Shops and outdoor dining prepare to re-open at Wapping Wharf, Bristol's harbourside community

Many shops, restaurants and cafes are preparing to re-open from Monday 12 April onwards at Wapping Wharf, Bristol's much-loved harbourside quarter, in line with the Government's roadmap for lifting lockdown. 

New stretch tents have been put in place on the upper levels of CARGO 1 and 2, Wapping Wharf's popular retail hub made of converted shipping containers, providing covered outdoor seating areas for people to dine al fresco. Additional outdoor seating is also being accommodated at the bottom of Gaol Ferry Steps, between Wild Beer and CARGO 1, with pedestrian and cycle access.

The Wapping Wharf team is launching a Wapping Wharf Code to encourage people to help keep the area a safe and enjoyable place for everyone. The Code builds on existing measures in place at Wapping Wharf, which include one-way systems within CARGO 1 and 2 and signage to encourage people to keep their distance from one another and queue appropriately.

The independent business community at Wapping Wharf has made huge efforts to adapt in innovative ways over the last year, many launching takeaway, click and collect and delivery services.

Ben Williams, owner of Jigaraki, a Persian-inspired street food takeaway, which opened at Wapping Wharf during the pandemic, said: "I've been struck by how businesses here at Wapping Wharf have pulled together and the incredible creativity they have shown in such challenging circumstances. It is really something special, a unique community like no other."

Tessa Lidstone, co-owner of Bib Gourmand restaurant BOX-E, which is re-opening for outdoor dining from April 21^st at CARGO 1, said: "Wapping Wharf's strong collaborative ethos and an extremely supportive landlord have helped small businesses survive, and in many cases flourish, during this difficult year."

Many of the restaurants at Wapping Wharf have seen huge interest in pre-bookings ahead of re-opening, with BOX-E's next availability for a Saturday night in mid June.

Meanwhile, many businesses are planning to retain new initiatives they've launched during the past year for the long term.

Hayley Wright, owner of plant shop Bush Bristol at Wapping Wharf, said: "We launched click and collect and UK delivery as part of our efforts to keep trading during lockdown and we will most certainly be keeping these going in the future as they've proved really successful.

"For me, the reason Wapping Wharf is a such a special place is the emphasis on personal interaction. It's rare on a mainstream high street for business owners to know their customers by name and vice versa - at Wapping Wharf, it's what makes the community tick!"

Stuart Hatton, managing director at Umberslade, the developer behind Wapping Wharf, said: "We are so looking forward to seeing many of the independent businesses at Wapping Wharf re-open fully over the coming weeks and months.

"They have shown exceptional commitment, innovation and adaptability during the past year and we encourage people to support them. In doing so, we kindly ask for people's collaboration to ensure Wapping Wharf is safe and enjoyable for everyone."

People are encouraged to keep an eye on businesses' social media channels for updates over the coming weeks. Here is a taste of what's to come:

·         Better Food's shop has been open throughout lockdown, but it will be offering table service on the café terrace from April 12^th. Takeaway available as normal.

·         Gambas is cooking up new dishes for its menu ahead of opening its terrace for pre-booking and walk-ins from April 12^th,.

·         Woky Ko Cargo and Rooftop are getting ready for outdoor dining from April 12^th, offering both pre-booking and walk-ins

·         Cargo Cantina will be opening its outside area for walk-ins from April 12^th, as well as providing takeaway on the door and via click and click and delivery platforms.

·         Shops re-opening fully from April 12^th include Frankly and Fig 1; Bush Bristol is re-opening fully on April 13^th

·         Wild Beer at Wapping Wharf is opening its outside area on April 12^th for walk ins, with its kitchen open for service from 14^th

·         Seven Lucky Gods will be re-opening its outdoor terrace on April 12^th

·         Calypso Kitchen is re-opening its outside seating area from April 12^th for walk-ins.

·         Elevate Yoga Studio + Creative Space, which currently offers virtual sessions, is looking to re-open from May 17^th.

A short film was created at the end of 2020 celebrating the independent businesses at Wapping Wharf as they continued to adapt and collaborate through lockdown. Produced by Lorne Kramer, of Under the Wing Productions, the film is a reminder of what makes independent businesses so unique.

Wapping Wharf is in the heart of Bristol's historical and cultural quarter, with its tree-lined pedestrian and cycle route, Gaol Ferry Steps, providing an important connection between south Bristol to the city centre.

Now home to over 40 independent businesses, many of which are based within CARGO - a popular hub made of converted shipping containers, Wapping Wharf is home to some of the city's best independent restaurants, shop, cafes and lifestyle businesses.