DEXTER’S COFFEE SHOP- Bath

Coffee Spot: Dexter’s Coffee Shop

Location: Bathwick Hill, Bath

Dexter’s - My favourite Neighbourhood Coffee Shop.

When I say my favourite coffee shop is ‘just around the corner’, I mean it quite literally. Dexter’s is my favourite neighbour, and neighbourhood stop.

The green front stands proud on Bathwick Hill, nestled amongst the florist and interior design studio. With the adored view down Bathwick, and the canal just down the steps, it’s the picture perfect little hill. The coffee shop itself, named after the family dog, Dexter, is a place you should add to your list.

From canal walkers, to cyclists, to tourists, and of course dogs, Dexter’s welcomes everyone in and has created a community on my favourite little hill in Bath.

In summer, the sunny outdoor seating creates a welcoming scene to the path, and the windows makes it the ideal people-watching spot. In winter, it’s all about cosying up by the working fireplace with a hot chocolate. By the door, the chalkboard changes each week, with new fun, witty phrases. Always good for a smile before you even open the door.

Inside, Dexter’s is filled with signature green chairs, apart from one which is painted in a playful neon pink, the same pink used on one leg of the centre table. A beautiful bouquet of flowers from MyrtleMee (the florist next door) greets you as you enter, alongside a selection of local magazines ready to be picked up and enjoyed over a coffee or tea. The original wooden floors add rustic comfort to the coffee shop, whilst the view up and out the window is over the beautiful Bath landscape with tall green trees and the gold toned stone.

With a creative eye herself, Claire makes sure the walls are adorned with a rotating display of artwork, encouraging and showcasing local artists from bath and surrounding areas. This collection changes throughout the year, always drawing your eye and inviting you to stop, look closer, and appreciate the creativity on display.

If you know me, you know about Dexter’s Friday. My favourite morning of the week.

8am sharp, I’ll be there. Saying hello and good morning to the regulars I see on a Friday, all of us rushing to get the first coffee of the day. A warm welcome to the day, greeted by Claire (owner) and Monika (my favourite coffee shop duo) whilst the comforting aroma of coffee and sweet smell of fresh pastry fills the air.

For me a mocha, for Alex, a hot chocolate. Sharing a buttery pain au choc, unless we opt for one of the new specials showcased on the counter, surrounded by various delicious cake options too. Of course, Claire and Monika know this before I even have to say.

I take a seat in my favourite spot, this being the counter seat in the window. Watching the world go by, one mocha at a time. The gentle hum of chatter from the school-run mums, and the soft patter of paws from the dogs that are always so happily welcomed in, in the background.

Dexter’s Friday to me is a morning to compose myself for the day ahead, a morning to work on personal projects (Stays & Stories being one), a morning to reflect on the week so far, plan the weekend ahead, or a morning to simply take a minute and have a slow start.

Remember when I mentioned the artwork? I’m lucky enough to be on that wall myself. Painted by the very talented and well-known artist, Rebecca Holton, Pride of place above the banquette seating, it’s a little surreal (and pretty cool) to see a painting of me, in my favourite coffee shop, watching over the space I love so much.

See you at Dexter’s.

Sophie x