News / arnolfini
New custodians for Arnolfini cafe and bar
A Bristol brewery and cafe operator are joining forces to take on the running of the Arnolfini’s cafe and bar.
The collaboration between Wiper & True and FED will mean the end of Bristol Beer Factory within the space on the ground floor of the gallery.
The cafe and bar overlooking the Floating Harbour will become Wiper & True’s third venue in Bristol; joining existing locations in St Werburgh’s and St Jude’s.
Their partnership with FED promises “an all-day hospitality experience designed to serve gallery visitors, harbourside locals and the wider creative community alike”.
Wiper & True and Fed will be serving their wares outside the bar from Thursday, with the bar itself expected to open in early June following following a refurbishment.
Brewery founder, Michael Wiper, said he is “incredibly excited to become part of the Arnolfini and harbourside community”.
“This is a special Bristol space and we’re approaching it with care,” Wiper said.
“Over the coming months, we’ll be getting to know the venue and its customers, making thoughtful improvements as we go, before a more complete transformation in 2027.
“We’re especially excited about the opportunity to work alongside the Arnolfini team and their brilliant creative programme, to help shape a venue that feels truly connected to Bristol’s cultural life.
“Working alongside FED also gives us the opportunity to create something that genuinely works from morning through to late evening; whether that’s coffee and cake after an exhibition, lunch on the harbourside, or a beautifully poured pint before an event.”
FED opened on Gloucester Road in 2018 and is now located a few doors up from its original premises – photo: Martin Booth
Arnolfini chief commercial officer, Neil Commander, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Wiper and True and FED to Arnolfini as partners for this exciting new chapter in the organisation’s story. Both brands are recognised for the exceptional quality of their product, service and customer experience, and share our commitment to creativity, community and sustainability.
Together, we are creating a hospitality experience that reflects Arnolfini’s position as one of the UK’s leading centres for contemporary arts; a space where culture, conversation and connection come together in the heart of Bristol’s harbourside.
This partnership forms an important part of Arnolfini’s wider transformation strategy, as we build a confident next phase focused on enhancing the quality of the visitor experience, alongside sustainable growth, deeper public engagement and long-term organisational resilience.
Main photo: Harry Pugsley
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