A survey has revealed that many business owners do not think Bath can support more cafes and restaurants.
More than 200 people responded to a survey carried out by Bath's Small Business Focus (SBF) group, to gauge views on Bath and North East Somerset Council's plans to develop the colonnades and Grand Parade as well as refurbish and extend the Guildhall Market and appoint a new market operator.
When asked if they thought the city could support more restaurants and cafes, 72 per cent of respondents said no while 28 per cent said yes.
The lack of support for more eateries comes in a week that Prezzo opens at The Vaults at SouthGate, and Starbucks announces its third coffee shop in the city.
SBF chairman Angela Ladd, pictured above, said the city was reaching saturation point. She said: "There comes a point when Bath will be saturated. It will be like crabs in a bucket trying to scrabble out – no one will come out on top."
She added: "The fact is the average people in Bath do not have the money to go out every night. We have a really rich diversity of restaurants. Speciality places and independents are dong a good job but are struggling."