Cafes / Reviews
Ape About Coffee
The wi-fi may say this is Starbucks, but Ape About Coffee is about as far removed as it’s possible to be from the multinational coffee giant.
Ape About Coffee is a small espresso bar that has opened within social enterprise Paper Arts in Broadmead. The seats are within the gallery area of the host business, with the bar selling coffee roasted by James Gourmet from Herefordshire.
It’s a business owned by Nick Ashton, whose tuk-tuk mobile coffee bar has appeared at events including See No Evil and Upfest, as well as previously having a regular pitch at Whiteladies Road Farmers Market.
The move inside follows Ashton, who is also a practising physiotherapist, creating bespoke espresso bars for BMW, Dyson and Simply Health.
Residents of the co-working space upstairs were refueling on caffeine during Monday lunchtime, with a few curious shoppers popping their heads around the door to see this strange independent intruder in the midst of Broadmead.
A small selection of food includes paninis that actually taste of good bread, not cardboard such as in the more well-known cafe next door. This bread comes from Herberts Bakery in Montpelier, who also provide the pastries on the counter.
Use Starbucks’ wi-fi and enjoy some unexpected sanctuary from the multinationals.
Ape About Coffee, Paper Arts, 51-53 Merchant Street, Bristol, BS1 3EE