Blue Quails Deli

They have made some alterations to the seating layout and décor by moving the serving counter further away from the doorway recently. This has created more space and added an extra table for 4 on the left as you come in. It's a good idea, although it doesn't solve the cramped seating along the back where they have tall stools matched to a low, thin shelf, which makes eating a little precarious. Note: This is not a place for a private conversation as you will be elbow to elbow with other patrons. Based on my last visit, the staff seem a bit flappy and unsure of what they are doing, whereas in the past you felt you were walking into somewhere run by hosts with decades of hospitality experience. It's not bad and it's probably something locals would only notice as it's efficient enough, but it doesn't feel as relaxed or as confident right now. Food-wise, I've always liked their meals-in-a-bowl and soups. I've not tried their salads but they are generally considered excellent by locals. They could do with changing the menu up. They always seem to have the same meal-in-a-bowl dishes when I go in there, for instance. Still a popular lunchtime venue and worth trying, but there are plenty of places offering a similar experience in Bath now.

Their salads are absolutely incredible. As a devout carnivore it's rare that I'll wax lyrical about a salad but, whilst you do pay a premium for it here, Blue Quails Deli's salads really hit the spot. The mixed salad has a variety of different elements, each separately flavored and prepared and it's evident they put a lot of thought and skill into each aspect of the salad. A far cry from some limp iceberg lettuce chucked on a plate. Bravo.