But there are some exciting new openings for October
Amandine Tchou, owner of Vx on East Street, which opened in 2015(Image: James Beck/BristolLive)
As the weather turns autumnal, many of us will be thinking about the cosier food and drink spots Bristol has to offer.
And yet the hospitality industry is no closer to finding a light at the end of the seemingly relentless tunnel of ever rising costs, low footfall, National Insurance increases, high rents, huge fuel costs, and all that goes into keeping local businesses going.
The sector is still seeing many much-loved local food and drink spots close their doors for good. And this month has been no exception.
But while we wave goodbye to family run restaurants, vegan favourites and international brands featured in this list, October is already seeing a number of exciting new openings set to grace the city – including bar venues, a new Irish pub, and more still to be confirmed.
Here’s who we’ve bid farewell to this month…
The New Taj, Gloucester Road
Address: 404 Gloucester Road, Bristol, BS7 8TR
The New Taj on Gloucester Road shared a message to its customers on August 30 to say that after 36 years it would be closing. The team said: “It is with great sadness that we announce that The New Taj has closed its doors for the foreseeable future.
“The New Taj has been at the heart of our family for more than three decades. During that time, we have had the privilege of serving generations of customers, many of whom have become friends.
“Due to health reasons, we have made the difficult decision to close. To everyone who has supported us over the past 36 years, thank you. Your loyalty, friendship and kindness have meant so much to our family.
“Thank you for being part of The New Taj story.”
Vx Burger
Address: 123 East Street, Bedminster, Bristol, BS3 4ER
Vx Bristol on East Street in Bedminster shared a post to its Instagram page last month announcing its upcoming closure. The team wrote: “Sadly we have to announce that Vx Bristol will be closing its doors in the next coming weeks. Around the 13th of October, but we will give the exact date when confirmed.
“Our landlord has recently decided to sell his property as our lease is ended and we don’t currently have any plans to start over somewhere else but who knows! If you have a gift card or a voucher from us please don’t miss our last days!
“Whether you are a regular, were a regular but moved, are obsessed like me with our mac ‘n’ cheese burrito, never had a chance to come, just learned about us and would like to check us out, please come and visit us for our last days. See you soon!”
Knoops
Address: 33 Queens Road, Bristol, BS8 1QG
Luxury hot chocolate cafe Knoops closed its Bristol branch last month after just two years.
Knoops opened its doors on the Clifton Triangle back in July 2024, in the home of the former Body Shop store at 33 Queens Road. At the time, it was the 20th Knoops branch to open in the UK, serving up hot chocolates, iced drinks and milkshakes.
The brand was founded by Jens Knoop in 2013, who created the concept of ‘Knoopology’, described as being ‘the art of crafting the perfect chocolate drink’.
Shoppers choose their preferred hot or cold drink followed by their chocolate percentage, then their milk, before any add-ons. It’s now listed as ‘permanently closed’ on Google.
But this local cafe found a new home
Bristol cafe and bakery, The Orchard Coffee Co, which was asked to move from its home of 10 years so its landlords could change it back to a church, has found a new home in an independent brewery elsewhere in the city.
The team at The Orchard Coffee Co shared a video of the new space on Mina Road in St Werburghs and wrote: “We’re coming back.
“After everything that’s happened with The Orchard, we weren’t quite ready to disappear just yet. We’re incredibly excited to announce that we’re taking over Fierce & Noble in St Werburghs.
“Same obsession with good coffee, great beer, proper pastries and bringing people together but a new home, a new chapter and a new direction. “There’s going to be a lot of change over the coming months… including a new name. A brewery, a roastery, a bakery, a place to eat, drink, hang out and, most importantly, gather.
“This is only the beginning. Watch this space.”
BristolLive reported in June that the St George coffee shop, which also had a branch in Stokes Croft, announced it would be closing for good on August 30.
And there’s new openings including:
Cocktail bar
A new cocktail bar and nightclub is set to open on the Clifton Triangle, in the former home of Lola Lo, which closed back in April after 12 years. Not much is known yet about the new venue, which is called Sunken Rooms, but signage is already up outside and posts have been shared to its new Instagram page.
No opening date has been announced at time of writing, but the website gives those interested in knowing more the chance to sign up to the newsletter.
Irish pub
And a new Irish pub is reportedly coming to Bristol’s Old City, opening its first Bristol location on Small Street with a planned launch in early October.
The new Irish pub will take over the former Hall Pass, Native, and Big Chill Bar premises, bringing a ‘traditional Kerry-inspired pub experience, live music, and Murphy’s stout to the historic building’s ground floor and vaulted basement’.
Bar Magazine reported back in August that Nancy Spains is a ‘fast growing independent Irish pub group founded by brothers Peter and Nicky O’Halloran. The pub brand currently operates venues in Shoreditch, Monument and Manchester, with more UK openings also planned in the future.
A specific opening date has not yet been confirmed for the Bristol opening, however.
