Aug 18

Aug 18 BATH REVIEW: The Stable

I get a vibe when I walk into an establishment. I try to go in before I eat there, which proves more difficult when you are being spontaneous but it is possible.

I went to Bath the other day to visit a friend I haven’t seen for 411 days (2020, am I right?!). I felt super positive that day, my confidence was high and I wanted to see where I could go. I have been to bBath many many times before and to be fair, I have always had amazing experiences at their restaurants - The Cosy Club and The Graze.

I told my friend in the morning that I wanted to try some new places (normally we bring our own food and go to a park). We didn't have a plan but as he lives there he took me to places he wanted to go or what he looked up online. We went to: The Beercraft for a drink (non-alcoholic for me, great selection), Mokoko Coffee for a great espresso, Cascara for his plant-based white chocolate cookie (they have a vegan Biscoff smoothie!), Mission Burrito (we didn’t eat there but it is a nut and shellfish-free kitchen, almost like Baths Chipotle), The Graze for another drink, Hall & Woodhouse to meet friends and The Stable for Lunch!

The Stable is a craft beer and cider pizza place. Inside was cosy and bright with lots of tables. When I first saw the outside I was immediately intrigued. There are a lot of places in Bath that do pizza (The Dough is cited as being great for GF pizzas) but I didn’t get a good gut instinct for most of them, but when I saw the ambience and aesthetic I knew I needed more information. We went in and I asked about the allergen policy and if they catered for us. They immediately were warm and said yes and asked about my specific allergens. I explained to them that I can eat gluten and dairy (probably why I love pizza) but it is nuts, sesame, shellfish, some legumes and fruit that are my allergens. They immediately said yes that won't be a problem just let us know when you order.

Then we left and went to another place to see about their policy - we decided to eat at The Stable but next time I want to try Mission Burrito, however, I felt more comfortable at The Stable that day.

We came back in and were seated at a fantastic table underneath a neon sign (perfect spot for Instagram). We were asked to scan a barcode and order from there, but I also spoke to, I believe the manager, Forest about my allergies. He knew the menu, he knew the kitchen, assuring me that a couple of dishes may contain nuts from the distributor but it is a nut-free and shellfish-free kitchen!! RESULT. However, you know that my allergens aren’t all on the top 14 so I did give them my allergen card once I placed the order.

We chose to split a margarita pizza and the classic mac & cheese. Whilst I know I am fortunate to be able to eat dairy and gluten, there are a lot of substitutions nowadays for dairy-free and gluten-free options, but less so for nut-free and legume-free people - I take my wins where I can get them.

Sometimes I think that an Allergy-Friendly establishment, isn't about their menu, it is about their awareness and reception of allergies that makes a difference to your enjoyment. Whilst I had a gluten pizza there were options to make the pizzas gluten-free and you could have added plant-based cheese. So I do think it is a great spot for people with allergies. We also ordered the Mango cider for him and I had an Estrella Damm free beer (0%ABV) - I love Estrella beer and it was gluten-free as well.

If you want to look more into their allergen policy - The Stable Allergen menu.

We were stuffed after that meal that I didn’t even check about their desserts, but looking at the allergen menu I doubt I would have eaten any, even if I had room - but something to go back for. We ended up going to Holland & Barrett and getting a NOMO Hazelnot chocolate bar.

Would recommend The Stable.

Not just for their food, but for their hospitality, awareness, understanding and kindness. Forest if you ever read this, just know that your ability to make me feel comfortable is not something you should take for granted, not a lot of people can put me at ease at restaurants, I truly thank you.