HOT DRINKS: Getting Cosy in Bath - the latest new bar/restaurant in the city

A much needed sparkle has been added to Bath's Southgate shopping centre in the shape of the Cosy Club.

Despite a small spattering of restaurants, the streets have remained eerily quiet at night, but now this hot new restaurant/bar should add a buzz to the area and give people a reason to visit.

The Cosy Club is full of character

I say “should” because if you don't visit this latest addition to the city's list of evening hotspots then you really will be missing out.

Lack of character is certainly not a criticism you could level at the Cosy Club.

It might be part of a chain (albeit a small one) but there's absolutely no sense of generic styling.

And that's because a big part of the Cosy Club “brand” - if you could even call it that – is the sense of individuality. No two will look the same. Even the Cosy Club logo will vary slightly from branch to branch.

Quirky, unqiue design sets the Cosy Club apart

The furnishings and decorations are sourced from everywhere from eBay to specialist stores.

Think old fashioned gentleman's club meets Cath Kidston-esque shabby chic and you'll be somewhere close to the resulting style. It's quirky, welcoming and, as the name suggests, cosy. It's the kind of place where you'll drop in for lunch, or an afternoon drink and find you love it so much that you'll end up staying well into the evening.

While the interior is charming (both in the quaint country cottage, and sexy silver-fox kind of way) the Cosy Club can boast that Holy Grail of bars in Bath – an outside space.

The balcony at the Cosy Club

The interior spills out on to a stunning balcony overlooking the shopping area.

The Cosy Club balcony overlooks Southgate

Majestic columns and touches of greenery create an oasis of calm in the heart of the city, and its elevated position means that it feels like an escape from the hustle and bustle of the shops, while still being part of the buzz of the city centre.

There's a wide range of food available at the Cosy Club, from brunch, to salads and sandwiches, to more substantial main courses such as burgers, pasta and fish and chips, and tapas-style plates – perfect for sharing.

Tasty tapas at the Cosy Club

We tried a selection of tapas. All were very tasty and I particularly enjoyed the shredded five-spice pork with honey glaze, pork and thyme meatballs and Thai mushrooms with chilli, lemongrass and ginger.

At just £3 a plate, or three for £8, they are very affordable and great value for money.

According to manager Melvin the ethos behind the menu is that it is accessible and affordable, with dishes to suit every palate and pocket.

Cosy Club bar

Drinks are fairly typical Bath prices, with a large glass of wine around the £4 mark, a pint of Becks Vier £3.30, a large Cappuccino is £2.20 and cocktails come in at around £6.50.

But while the food and drinks are great, what really sets Cosy Club apart from its competitors is the atmosphere.

It's so different from anywhere else in Bath and it's so quirky and interesting that I don't think I'd ever get bored just looking around. The staff seem to genuinely love it too and I always think that's very important.

If the people who work there are having a good time then people visiting there will probably have an even better time.

The perfect hang-out spot any time of the day or night I think it may be my new favourite place in Bath and I'm foreseeing spending many hours there!

The Cosy Club officially opens tomorrow (June 20.)