India Farnham saves you at a seat at Sydney’s, the newest family-run foodie venture from the team behind The Scallop Shell, and is tickled pink by its laidback Mediterranean vibe and effortlessly satisfying eats (and possibly her Elderflower Mojito…)
Blossom. Romance. Rosé. Some of my favourite things in life are pink, and I’m delighted to report a new pink thing is joining the line-up: Sydney’s restaurant in central Bath.
Alright, if we’re being technical, Sydney’s is more of a rosy terracotta, but it is very welcoming. Especially so if you find yourself, like I did, trudging along Monmouth Place on a particularly grey and gloomy evening in search of something tasty to be relished in relaxed, stylish and cheerful-yet-chic surroundings.
You’d be on the right path; Monmouth Place (perched handily on the Bath to Bristol bus route if you’re not driving) is home to both of the Rosser family’s – Bath’s answer to The Roux family – foodie ventures: the acclaimed seafood bar The Scallop Shell, often noted for its bathtub (if you know, you know), and, next door, its stylish younger sister, Mediterranean bistro Sydney’s.
A Sydney’s story
The Rosser family restaurants’ proximity is no coincidence. After years of sending customers next door to The New Inn pub to wait for a table in The Scallop Shell, Garry and Lisa Rosser were delighted to make the former pub their own when its previous owners moved on.
And make their own they did. Named after Lisa’s dad, ‘a big-hearted family man who loved nothing more than bringing people together’, and inspired by a lifelong love of seafood and years of European travel, Sydney’s, which opened in May of 2025, has already received some brilliant reviews.
If you don’t believe me, believe Condé Nast Traveller; Sydney’s features on the publication’s ‘Best restaurants in Bath’ list, published in August of 2025, which praises the restaurant’s daily-changing menu and ‘sunny terrace overlooking Bath’s rooftops’.
The warm up
Now, the sun wasn’t on the menu on the day I visited Sydney’s, but I was pleasantly surprised to find the much-loved roof terrace was still in action with a couple of cosy workarounds. Some infrared heaters, the option to grab a blanket, and a gentle 50s playlist meant that this unique space felt warm and buzzy despite the forecast. If that hadn’t had suited me though, Sydney’s also has two stylish indoor dining areas to choose from downstairs, along with a gorgeous, fully-stocked bar gleaming with copper furnishings.
So, it would be rude not to order a cocktail, right? Purely for research purposes, of course. We tried the Elderflower Mojito, clean and cool, and the Winter Spritz, woody and complex. We opted for the ‘sooner the better’ option, but if you’d prefer a drink after your dinner, you can stay inhouse; Sydney’s remains open Wednesday through Saturday until 11pm.
The good stuff
To start we tried the Cornish cuttle fish (a thicker, more savoury calamari) which came on a zesty bed of salsa verde and paired with a satisfying potato rosti, and the luxurious roasted aubergine on toast with creamed goats’ cheese and Andalusia olives.
To follow, my dining partner indulged in the velvety Devon crab thermidor, served with a golden parmesan crumb and a squeeze of lemon, while I opted for the tender slow-roasted pork belly, which arrived as a perfect rectangle of succulence alongside some crispy bubble and squeak and topped with a vibrant, Canarian-inspired mojo verde sauce.
To finish, we were charmed by the ruby-streaked cherry fool’s tang, but utterly floored by the classic apple crumble, which we ordered with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and ate in devout, appreciative silence.
Food is served swiftly and simply in generous portions. The menu is fairly priced, uncomplicated and awash with nostalgic seaside favourites, with all the fish and meat being sourced from British boats and farms. The rooftop space works equally well as a relaxed spot to enjoy excellent food and drink with loved ones, or as somewhere you can sip on something sparkling and see where the night takes you. It’s Bath at its best.
If Sydney himself was anything like his namesake restaurant, he must have been a really special man indeed. Here’s to him.
Sydney’s Bar & Kitchen, 23 Monmouth Place, Bath BA1 2AY | sydneysbath.co.uk
Opening times:
Wednesday to Saturday 12pm – 11pm (Kitchen 12pm – 3pm & 5pm – 9.30pm)
Sunday 12pm – 6pm (Kitchen until 4pm)
01225 260260 | @sydneysbath