News / Cafes
Cafe to close after just a year blaming ‘relentless rise in costs’
The owners of a cafe that will be closing after just over a year say that the current hospitality landscape “has become incredibly difficult for independents like us to survive in”.
The Crafty Egg opened on Church Road in Redfield in October 2024 but will close on November 9.
“We’re deeply sorry to be saying goodbye to a space we’ve poured so much love and energy into,” said the Crafty Egg team in an Instagram post.
is needed now More than ever
“Over the past year, we’ve reworked the menu, reshaped the layout, invested and re-thought everything we could to make it work.
“But the relentless rise in costs has made it impossible to sustain a newer venue that was still finding its feet.”
The first Crafty Egg opened on Stokes Croft in 2016 and opened a second cafe in Fishponds in 2022, both of which will be remaining open despite the imminent closure of the Redfield site, which was previously the St George’s Hall pub.
The Crafty Egg on Church Road is beneath an intact former cinema that many campaigners want to reopen – photo: Hannah Massoudi
The Crafty Egg statement added: “What’s happening here isn’t unique to us. Across the country, small hospitality businesses are being squeezed by rising costs, a disproportionate VAT burden, and a lack of meaningful support for a people-powered sector.
“Since the last budget, thousands of venues have closed and more than 100,000 hospitality jobs have disappeared.
“We’ve done everything we could to adapt – but the landscape has become incredibly difficult for independents like us to survive in.
“We took on this site as local people, excited to breathe life back into a beautiful building that had sat behind hoarding for too long.
“It’s meant a lot to us to help bring this space back to the high street. We’re proud of what we’ve built here, and we hope another independent operator will soon bring fresh energy to Church Road.
“The venue is fully fitted to a high standard – so with a bit of luck, the hoarding won’t return for long.
“To our incredible team: thank you. You’ve worked tirelessly through tough times, and we couldn’t be prouder of what you’ve achieved.
“And to everyone in the community who’s backed us – your support has meant the world.
“This decision is specific to Church Road. Our other venues are strong, established and continuing as usual.
“But the reality is that small independents face mounting cost pressures that make newer sites especially hard to sustain – especially those that rely on a large, hands-on team.
“If you’re able, we’d love your support over these final few days at Church Road. Every visit helps us close this chapter properly and look after our team.
“And to everyone in BS5 – please keep visiting the fantastic independents near you. They need you. Thank you for being part of this journey.”
Main photo: Karen Johnson
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