Of all the historic cities in Britain, Bath made a huge impression on me for its unparalleled history, the pinnacle of which was the period during which the Romans built temples honouring their goddess Minerva, alongside public baths fed by spring waters believed to have curative properties. The Romans called this special place Aquae Sulis, a legacy that transformed Bath into a popular wellness destination.
Fast-forward to the 18th century, when Bath’s architectural prowess blossomed during the Regency period with the proliferation of elegant structures built with Bath stone. One of my favourites is the Grade I listed Pulteney Bridge, designed in Palladian style by architect Robert Adam. Inspired by the Rialto Bridge in Venice, it is identified as one of only four bridges in the world where both sides are lined with shops. Even better, this one is home to trendy boutique shops, cafés and restaurants overlooking the River Avon.
In fact, the entire city of Bath is a prime example of architectural excellence—from the ancient Bath Abbey and the restored Roman Baths to the Royal Crescent, residential townhouses, and public buildings designed by Georgian architects John Wood the Elder and his son, John Wood the Younger.
HOTEL INDIGO BATH
Basking in the legacy of these historic townhouses is Hotel Indigo Bath, a quirky Grade I listed boutique retreat within short walking distance to the city centre and a mere five-minute walk from the train station. Its prime location in the South Parade is a quieter corner of the city, yet close to the banks of the River Avon.
Every building in Bath has a tale to tell, and Hotel Indigo Bath is no exception. Back in the day, wealthy locals and out-of-towners, seeing the potential for making a profitable investment, snapped up properties around the city. The building where the hotel stands now used to be Pratt’s Hotel or “Mrs Pratt’s Boarding House”, named after Lucy Pratt, who purchased three townhouses numbered 5, 6 and 7 South Parade in 1910. It was the Airbnb of its day, a lucrative business for landlords renting out their homes to seasonal guests from near and far.
They knew how to build sturdy buildings in those days, and this wheat-coloured Georgian terrace, like other fine structures built in that era, has withstood the test of tumultuous times. The hotel’s exterior may be classic, but inside the style is bold and eclectic, where classic photos and artwork are given a harmless dose of irreverence to bring a sense of fun and humour to the cosy reception area, lounge and bedrooms.
Buildings in 18th and 19th century Bath were traditionally designed to incorporate underground vaults to provide essential support for terrace houses, as well as foundations for levelling streets and structures built on slopes or uneven ground levels. They also doubled as storage rooms for coal and other services, including laundry rooms.
BATHONIAN BOUDOIR
The city’s intriguing past serves as inspiration behind all 154 guest rooms, themed around ‘Romance & Mischief’, ‘Literary Hideaway’, ‘Architectural Beauty’ and ‘Garden’. More characterful, though, are the 12 basement Vault rooms, which have undergone a major facelift as part of the hotel’s multi-million-pound major restoration project.
But Mrs Pratt could never have imagined that the cold and damp cavernous vaults below her hotel would one day be transformed into luxurious, atmospheric abodes showcasing exposed brickwork, vaulted stone ceilings, timber accents and embellished with crafted furnishings, not to mention essential underfloor heating. Ahead of their time, the clever Romans used their engineering skills to heat the floors of the baths by utilising a hypocaust system. And to add a romantic feel to the space, one of the Vault rooms features a moulded stone fireplace. Guests who prefer a more exclusive group or corporate retreat can book the private house at No. 5 Pierrepont Street, comprising eight ensuite rooms, a meeting room cum lounge, and access to a private courtyard.
DINNER IS SERVED
Bath’s visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to gastronomic experiences, representing a range of international cuisine. In fact, guests staying at Hotel Indigo Bath need not venture far to find a good restaurant. Brasserie Beau on the ground floor was not only convenient—it exceeded my expectations. Firstly, the portion sizes were just right. The slow-cooked pork belly starter was tender and juicy, followed by a perfectly cooked salmon with crispy skin. The decadent chocolate pudding, topped with dark chocolate shavings and ice cream, and finished with a crispy chocolate lace, made for a perfect ending.
With Executive Chef Liam Goldstone at the helm, it’s no surprise the food here is top-notch. Liam honed his culinary skills and flair while working at Auberge du Lac, Thompson St Albans, and as Head Chef at Michelin-starred Morston Hall in Norfolk. Here, he brings his passion for modern British food, made from seasonal ingredients, presented with a refined yet unpretentious flair, so you can truly savour the ingredients. In Liam’s words: “Confidence lies in simplicity, and our guests appreciate the honest flavours that come from our kitchen”. The décor imbues laid-back elegance with cool sea green walls, refashioned Breuer chairs using wood and leather, Art Deco lamps and vintage Parisian prints. The cocktails are creative, the service is efficient and friendly. Nextdoor is The Elder, a multi-award-winning fine dining experience focusing on sustainability and ethically sourced wild produce.
The 18th-century lifestyle Mrs Pratt knew has certainly changed, except for the familiar, well-preserved Georgian townhouses that stand strong along South Parade, where she once lived. She would miss the sedan chairs that perhaps carried her around. But she’d be gobsmacked to discover that the chilly vaults where her Empire dresses were laundered are now a swish chamber kept nice and warm. As for present-day guests, it’s reassuring to see that Hotel Indigo Bath has protected the building’s architectural heritage to create an intimate retreat that seamlessly bridges the past and the present.
To find out more about Hotel Indigo Bath and book, visit the links below:
Hotel Indigo Bath
2-8 South Parade
Bath BA2 4AB
United Kingdom
Web: bath.hotelindigo.com
Tel: 01225 460441
Email: enquiries@bath.hotelindigo.com
Instagram: @indigobath
Facebook: @hotelindigobath
Photography by Verlee Evans