Bath’s Shaftesbury Road is about to welcome a fresh new addition with the opening of Bright Field Café this November. Located close to the bustling Moorland Road shopping district, the café finds new life in a retail space that had been vacant for over a year after serving as a charity shop.
Local couple Philip and Karen, the driving forces behind Bright Field Café, have partnered with Royal United Hospitals, the University of Bath, Bath Spa University, and various charities to bring this community-driven project to fruition. Uniquely, much of the café’s menu will reflect what’s grown in their own local allotment, celebrating seasonal, homegrown ingredients.
A spokesperson for Bright Field Café shared the inspiration behind the venture: “For seven years, Karen and Philip have been crafting dishes based on seasonal produce, sharing meals with family, friends, and neighbours. While we’ll keep classic favourites on the menu, expect dishes inspired by the fresh bounty from the Oldfield Park allotment or the moment’s creativity.”
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The café’s mission goes beyond food. “The pandemic was a powerful reminder of life’s fragility and the importance of community,” they added. “Bright Field also offers a special space you can reserve to gather with friends, work colleagues, or neighbours—making it a place to connect, relax, or simply ‘be’.”
Sustainability is core to Bright Field’s ethos. They prioritize sourcing ingredients from local suppliers, ensuring energy-efficient café design, and supporting fair trade products. Philip and Karen are committed to creating an inclusive environment, welcoming everyone from parents with toddlers to wheelchair users, and those simply looking for a warm, friendly space.
This new café arrives at a challenging time for the Moorland Road area, which has recently seen some businesses close or relocate. Despite this, Bright Field Café aims to be a vibrant hub, fostering community spirit and sustainable dining.
While specific opening times and menus are yet to be confirmed, Bright Field Café’s presence promises to enrich Bath’s evolving local scene.