Corkage is a wonderful little independent wine bar and restaurant in Bath, serving seasonal small plates and a huge variety of wines by the glass and the bottle.

Although I visited in autumn, on my first date with my now boyfriend, there is also a pretty terrace outside for the warmer months which is covered and perfect for some alfresco dining.

More recently, I popped back into Corkage to pick up a bottle of wine from the selection they have on sale – and was recommended an Austrian wine by one of the team. It was SO good! So it’s definitely worth popping in if you just want a nice bottle (or two) to take home as well.

Food at Corkage

I’ve always heard great things about Corkage, but was yet to try it out for myself – so I must admit, I was very happy to discover that my date was as much of a foodie as I am and suggested that we try it out.

Now, dinner for a first date isn’t my usual vibe… but Corkage offers small plates which are perfect for sharing, and whilst the food is seasonal and very high standard, the whole atmosphere is very relaxed and a perfect place to get to know someone. Plus, I’m a sucker for a good meal out!

After lots of “oh my goodness” and “wow that sounds good”, we’d finally made up our mind on some plates to share! It’s recommended to have 3 plates per person, but you can always order more if you like.

The wine was the easiest choice, although I did feel the pressure of having to choose (I’m the wine pro of the two of us, apparently). We opted for an Italian white called Grechetto, which is crisp and light and just an easy drinker which felt perfect for a first date scenario. I must admit, it did go down rather quickly ha.

To start we naturally went for some homemade bread, which game with butter and a pot of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. But like, the really well aged balsamic vinegar that tastes sweet – I LOVE a good balsamic, so could’ve easily had some of that by the glass.

Both of us are meat eaters, so the duck with radicchio and a whipped ricotta was a must have! The duck was cooked to absolute perfection, with a yummy crispy skin and blushing meat.

To add a bit of balance we also went for the seabass with romesco and courgette, and a some of the herb and caper potatoes which were to die for.

For dessert, we both went for a creme brûlée which was served with some macerated strawberries. I was in absolute heaven by this point with that creamy, vanilla goodness being the cherry on top.

Of all the places I’ve eaten in Bath and Bristol, I must say that Corkage is up there with one of my favourites.

Every single mouthful of food was full of balance and flavour, and the staff were the perfect level of attentive and bubbly without being overbearing.