AFTER it opened just a few weeks ago, my partner and I decided to return to The Botanist in Bath for the second time.

We were not disappointed and I think we may have just found our favourite place to eat or even just drink.

What struck us both about the restaurant first was the beautiful decor and layout. The entire building is in an octagon shape, with an impressive bar on the ground floor and all the restaurant tables on a balcony on the second floor, meaning you have a lovely view of the bar and the making of fancy cocktails.

We were shown to our seat quickly and made to feel welcome by the staff who were so polite and couldn't do enough for you, despite still settling into the new restaurant.

When looking at the drinks menu we could not believe just how many choices there were.

They had an extensive cocktail menu, which I must admit I jumped straight to. I went for a passion fruit colada (£8.50) and it was delicious. It really reminded me of being on holiday and relaxing by the pool.

My partner browsed through a long cider and ales menu and went for a Strawberry and Lime flavoured cider (£5.95) which he also enjoyed thoroughly.

It was at this point I said to my partner that we should perhaps come back her even if it is just for a cocktail night as there are so many tempting drinks which I would love the chance to try. We then started browsing through the menu.

The calamari (£6.95) and salt and pepper seasoned chicken wings (£6.95) were calling our names so we ordered both dishes for starters and shared them between us.

The calamari was tasty and fried just to the right crispy-ness. The chicken wings were equally as nice and were succulent and flavoursome. Our starters were cleared promptly and the mains soon followed.

The special thing about The Botanist is their signature hanging kebabs. We opted for a satay prawn (£12.95) and salt and pepper pork belly (£12.95) kebabs with seasoned fries.

They both came out on spectacular spikes which hung down with our sides underneath, and the waiter poured the sauce down the kebabs creating a waterfall effect.

Both tasted just as good as they looked and I thought the way they were served was very creative and gave them an edge unlike any other restaurant, hence why we were so keen to come back.

It is fair to say we were stuffed after our fantastic hanging kebabs, but we were keen to try a pudding and ordered the sticky toffee pudding (£6.25), one of our all time favourites.

We were pleasantly surprised when it was served in the centre of a kind of custard creme brulee, a very nice touch. Our bill came to £70.31 which is more than we would normally pay for a meal out, but the quality of both the food and drinks made it worth it.

I am certain that we will return to The Botanist, maybe for a special occasion like my upcoming 21st birthday where I wont feel so guilty for trying a few more of their delightful cocktails.

Amy Pantall