News / Bars
A fond farewell to an ‘iconic’ carpet
It’s the final curtain for an “iconic” red carpet.
The florid floor filler has been an integral part of Renato’s for decades “but alas it has certainly seen better days” according to the team at the King Street bar and restaurant.
News that it will soon be ripped up and replaced has prompted an outpouring of nostalgia.
“Please save a square of this iconic carpet to frame and hang on the wall,” wrote Nicola Hall. “So many memories!”
“Surely it needs to be on display in Bristol Museum,” said Dan Martin.
Hang it in the Louvre – photo: Martin Booth
Writing on Instagram, Renato’s general manager, Josh Guyett, said: “We love the carpet in our bar. Like genuinely really love it. But alas it has certainly seen better days.
“It’s been scrubbed by hand, steam cleaned and trodden on vigorously by thousands of pairs of feet over the years.
“So sadly the time has come to replace it (and the increasingly wobbly floor underneath). This unfortunately means we need to close for a few days.”
During the refurbishment, the bar and restaurant will be closed from Monday to Thursday, reopening on January 16.
The red carpet has been part of Renato’s for decades – photo: Martin Booth
Josh added: “Come say goodbye this weekend or pop in afterwards to see this and some other exciting changes!
“Thank you, old red carpet. You have served us and the good people of Bristol very well X”
There are still a few days left to say goodbye to the “iconic” carpet – photo: Martin Booth
Following the initial outpouring of love for the carpet, Josh put a poll on Renato’s Instagram account asking if bits of it should be auctioned off for charity.
So far, there has been overwhelming support for Josh’s idea.
A frayed piece of Bristol heritage could soon be framed on your wall at home.
Some areas of carpet are unlikely to make keepsakes – photo: Martin Booth
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read next:
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
