You've gone to take the famous waters in the southwestern English city of Bath. And if there's anything more relaxing than a hot swirling mineral soak, it's following your wallowing with strong drink and hearty fare. For that, check out one of the city's newer eateries, the modern British restaurant and bar Hall & Woodhouse. Named after a family-operated brewing company that has been in business since the 1770s, and is today run by the fifth generation of Woodhouses, this stylish venue is housed in a revamped three-story heritage building. It offers artisanal beers (with names like Poacher's Choice and Fursty Ferret) and lashings of comfort food.
Tucked behind George Street, one of the city's main arteries, Hall & Woodhouse is a hip makeover of the traditional British pub, blending clean, contemporary lines with clubby armchairs, bookshelves, candelabra and other retro furnishings. A sweeping staircase connects the street-level bar to a second-floor dining room, but if the weather's fine you'll want to make for the roomy roof terrace.
Be sure to arrive hungry. Starters are substantial — things like confit duck bruschetta and "pantry plates" of cured fish, charcuterie and roasted vegetables — while main courses will have you begging for mercy. Favorites include the honey-glazed pork belly in red-wine sauce and the Stargazy Pie of crayfish, prawns, scallops, monkfish, smoked haddock and potatoes in puff pastry. After an extremely long interval, the heartiest (or most foolhardy) eaters among you might be tempted by desserts like treacle tart, or panettone and marmalade pudding with clotted cream. It's epicurean excess that Bath's Roman founders would doubtless approve of.
Dinner for two will set you back about $90. See hall-woodhousebath.co.uk.