I was told they make the best bacon sandwich in Bath. In fact, when I said as much to the bloke behind the counter he proclaimed that such claims were far from hyperbole, and that I should prepare myself for excellence. He disappeared into the kitchen and after a few seconds, a woman emerged, ‘people come from Bradford-on-Avon for these bacon sandwiches,’ she said, sounding not at all local, before adding ‘Moi luvverrrrr.’ Ah, that’s better.
I replied ‘Well I’ve come all the way from Newcastle so it better be good.’
‘Crumbs!’ She exclaimed, before shouting through to the bloke who had now gone into the kitchen, ‘David! Get the good rashers out!’
Once all the talk of how different life was down here compared to up there (not that different at all really) had subsided, I sat and awaited the self-styled best bacon sandwich in Bath.
The breakdown, scored out of a maximum of five.
Order Placed
Bacon Sandwich to take out please. White.
Bread
Soft white bread, two slices from a crusty loaf, blackened on the top. (4)
Spread
Buttered without question, though only one slice. Is this for the benefit of my health? Bloody nanny-cafe. (3)
Bacon
Slightly cheap but perfectly cooked, only just enough bacon though. (3)
Sauce
Offered but not for my application. When I opened the sandwich later to eat it, it had been smothered in ketchup. That’s gonna cost them, I grumbled to myself as I reversed into a parking spot at university (0)
Salinity and Flavour
A tad over-salty, but quite tasty nonetheless. (3)
Price
£2.40, I’d pay about two quid for this, WITHOUT the sauce. (4)
Drinks
I have decided to remove the drinks score, as I seldom purchase one.
Overall rating for Picnic in the Park, Bath – 2.8 out of 5
Truly dismall, considering the pre-sandwich hype. I shall revisit in a month or so and see if they’ve got their act together.
