Volume 11 Issue 1 » 67
at us from a portrait that adorns one wall. Lunn was a French
Huguenot refugee in 1680, creating these brioche-like delicacies
for Bath’s early clientele. At the end of our meal we visit a tiny
basement museum that preserves the original kitchen, rustic wood
oven and Roman foundations.
Local architect John Wood envisioned Bath as the new Rome
nestled amidst seven hills. His influence resulted in riverside
promenades, parks and the public ‘forum’ located beside the Roman
Baths. These courtyards have a long history of first-class performers
where, over three days, we applaud guitarists, folk singers, a cellist,
an operatic soprano and a virtuoso magician.
Culture and the arts abound. Walking past Theatre Royal, we
encounter a bust of David Garrick that acknowledges his historic
acting achievements. Across from Queen’s Square stand John
Wood’s first neo-classic apartments. Neighbouring Jane Austen
Centre honours Britain’s beloved 19th-century novelist. “Austen
set Persuasion and Northanger Abbey in Bath during her stays
between 1801 and 1806,” the director recounts. “Do enjoy our
video highlighting Bath’s lifestyle during that time. You must check
out another, instructing ladies on the esoteric skills of attracting
admirers with a fan.” We do!
In the elegant Regency Tea Rooms, a frilly-frocked waitress shows
us to a table where Jane Austen’s influence is in plain view once
again. We are seated below a painting of Mr. Darcy, a repentant
Austen character. Our traditional afternoon tea of fresh fluffy scones,
strawberry jam and clotted cream proves jolly good.