News / Soft Buoys
New soft serve and grilled cheese kiosk opens
A vacant kiosk on Welsh Back is now home to grilled cheese sandwiches and soft serves from a new venture called Soft Buoys.
James Smith is the “one man band” running this new spot, while continuing his role as restaurant manager at Bokman on Nine Tree Hill.
“It sort of harks back to me being a millennial and that nostalgic thing from the 90s of going to Pizza Hut’s Ice Cream Factory,” James recalled, when speaking to Bristol24/7.
Soft Buoy serves soft serves and grilled cheese sandwiches from its kiosk near the Floating Harbour
Located between The Glassboat and The Apple, Soft Buoys has been in the works for years, and James is pleased to “finally get a chance to show people what we’re doing”.
Olive oil and pistachios, potato crisps and miso caramel, affogato, caramel brownie, and a combination of fermented raspberry syrup, lemon zest, and bubblegum are some of the soft serves currently on the opening menu.
With colder months setting in, James assured that there will be warm topping options like spiced plum compote with fig leaf syrup on the menu soon to offer some respite from the dropping temperatures.
Of the five grilled cheese options available now, James said, his favourite was the French onion soup, a creation inspired by his partner’s love for the French classic.
“I also thought because it’s opening up in October, it is the perfect seasonal dish, really homely and like a hug in a sandwich,” James added.
Another notable sandwich one the menu is their five cheese blend is a combination of local cheddar, comte, halloumi, mozzarella and ogleshield. All sandwiches and soft serves can be paired with coffee from Triple Co. Roast.
Softy Buoys plans to be open all days of the week, with a Diwali special soft serve available for a limited period starting Friday.
The Diwali special will have a saffron and cardamom syrup, pistachios, and white chocolate on a classic vanilla base.
James said: “My sister-in-law and her family are from India, and I wasn’t able to attend their Diwali celebration this year. So it’s my sort of homage to them.”
Other than sandwiches and ice creams, the menu also has a list of coffee and cold beverage options to choose from.
All photos: Karen Johnson
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