News / Cafes
Cafe under new ownership as other branches appear closed
A cafe has reopened under a new name and ownership, while other branches of the same Bristol-born cafe and bar chain appear to have closed across our city.
After being shut for a week, Grounded in Fishponds reopened on Friday as Turners Fishponds.
The new owner, Ben Turner, has been the manager of the cafe for the past two and a half years.
Speaking to Bristol24/7, he said that they are “slowly remodelling” the cafe and bar, with plans to build a stage to put on more live music, and a new deal with Meantime Brewery.
There are also plans to make changes to the menu, making use of the expertise of the Italian head chef.
Elsewhere, other Grounded sites on Bedminster Parade, Church Road and Sandy Park Road appear to be closed.
Bristol24/7 has contacted Grounded for a comment.
Grounded Fishponds reopened its doors on Friday with a new name
At Turners Fishponds, Ben said there will be a lot of continuity, with the same staff that regulars are used to “doing the same thing.”
He praised the owner of Grounded, telling Bristol24/7, “there is no way I would have been able to do this without his support.”
When Bristol24/7 visited Grounded Bedminster on June 25, it was shuttered, which was assumed to be a result of the heatwave.
However, posts on several Facebook groups suggest that Grounded has closed all of its premises.
South Bristol Voice wrote: “Grounded is no more.
“As of this week, all Grounded restaurants are closed including the two in South Bristol – Bedminster and Brislington.
“Sources say staff and customers alike have been given no notice and the closures were immediate.”
Grounded Redfield was shuttered when Bristol24/7 paid the site a visit
Founded by property developer and entrepreneur Tobie Holbrook, Grounded opened its first cafe in 2007 on Church Road in Redfield.
Their website currently lists eight sites, including locations in Chippenham, Keynsham and Corsham.
The business went into insolvent liquidation in 2019, but was still said to be operating until a few days ago.
According to a final gazette notice on Companies House, the dissolution date for the company was June 16 2023.
All photos: Martha Fiddick
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