Each week we select a restaurant to review, unbeknownst to the restaurant itself to see how they're getting on and shine a light on all the eateries the city has to offer.

This time was the turn of Pintxo on Barton Street - something of an institution for Bath residents and a hot spot for tourists.

Having never been before, I thought it was time to try a place which is constantly recommended to me.

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The thing about Pintxo is - they don't take bookings.

Now this adds an element of worry if you've only got a set time frame, no bookings elsewhere and an editor who asked for a review for our dear readers for the weekend.

Nonetheless, I set off in bright sunshine with two willing housemates in tow to visit the authentically Basque-style tapas restaurant which promises a laid back taste of Spain.

However, en route the heavens opened, and I mean opened, in the bizarre weather we've been having recently.

It made the experience of queuing much less fun than it could have been.

It was a midweek night, so we thought we might be okay and not have to wait long.

Boy were we wrong - we ended up waiting for 45 minutes - finally managing to shelter in the doorway out of the rain.


There was a sense of solidarity in the queue - we were all going to stick it out no matter what, but there was a few grumbles from numerous parties when couples at the back were fast forwarded ahead of the groups of three as table spaces allowed room for them.

The smells wafting from the door were enough of an incentive to stay put though and I'm very glad we did.

Finally, we were in and shown to a table downstairs - Pintxo also has a lovely courtyard, but due to the weather, we were inside.

We were quickly given menus and ordered some drinks. At this point we were all pretty starving and keen to tuck in.

As advised by the waitress we each went for two plates each and got some olives and bread and hummus too.

We tried Pintxo in Bath
We tried Pintxo in Bath

We ordered the chorizo croquettes (£7.50), spider crab and saffron croquettes (£8.50), the calamari in panko breadcrumbs (£8.50), patatas bravas (£7), the cured manchego (£7) prawns and guacamole which was on the specials board (£7), humus and bread (£6) and olives (£3).

We went for glasses of the house red and white to go alongside our food.

The food came really quickly, which was needed if you'd already spent 45 minutes in a queue and feeling quite ravenous.

First up was the hummus, bread and olives. These were great and the portion size was just right for a group of three to share but wouldn't stretch to a four. The hummus was excellent.

This was quickly followed by everything else we ordered and it was a cornucopia of deliciousness.

I think we were all a bit overwhelmed with what to eat next at points, but a particular highlight had to be the chorizo croquettes which had a creaminess to them that was to die for.

The potatas bravas
The potatas bravas

The spidercrab croquette was still lovely but overshadowed by its meaty pal. Each plate saw 6 croquettes, the perfect number to share between three.

Also exquisitely done was the calamari which was cooked to perfection and the prawn and guacamole special was divine.

There was plenty to go around and the potatoes bravas did a good job of filling any left over hole.

The cured mangecho was a little underwhelming and small in portion size but the honey drizzled on the top was a nice touch.

On to deserts, we asked the waitress what we had to try and she recommended the salted caramel brownie which was on the special board and comes with ice cream (£7).

So we went for that and the chocolate churros (£7) as I do have a rather sweet tooth.

The chocolate churros
The chocolate churros

After another short break they arrived. We all tried the brownie first and I have to say it was exquisite.

I've tried a lot of brownies in my time but this one was the perfect blend of gooeyness to moisture level.

My housemate put it in the top brownies she'd eaten saying it was moist but still light and had the perfect amount of salt. It also had a very generous portion to it.

The churros were terrific, the last time I ate them was in Prague years and years ago.

These ones were light and fluffy, extremely addictive and the chocolate was spot on - not too dark or light but rich and full of flavour.

I reckon we could have eaten all the deserts twice over had our stomachs allowed they were that great.

The salted caramel brownie
The salted caramel brownie

The restaurant had a bustling vibe - constantly busy and I can see why. The perfect place to go to but you do have to be willing to put up with a wait.

On a sunny day - not a problem, but as we saw a bit of a nuisance to wait in the rain.

The waitress was very friendly and as accommodating as possible trying to keep all tables happy.

In the end our bill ended up being roughly £33 per head which we all thought was reasonable considering how much food we'd eaten and how delicious it was not to mention drinks.

I would give this restaurant 9/10 for food and an 8/10 overall.

The only downside was getting soaked in the rain waiting, which for some with disability issues would not be feasible.

The queue itself its a testament to the restaurants popularity - they're clearly doing something right and I have to agree.
