plate by Leon Smith will open at The Bird, Bath on Wednesday 7th October 2020(www.thebirdbath.co.uk). The stylish, neighbourhood restaurant will bring the 'Best of Bath and beyond' to diners. The produce-led, honest, British dishes encapsulate a taste of the West Country using fresh, seasonal ingredients. It aims to become one of the city's favourite restaurants, where a relaxed, informal experience waits for every-day dining.

Head Chef Leon Smith is an exciting talent returning to the West Country having established his reputation at some of the UK's finest establishments including Tom Aikens in Chelsea, Wild Honey, Berwick Lodge, The Pony and Trap – one of the few Michelin starred pubs – and The Royal Oak at Paley Street, where Leon achieved three AA rosettes.

Now, diners at plate by Leon Smith will be treated to a spectacle for the senses from when they first step into the restaurant. The colourful, playful interior perfectly complements the enjoyment that awaits in a menu inspired by its setting, bursting with flavour, presented with flair and executed with skill.

New menu items will be added weekly to reflect true seasonality, ensuring local and return diners will always have a new experience to enjoy as produce highlights varying within each month. While Leon's menu will change constantly, his pride in his suppliers will be perennial. Leon and his brigade have hand-sourced the very best ingredients from local farmers and fishermen, meeting with each and visiting regularly as part of their determination to create a showcase of food heroes. Tender beef and lamb are sourced from the team at family-owned Beeswax Dyson less than five miles from The Bird, while rainbow platefuls of vegetables are grown with care by fifth-generation farmers at Lovejoys. 

The starters at plate by Leon Smith are best shared: tuck into a selection of British small plates to tease the taste buds from delicate cured salmon, to a hearty ham hock terrine and punchy devilled whitebait. For mains, Leon has considered closely dishes which will allow the fine ingredients to sing. Try 'The Bird' pie with a rich filling complemented by the lightest of crusts, emblazoned with a bird emblem. Or a steak hand-cut by Leon, flavoursome thanks to the lush grasses surrounding Bath.

Regardless of what is chosen, each dish will have a particular focus on vegetables, with Leon's firm appreciation for the time and care which goes into growing outstanding produce. When not in the kitchen, the chefs will be foraging for the ingredients found in fields and hidden in hedgerows which further elevate dishes. Desserts will continue on a classic British front, from the stickiest of toffee puddings, to an indulgent blackberry cheesecake.

Not forgetting the small touches which complete a dining experience, all bread served will be handmade from scratch daily by the kitchen brigade and served with the creamiest of butter also handmade by Leon.

A private dining room is available for groups of up to 14 people when guidelines allow, where Leon will serve food feast-style to continue the spectacle. Whether a family gathering, special occasion or a corporate gathering, plate by Leon Smith will offer food which is as delicious as it is a talking point.

A fixed price menu will be available daily from 6pm-7pm with two or three courses for £20/£25. A children's menu will complement the adult offering, where 'gastro kids' will enjoy mini-versions of their parent's choices.

Reservations are being taken for lunch and dinner service on 01225 580438. Open Tuesday to Sunday. For more information please visit www.thebirdbath.co.uk.

-ENDS- 

Opening Hours:

From Wednesday 7th October 2020

Lunch: Wednesday to Saturday, 12noon – 3pm & Sunday 12noon – 4pm

Afternoon Tea: Tuesday to Sunday 2pm - 5pm

Dinner: Tuesday to Saturday 6pm – 9.30pm

Closed Mondays