Local resident Jacqui shares a few of her favourites from this village within the city...

Just a mile northeast of Bath’s city centre, Larkhall feels like a village within a city. It’s somewhere I always recommend if you want to experience a quieter, more local side of Bath, with independent shops, friendly faces and a real sense of community.

While Bath is known for its grand Georgian architecture, Larkhall offers something a little different, a more local, lived-in side of the city that’s easy to miss if you don’t know where to look. Spend some time here and you’ll quickly see why so many people love it.

The Village Café

At the heart of it all is Larkhall’s characterful high street. One of my go-to spots is The Village Café, right in the centre of the village. It’s perfect for coffee, breakfast or a relaxed lunch, and it also serves drinks with a lovely courtyard terrace to the side, which is ideal on a sunny day.

Nearby, Goodies Delicatessen & Café is another favourite, especially for picking up something fresh and seasonal, while Larkhall Deli is also part of the café scene.

Local shops

What really makes Larkhall special is its mix of independent shops. You can pick up fresh produce from Larkhall Farm Shop, visit Larkhall Butchers for quality meat, and stop by Flowers of Bath for beautiful blooms.

There’s also Bath Flower School, which runs creative workshops, and The Beaufort Bookshop, a lovely place to browse. Alongside these you’ll find Larkhall Pharmacy, a dentist, a chiropractor, hairdressers and Bath Artist Printmakers, giving the area a creative edge.

One place locals rely on is Larkhall Hardware, the kind of shop that seems to have something for every eventuality. It’s also where many people go for key cutting and practical advice. Nearby, Not Just Pets is a well-loved local pet shop, and you’ll also find an estate agent and a coworking space, reflecting how Larkhall blends village charm with modern life.

For something a little different, Crockadoodle Doo is always a hit, especially with families, offering paint-your-own pottery in a relaxed setting. There’s also a Chinese takeaway for an easy evening option, as well as two mini supermarkets for all the essentials.

Cosy pubs

When it comes to pubs, The Rose and Crown and The Larkhall Inn are both local favourites.

The Rose and Crown is known for its tapas and relaxed atmosphere, while the Larkhall Inn is a great spot for a drink or a more traditional pub visit.

Alice Park

Just a short walk away, Alice Park is one of the area’s best green spaces, with tennis courts, a café and plenty of room to relax.

Cultural venues

Community life also centres around Oriel Hall, which hosts regular events, classes and gatherings, and the annual Larkhall Festival, when the whole neighbourhood comes together with music, food and celebration.

For culture, the Rondo Theatre is a real hidden gem, offering theatre, film and live performances in an intimate setting.

Jacqui shares more of her favourite Bath spots on Instagram at @prettylittlebath.

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