Sally Lunn's Historic Eating House

Overview

Sally Lunn's is one of the oldest houses in Bath, dating back to around 1482. The building is famous as the home of the Sally Lunn bun, a large, brioche-like bread said to have been created by a Huguenot refugee in the 1680s. The cellar houses a small museum with Roman, Saxon, and medieval archaeological finds.

Highlights

• The Sally Lunn bun: A unique, hand-made brioche-style bread served sweet or savoury — the original recipe has been passed down for over 300 years.
• Kitchen museum: The cellar reveals medieval foundations and displays the original oven and cooking utensils.
• Medieval architecture: One of the few surviving medieval buildings in Bath, predating the Georgian city.

History

The building dates to around 1482 and stands on foundations that include Roman and Saxon remains. According to tradition, a young Huguenot refugee named Solange Luyon baked the first buns here in the 1680s, and her name was anglicised to Sally Lunn. Archaeological excavations in the 1990s revealed layers of Bath's history in the cellar.

Visitor Tips

• Free museum: The cellar museum is free to visit and takes only a few minutes.
• Queue expected: The tearoom is very popular; arrive early or late to avoid long waits.
• Duration: 20–30 minutes for the museum.