Farm Fresh Feasts: A night at Bath Soft Cheese Supper Club

I love a meal out. If I were to have an unlimited budget I would not be buying designer handbags or fancy cars. All of my wealth would be spent on meals out with loved ones. I enjoy nothing more than a delicious meal with good company in a gorgeous environment. Whether it is lunch with a friend, taking the kids out for tea, or date night with hubby, a meal out will always be top of my list of things to do. So when Hugh from Bath Soft Cheese invited me to attend their July Supper Club I jumped at the opportunity. 

The Bath Soft Cheese Super Club, is held on the last Thursday of each month. The menu is set and advertised ahead of the event and visitors pay £40-£60 for a curated meal with a different theme each month. Previous themes have included a 25 mile menu, vegetarian menu and, of course, a cheese themed menu. The July Supper Club was Steak Night and included five courses for £60. 

My husband is particularly ‘selective’ in his food taste so I was not expecting there to be much on the menu to appeal to him. However, I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the menu as there was enough there for him to enjoy,  which gave us the opportunity to plan a rare date night. The menu featured an amuse bouche of cheeseburger sliders, starter of chicken terrine and main course with Somer Valley Farms steak with triple cooked chips. This was followed by a cheese course featuring Bath Soft Cheese favourites Kelston Park and Wyfe of Bath and then eton mess for dessert. Homemade Focaccia and Petite Fours topped and tailed the meal.

We arrived at 7pm unsure what to expect. I know that the quality of food at Bath Soft Cheese is very high, having visited the cafe before and enjoyed their cheeses in various markets in the local area. However, I was apprehensive about having been invited to enjoy a meal with the expectation of being able to give a positive review for the Mums in Bath followers. I pride myself on being honest and whilst I always appreciate being offered a freebie as my role in running Mums in Bath, I will never promote something that I don’t think our members will actually benefit from. I always worry about balancing my desire to support local businesses with being authentic and open. Whilst I love eating out, I have never been to a supper club before as I would have worried about committing to the price of the meal without having say over what I was going to be served. 

Any concern I had about singing Bath Soft Cheese’s Supper Club’s praises evaporated very quickly, as we were warmly welcomed to our table in the cafe, surrounded by other diners ready to be treated to some of the best food I have ever eaten. Every single thing served was delicious with generous portions of high quality and well designed dishes.

The atmosphere in the cafe is warm and inviting, with the sun setting through the glass windows and fresh flowers on the tables. The cafe sits around 25 guests so it isn’t too busy but not so small that you can’t enjoy a private conversation with your companions. Drinks can be ordered separately to the menu, with a pairing wine menu available if you wish. 

The staff were professional, helpful and engaging. The courses were generous, delicious and of fabulous quality. The pace was fast enough to not leave you waiting but not rushed either. We felt like we were being hosted by old friends; there is no pretence, but really high quality food and drink. Everything was fresh and delicious and even my husband was able to enjoy every course. I am still thinking about the triple cooked chips and the white chocolate fudge weeks later. The value for money was outstanding with excellent portions and quality of produce. I really cannot praise our experience enough and would happily have paid for the meal and some. In a world where prices are going up whilst portion sizes go down and customer service is often lacking, it was refreshing to come away from a meal impressed with every aspect of the experience. I would highly recommend joining a future Supper Club if you are able, and will be back with friends and family myself. 

Upcoming Supper Clubs include a Kenyan buffet cooked by Kenyan chef, Shadrack, and open to families (adults £40 and kids £10) with kids activities, live music and games and September’s ‘The Harvest.’ Check out Bath Soft Cheese’s Instagram page @bathsoftcheese for details of upcoming supper clubs and a link to book. 

I may see you there!