News / Cafes
Book-loving barista to open first cafe
Jackson Jeff says it is rare to find him without a book in hand, so when it came to naming his soon-to-open cafe that will also be selling a small selection of books, he took inspiration from his favourite novel.
Sellanraa on Chandos Road in Redland is inspired by Growth of the Soil by Knut Hamsun which won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1920.
“Sellanraa means a place that you build for other people and that’s what I’m attempting to do here,” said Jackson on a recent afternoon, mid-build.
The new cafe on 1B Chandos Road is due to open by the end of June, with a small celiac-friendly food menu and coffee from Bedminster roastery Boona Boona.
For 30 years, this small unit was occupied by Opus Glass Design, with owners Celia Frank and Jake Peggs now working from their home studio in Bishopston.
There remains several pieces of stained glass inside and outside, which will be complemented by artworks on the walls by Jackson’s late grandfather, Ron Carlson.
Sellanraa is due to open on Chandos Road in Redland by the end of June – photo: Martin Booth
Jackson, who grew up in Risca in Wales, moved to Bristol for our city’s music scene and has worked at various cafes while continuing to play in a number of bands including the Makings and the Sellouts.
“I’ve just always wanted to create a space for people to come,” he told Bristol24/7.
“I’m not very tech savvy but I just love talking, having conversations, meeting people, that kind of thing, so the idea of the space is for just a place to be with the people you love.”
Jackson’s love of books will continue in Sellanraa with a selection of literature curated by Clifton Village’s Heron Books for sale in the cafe.
Chandos Road is widely known for its food and drink establishments from Michelin-starred restaurants to wine bars, but Jackson still feels there is something missing: “There’s no bookshop on this road and every road should have a bookshop!”
Main photo: Martin Booth
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