The Bird is offering a magical winter eating and drinking experience with its atmospheric new domes. Perfect for small groups of up to six guests, the domes can be booked for lunch or dinner. Lit softly by twinkling lanterns, the effect is utterly escapist and makes for a unique and memorable Christmas celebration with your bubble. For more: www.thebirdbath.co.uk