Features / wapping wharf
Ten years of Wapping Wharf
There is much to admire about Wapping Wharf. But Bristol band Getdown Services will disagree.
“Find me a worse atmosphere and I’ll PayPal you a grand,” go the lyrics to Cream of the Crop.
“Nine pound chips. Make it fucking quick. Make it dead. Place is like a shit hat club.”
Despite the success of Wapping Wharf over the last decade and its celebration of small businesses, it remains unfairly maligned in some quarters.
But those loaded fries from VeBurger or tater tots from Gurt Wings are damn delicious.
And those shit hats should be doffed to Umberslade, the developers of the site with a long-held vision that has now become a reality.
And this is still only the beginning.
Some of Cargo’s first traders before opening day – photo: Jon Craig
Those shipping containers that were first installed on Gaol Ferry Steps in 2016 and have now spread along Museum Street were always meant to be temporary.
The problem is that they have helped create the buzzing atmosphere that Wapping Wharf is now widely known for; and more are still being installed now home to new businesses including Rice Box and Spud Dock.
The plan for the future, however, is still to get rid of them and to create permanent buildings in their place which will have more than a nod to what was here before.
That remains years in the future though and for now we are looking back to mark Wapping Wharf’s first decade.
I remember when all this was a car park – photo: Wapping Wharf
Box-E and Pigsty are the only Cargo 1 businesses still here ten years later with Box-E co-owner Tessa Lidstone saying what initially drew her and husband Elliot to their first floor space was its size, flexibility and location.
“It’s enabled us to hold true to our belief that one tiny restaurant is enough,” Tessa said. “We are asked all the time about expanding or opening more sites but we love our little corner on the top deck.”
For former journalist Tessa, what makes Wapping Wharf so special is “being surrounded by other small businesses who actually care”.
Those small businesses today include a bookshop, hairdresser and yoga studio but you are reading this article within the food and drink section of Bristol24/7 so we will be concentrating on hospitality businesses.
The shipping containers at Wapping Wharf were always meant to be temporary – photo: Hey What
Such as Ragu whose co-owner Mark Chapman said he was drawn to Wapping Wharf for its “food, coffee, vibes and community”.
Mark has been part of that community for some time, having previously worked at Gambas and Cargo Cantina before opening his first restaurant, Cor, on North Street in Bedminster.
“Wapping Wharf gives Bristol something no other part of the city quite manages: a tight-knit, fully independent harbourside neighbourhood where people can eat, drink, shop and live in one small, creative cluster,” said Mark.
“It’s the mix of exclusively independent businesses, the Cargo shipping container community and the easy, communal harbourside atmosphere that makes it feel different from anywhere else in the city.”
What are Mark’s ambitions for the future? “To secure a permanent home at Wapping Wharf where Ragu can continue to grow, deepen its roots in the community and build on the success we’ve already created.
“Our aim is to evolve from a beloved spot into a long-term fixture of the neighbourhood. A place people return to for honest food, warmth, and the feeling of being looked after.”
Junction is Wapping Wharf’s local – photo: Hey What
Squeezed owner Alex Hayes has had some ride during his time at Wapping Wharf.
The original name for his restaurant was due to be Lemonade until Beyonce’s people got in touch. He then started off in one shipping container before moving into two and also dabbled in hot dogs for a while.
“It was a chance to go it alone in a small box with a load of bat-shit ideas,” said Alex about the start of his journey.
“It’s a been a joyous, supportive, funny and brilliant nine years despite so many challenges… Wappers is a community.
“Despite the challenges you’ll face running a business, it’s a supportive network that’s pretty special.”
Ten years of Wapping Wharf for Alex “means I’ve been at this a long time and so has everyone else who has been here from the start. Businesses old and new, it’s great to see innovation, ideas and independent spirit alive.”
Wapping Wharf is built on the site of the former New Bristol Gaol – photo: Wapping Wharf
Having only opened last year, Lapin is one of the newest arrivals to the Wapping Wharf family.
“We were really drawn to the independent community at Wapping Wharf,” explains Dan O’Regan.
“There are so many brilliant restaurants and businesses there that we’ve admired for a long time, so having the chance to join that mix and work alongside them felt like a real privilege.
“It already had a strong identity and a great energy to it, which made it feel like the right home for Lapin… To have people get behind us so warmly from the start has meant a huge amount.”
Dan added: “There’s a real sense that you’re surrounded by other independent businesses who care deeply about what they do and that creates a really special atmosphere.
“It feels supportive, ambitious and genuinely welcoming, which is a lovely environment to be part of.”
Wapping Wharf is hosting a 10th birthday party on Friday. For more information, visit www.wappingwharf.co.uk/post/wapping-wharf-to-host-10-year-anniversary-celebration-this-july
Main photo: Hey What
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