Supporting the recovery of Bristol’s diverse food and drink scene

Bristol’s food scene is world class. Scooping the global culinary crown in 2019, whilst also winning ‘Vegan Capital of the World’ the same year proves what Bristol is capable of. This so recent and phenomenal success makes the impact of coronavirus on the local food and drink scene even more difficult to swallow.

Bristol boasts five Michelin star restaurants and an incredibly diverse palate. Demonstrating both quality and quantity, the city’s vibrant gastronomic fare includes everything from French and Jamaican and Somali to award winning Indians. Bristol is indeed a place to taste culture.

As we emerge from lockdown, supporting Bristol’s rich tapestry of cuisine will be more important than ever. That’s why First Base is planning to celebrate the best of local food and culture as part of its ambitious plans to bring the former Soapworks back to life.

The former Gardiner Haskins Warehouse will be re-opened to the public, after almost three years, providing the city’s first purpose-built food hall. This will provide flexible indoor and outdoor spaces for local start-ups and community-based enterprises to flourish. Without being tied down to long-term leases and other restrictive overheads, local operators and newcomers will have the space to experiment and expand.

To this end, First Base is committed to working with local businesses to complement the existing offer and provide new opportunities that serve and reflect the local community.

Food and drink is a connector and it is a great leveller. The proposals for the Soapworks focus on providing welcoming spaces for people from all walks of life; whether they live nearby, work in the new development, call it their home or simply just passing through. The Soapworks will celebrate diversity and foster a sense of community, supporting a rich mix of cultural cuisines and celebrating the city’s 93 languages through food and drink.

Grabbing food on the go is also important, which is why First Base is proposing a bike hub and café right on the Bristol to Bath cycleway. Providing a safe and secure stop for cyclists to repair and refuel. Supporting the city’s wider sustainability objectives, The Soapworks will be waste free, promote healthy eating and support local and seasonally grown produce.

One thing is for certain, Bristolians can’t wait to be back out and enjoying Bristol’s many bars, cafes and restaurants as soon as it is safe to do so. Fortunately, we won’t have to wait until The Soapworks opens before being able to enjoy the city’s incredible culinary offer!

If anyone reading this is a local independent operator, then please do get in touch if you are interested in finding out more about First Base’s proposals.

For more information, please visit www.thesoapworksbristol.co.uk