After many restaurant and cafe closures back in 2018, it seems the economic climate has not improved as Bristol continues to lose some of its best loved food and drink establishments in 2019.
Bristol’s food and drink scene has taken a hit this year with the loss of multiple well-loved restaurants and cafes across Bristol.
Here is a list of those that have closed in 2019.
Rosa, Whiteladies Road
One of first big hits to Bristol’s restaurant industry in 2019 was Rosa, which closed just 14 months after opening.
The tapas restaurant opened in October 2017 and was renowned for its small plates.
It has been rumoured its parent company Zazu's Kitchen chose to close Rosa as it was not in keeping with their other establishments.
They were previously quoted: “Rosa was originally intended primarily as a bar serving good food but is working well as a restaurant with a good bar”.
Previously recognised by Bristol Live’s food critic Mark Taylor as ‘the final contender for Bristol’s best new opening’ back in 2017 and with 4.5/5 Tripadvisor review, it's a shame that Rosa has closed its door only 14 months after opening.
Greggs, Wine Street
The Greggs city centre branch closed its doors back in January. But fans of the chain need not fear as there are still six other Greggs branches in the city centre.
A Greggs spokesperson commented on the reason behind the closure saying: “we are constantly looking for the best sites for our shops.”
The closure of branches of large chains such as Greggs reminds us that it is not only the independent restaurants that are struggling in the current economic climate.
Wallfish & Wellbourne Bistro, The Mall
Wallfish & Wellbourne Bistro closed just two months after it opened.
The venture was the combination of two formerly-separate restaurants, which joined forces after Wallfish Bistro closed in November.
The collaboration thrilled foodies across Bristol and had customers excited to see how the top restaurants would work together– but sadly it was not meant to be.
An answer was not given for the reason behind the closure but the Wellbourne Twitter account tweeted “sad news, due to matters out of our hands, Wellbourne has officially closed its doors”.
Margot May, North Street
Margot May was a charming cafe known for its afternoon tea and mouth-watering cakes, but sadly after four and a half years of business it permanently closed.
Margot May was a favourite with locals and was rated a 4.5/5 on Tripadvisor. The closure was announced on Twitter though there was no explanation as to the reason behind it.
No Man’s Grace, Chandos Road
This bistro-style restaurant and dessert bar is set to close its doors at the end of February.
No Man’s Grace was awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand back in 2016, an accolade given to restaurants offer amazing food at moderate prices. No reason has been given for the closure but there is no doubt it will be missed.
Aquila, Baldwin Street
This highly-rated favourite was nominated for the Best Italian and in the running for the British Restaurant Awards back in 2017.
Despite its reputation as a highly-celebrated eatery, the family-run independent Italian has closed permanently.
The decision was made to close due to the owner Peter Dunford wanting to explore different avenues. The restaurant will be replaced by the second branch of the Bath based pizza parlour Dough.
Bell's Diner, Montpelier
Arguably the most shocking closure of 2019 so far was Bell's Diner, a Montpelier restaurant which had been running for 40 years.
The restaurant suddenly stopped taking bookings in January, before Bristol Live revealed it had been completely gutted.
The restaurant was given a glowing five star review by Bristol Live's food critic Mark Taylor back in October, who labelled it 'Bristol’s benchmark neighbourhood restaurant' and praised its food.
Pintxo, Whiteladies Road
Less than a year after opening, tapas bar Pinxto closed suddenly.
The restaurant replaced the also short-lived Polpo when it closed, with Bristol Live's food critic Mark Taylor describing it as a 'welcome addition' to the area.
But sadly the Clifton tapas bar could not make a success of itself and it closed earlier this month.
Shop 3 Bistro, Regent Street
This 'charming' bistro opened in December 2016, but sadly a little more than two years later it closed for the final time.
The restaurant was a favourite among Bristol's foodies, with diners describing it as a 'charming local gem'.
Yume Kitchen, Cotham Hill
Yume Kitchen served authentic Japanese food and some of the best sushi in Bristol but back in December it closed its doors until further notice and it has not yet reopened.
Food reviews 2020
Yume closed without warning, with only a sign in the window that reads: “Sorry kitchen closed until further notice” as an explanation.
The restaurant may reopen at a later date but for now it remains closed.
In the Bowl, Baldwin Street
In the Bowl closed in February, with a notice appearing in the window letting customers know.
The Japanese ramen restaurant opened in place of Sticks 'n' Broth, which closed in 2017.
McDonald’s
McDonalds in The Mall Cribbs Causeway closed March 9. Its staff were offered employment at other restaurants nearby.
A spokesperson for McDonald’s said: “The decision to close the restaurant was not taken lightly.”
The Mall shopping centre would not disclose why the popular food chain was leaving but said that other restaurants would soon open.
The closure caused shock among Bristolians, with people saying it "made no sense" while others were left frustrated at the lack of fast food options available at Cribbs Causeway.
KFC
Soon after McDonalds shut, KFC announced it too was leaving The Mall.
The precise reason for their departure was not revealed to Bristol Live but many fans of the shops were outraged.
Austin Taylor wrote: “Makes no sense to me. McD and KFC are the busiest outlets in the food court by miles!”
Café Gusto
Café Gusto used to sit in the prominent site at the end of Clare Street where it meets Baldwin Street.
The café announced its closure back in February and Caffé Moka was announced to take its place.
Manager and part owner Ricardo Chersoni, 24, said: “We have a small team, so customers will always recognise a friendly face and receive a warm welcome.”
Happy Bird
This chicken restaurant which promised “the best chicken you have ever tasted” closed late in February.
Happy Bird had an emphasis on ethical produce and only opened on Whiteladies Road in January last year.
The shops was where Vodafone used to be and the company sourced their produce from a free-to-roam farm in Yorkshire but got mixed reviews from customers – with Bristol Live's Mark Taylor saying it "simply didn't deliver".
Deb’s Diner
This café in Kingswood became a key community hub and its closure was met with an outpouring of sadness from locals, some of whom went everyday.
It was open for six years, serving delicious hot food on Southwell Road, but announced its closer in late February.
Debbie, the owner said: I’ve always wanted to run my own café and do homemade food, so when I did it was a dream come true. And now I’ve done it and loved every minute of it.”
The Thali Cafe (Totterdown)
Thali's Totterdown restaurant closed in March, just months after the chain was saved from administration by its staff.
The café specialises in Indian Street food, has several restaurants across Bristol including Southville, Easton, Montpelier and Clifton.
Bar Buvette
In March French restaurant Bar Buvette announced its closure after five years on Baldwin Street.
The restaurant served up delicious French cuisine, with reviewer Mark Taylor describing it as "the best restaurant you've never heard of".
When announcing the closures, restaurant owners Peter Taylor and Maz Ososki said: “We have decided to focus on our place in France. Thank you all so much for supporting us and joining us at the bar.”
Bristol Homebites
This much-praised Italian restaurant shut just weeks after getting zero stars for its food hygiene.
The shop, in Bishopthorpe Road, Horfield closed at the end of February.
A spokesperson for the eatery said the closure had “nothing to do” with the zero star rating given by Food Standards Agency.
They said: “The business as a whole was not making any money and was making losses.”
Kingsdown Fried Fish
Fans of the one of Bristol’s oldest and most-cherished fish and chip shops were left heartbroken at the announcement of the closure in March.
Owners of the shop, which opened in 1921, had a number of reasons for leaving including feeling like they wanted a change and were moving to Cyprus.
They said: “To be honest we think independent fish and chip shops might find it tough to survive in the future, but that’s only our opinion.”
The Llandoger Trow
The Llandoger Trow is one of Bristol's oldest pubs and so there was an outpouring of grief when its closure was announced.
The pub will serve its final pint on April 20. Staff at the restaurant have been offered jobs at other Brewers Fayre branches.
A spokesperson for Whitbread, which owns Brewers Fayre said: “We understand the Trow is a much-loved Bristol landmark and it is being marketed as a going concern, but it is rather different from the rest of the Whitbread estate.”
JD Wetherspoon, St George’s Hall
Who doesn't love a Spoons? Reporter Robin Murray sure does, after he ate at the chain every day for a week.
But sadly this particular Spoons is one of 16 of the chain's branches which are being sold due to falling profits.
The pub was put up for sale in March this year.
St George’s Hall in Church Road, Redfield suffered as the chains profits fell by 18.9 per cent to £50.3 million in the first half of this financial year.
The Urban Standard
In early April it was announced this long-running bar was on Gloucester Road was to shut.
Questions were raised over its future when it was put up for sale in November.
Staff of the popular bar did its best to change its fortunes but management confirmed the bar will be closing permanently on April 27.
The bar said in a Facebook message: “We’re so proud of this bar and all the opportunities it has given us all. It’s created some great lifelong friendships and made all the other sites possible.”
Mesa Tapas Bar
Mesa, which reviewer Mark Taylor labelled "one of the most consistently impressive places in the city" has built up a loyal following in Westbury Park for its good quality food, personable service and wine selection and was named in our round-up of Bristol's best tapas restaurants last year.
But the tapas bar closed on May 11, to the dismay of its regular customers. The owners did not give a reason for the closure.
Pizza Express
Pizza Express' Corn Street site closed to make way for the latest branch of Indian street food chain Mowgli, which is set to open its first Bristol eatery in October.
The restaurant, housed in a historic building which boasts high ceilings, has a rating of 3 / 5 on TripAdvisor from 198 reviews with largely mediocre recent reviews.
One person recently described it as the 'worst Pizza Express in Bristol', commenting on soggy pizza bases and slow service.
The Thali Cafe (Southville)
Hot on the heels of the chain's Totterdown closure, its Southville site in the Tobacco Factory then went the same way.
A spokesperson for Thali said they want the business to move more towards the takeaway industry, and that the Southville site - which opened in 2013 - is not the right fit for this.
Its owners said it had been a 'difficult decision to take', especially in view of the investment that has gone into the restaurant in recent years.
The site will become a new farmers' market, set to open in November.
Bristol Porridge Project
Bristol Porridge Project was tucked away behind Colston Hall on Trenchard Street, but built up a loyal following thanks to its quality offering.
It had an highly impressive rating of 5/5 on TripAdvisor from 40 reviews , with people praising its porridge and first-rate service.
But the café closed on June 29, with owner Adam Sheppard explaining 'trading has been difficult' due to nearby construction work.
There is good news, however, as the business is set to reopen in Stokes Croft later this year.
Cafe Grounded (Thornbury)
Grounded has shut its branch in Thornbury after the lease on the building ended.
The group has cafes in Bedminster, Brislington, Fishponds, Horfield, Keynsham and Redfield in the city.
It also has branches in Chippenham and Corsham in Wiltshire.
A spokesperson for the group said the business had simply “decided not to renew the lease” and no other cafes are closing.
Following that, the chain went into into insolvent liquidation.
The Cuban
The Cuban in Millennium Parade has closed after being in the city centre since 2014.
According to notices in the windows of the restaurant, the landlord of the premises forfeited the lease to the Wharf Hotel Limited (trading as 'The Cuban').
The Cuban's presence in the Harbourside was not without controversy.
Last year, police had asked councillors to revoke the Harbourside eatery’s licence – effectively closing it – amid complaints it was operating as a bar: staying open late, keeping residents up into the early hours and allowing glass outside.
Pigsty
Pork specialists Pigsty closed their Gloucester Road site on July 14 after a year of trading, but said their Cargo restaurant in Wapping Wharf is "staying open and thriving" and that staff at the Gloucester Road restaurant will be transferred to other parts of their business.
Pigsty is run by Bristol-born former professional rugby player Olly Kohn and his brothers Josh and Max, along with Harlequins and England player Will Collier.
Between them, they also run the successful company Jolly Hog, which sells bacon and sausages via supermarkets, and also run an events and festivals business.
Burger Bear
Burger Bear in Gloucester Road opened in July 2018 and the glowing reviews started pouring in, with Bristol Live's food critic Mark Taylor awarding it four stars.
But a status was posted on the restaurant's Facebook page on May 22 stating it had closed for refurbishment - after it had only been open for 10 months.
An update was posted on the status by the restaurant informing people it would reopen in the '2nd week of July'.
But it now looks like it might not be reopening at all, as Google is stating it is 'permanently closed'.
This has not been officially confirmed, however, and Bristol Live contacted the restaurant for comment at the time.
Spudulike
Three restaurants in Bristol belonging to UK-wide chain Spudulike closed on August 2, with no signs of reopening.
The branches in The Mall, Cabot Circus and The Galleries all closed as the long-running company's financial woes were revealed.
Bristol Live was told by a woman claiming to be an employee of the chain that the company told staff they have gone into adminsitration.
Romy's Kitchen
Romy's Kitchen in Thornbury, South Gloucestershire, was headed up by well-known chef Romy Gill MBE, whose style of cooking is different to that found at the majority of the UK's other Indian restaurants.
It was also praised by one of the country's most renowned food critics, Grace Dent of The Guardian, when she paid it a visit in March 2018.
But the highly-rated Indian restaurant closed permanently in August with Romy making the decision so she can focus on her upcoming book launch.
Ceres
Owners of Stokes Croft café and restaurant Ceres did all they could to keep themselves afloat, but ultimately it wasn't enough.
The heartbroken couple revealed to Bristol Live how much devastation the closure had caused them.
Jamaica Street Stores
Since opening in 2017, the team at Jamaica Street Stores continued to expand their extensive menu and the restaurant had a 4 star rating on TripAdvisor.
But to the shock of many it closed suddenly in August.
A sign on the restaurant read: "We're sorry that Jamaica Street Stores is now closed until further notice.
"We would like to thank our customers for their continued support over the last two years and sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused."
The Kitchen
The Kitchen that famously featured in Channel 4’s programme The Restaurant That Makes Mistakes closed its doors for the final time on September 27.
The restaurant embarked on quite the journey, taking part in the TV programme, and being temporarily entirely staffed by people with early onset dementia.
Taking to social media with a heartfelt message, the restaurant commented: “We’re now finally closed.
"All good things must come to an end, and so today is the end of seven years of VERY good things.
"We have enjoyed a loyal gang of caring customers who have got what we are about, appreciated something a little different in the commercial heart of the city and supported our hopes and dreams to create opportunities for young people. Thanks everyone."
The Arts House
This situation is quite the double edged sword, The Arts House in Stokes Croft closed in 2019 but softening the blow, owners Giles Coram and Craig Summers later rebranded the space and opened as a new restaurant and bar named Caper and Cure.
The restaurant was later given an impressive four star review by Bristol Live’s food critic Mark Taylor in October.
Woky Ko
Asian restaurant Woky Ko closed a mere 15 months after opening when the owner and former Masterchef finalist, Larkin Cen made the decision to close the Queen’s Road restaurant back in August.
There is a silver lining however, as the closure wasn’t entirely permanent and saw Woky Ko: Jing Xu, opened in its place on September 9.
Brasserie Blanc
Opening an entire decade ago, Brasserie Blanc was the brainchild of Chef Raymond Blanc and boasted an overall rating of four out of five from 1,601 reviews on TripAdvisor.
Despite this, the restaurant closed in September when a spokesperson for the chain commented: “The decision was not taken lightly, and we plan on using the funds to reinvest in future openings.”
Crepeaffair
Known for its range of crepes with both sweet and savoury toppings that are prepared fresh in front of customers, the Queens Road branch in Bristol closed after trading for four years.
The restaurant exited the premises with an overall rating of 4.6 / 5 on its Facebook and a respectable 3.5 / 5 on TripAdvisor.
Somerset House
September 7 was the day that Somerset House in Clifton closed despite being praised for its food that was ‘out of this world’.
Frequented by both locals and visitors, the announcement of the imminent closure came as a shock to many.
Heineken’s pub chain, Star Pubs and Bars, who own the premises are looking for a new operator to take the place of the previous leaseholder.
The Coconut Chilli
A thriving pop-up, The Coconut Chilli closed after occupying the space of the former Tapas bar, Rosa, for just three months. A four star food rating was awarded by Mark Taylor at the time that commended authentic style, yet good value Indian food amongst their triumphs.
Herberts Café
Herberts Café, known for a vast offering of hot and cold food and self proclaimed sandwich specialists originally announced their forthcoming closure on July 11.
It is thought that a decrease of activity in the area of Ashley Down Road and the opening of a nearby Co-operative supermarket may be to blame for the cafe’s sudden departure.
Although, this may not be the end for the café as a post to their social media at the time of closing revealed: “I am sad to announce we’ve had to close our Ashley Down Road store. We will be relocating very soon to a better and bigger premises.
Starbucks
In recent years, it has felt like popularity of Starbucks is never ending with coffee shops popping up over Bristol, but for branches in both Cabot Circus and Yate Shopping Centre, 2019 was the end of trading.
Dom’s Coffee House
An eco-friendly cafe that had eradicated plastic from the business and proudly offered coffee that is roasted in Stokes Croft called it a day in October after suddenly ceasing trade.
A sign fixed to the entrance affectionately signed from ‘Louis and Lisa’ read: “It’s been a great honour to create a place that so many people have enjoyed.
“Sadly, Dom’s has to end but we wish to say a huge thank you to our wonderful staff, customers and friends we have met along the journey”.
Cross Hands Pub
The beginning of October witnessed the closure of a local favourite, The Cross Hands Pub in Bedminster Down, before it reopened under new owners.
The beginning of a statement from Greene King, who have owned the pub since 1996 read: “As a leading pub operator and brewer, we are committed to running high quality community pubs.
"To be able to continue to invest in our estate, from time to time we have to make difficult decisions and therefore after much consideration we decided to put Cross Hands on the market.
"A sale has been agreed and the pub will close after trading on Sunday, October 6. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our customers who visited over the years."
However, the much-loved pub was then bought by new owners and soon reopened for business.
Spice Inn
Another Indian restaurant in the shape of the Spice Inn bit the dust and went into voluntary liquidation after a successful eight years of trading.
The owners embarked on the opening of the Spice Inn eight years ago after opening Bath’s very first Indian restaurant some 50 years ago.
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