Editor Pick
Sally Lunn's House
- June 18, 2007
- Rated 3 of 5 by
barbara from Atlanta, Georgia
Sally Lunn's House is over 300 years old. Near the Roman Baths, it's easy to find in one of the narrow passages that make up Bath. It's claim to fame is the Lunn Bunn that was first whipped up in the kitchen by a a lady named Sally who was originally from France. You can visit a tee-tiny museum that shows her kitchen on the basement floor of the house. (Good to amuse kids.)
So is this restaurant worth visiting?
Yes and no. I've eaten here twice, and I do think it's worth a visit. However, I would recommend it more for tea and a bun rather than a full meal.
I had lunch here one day with my parents, and the place was absolutely mad with people crushing into the small reception hallway. I do have to hand it to the staff. They were very professional and quick, getting people seated as quickly as possible. They know they are a popular attraction in Bath, and they've perfected the art of turn-over. So we got seated at a small table on the second floor. All the rooms are tiny, but you have to remember how old this house is. I liked the picture of Charles Dickens in the hall that proclaimed he was a fan of Sally Lunn's buns. We were hungry, so we ordered full meals for lunch: trencher dishes for my father and son, sandwiches for me and my mother. (I love brie with cranberry!) All was good, but it wasn't great. This is fine, except the prices are rather dear... even in the afternoon. I mean for $22 per person for lunch, I expected fabulous. Ah, me. This is life on the tourist trail. Famous attractions are often a bit too pricey...especially in a city like Bath.
With that said, I then had two friends touring Bath with me, and they wanted a light snack in the afternoon before dinner. My friend has her own recipe for Sally Lunn buns in the United States, so how could we not give the place another go? I wanted her to taste the real deal from England! This time, however, we ordered tea and buns with jam and cream. Don't be mistaken. This still isn't cheap, but it's part of the Bath experience. We waited until after the lunch rush, so seating was less hectic. The buns are giant but light, so they are a great tea-time indulgence. If you want to do Sally Lunn's House, this is the way I'd go. A last alternative would be to buy ONE bun in the gift shop and eat it on the sidewalk (the most economic option.) Of course, I think you still need butter or jam....
If you do visit the house and you're a lady, make sure you at least wash your hands in the restroom. It's the size of a very small closet, and I can't help but laugh every time I see it.
Enjoy!
From journal Boys in Bath
Sally Lunns
- March 27, 2001
- Rated 4 of 5 by
Kathy from Northern Va Suburbs of DC, Virginia
Sally Lunn, a young French refugee, arrived in England over 300 years ago.
She began to bake a rich round bread now known as the Sally Lunn Bun.
The Bun became popular in Georgian England as its special tast and lightness allowed it be enjoyed with either sweet or savoury accompaniments.
We had lunch here. The Ploughmans Lunch served with the Bun and cheese and a small salad and tea. The cost for 2 was 15.00 pounds.
The is supposed to be the oldest house in Bath, dating back to 1680.
They also have a kitchen museum in the foundations of the house.
They have an old Georgian range and some interesting utensils on display.
From journal "The Roman City of Bath"