Better Business / Member profile
BOX-E
BOX-E is proof that businesses are never too small to make a difference.
Formed of just two shipping containers, this tiny 18-seat Wapping Wharf restaurant puts local and seasonal produce at the fore in a mission to work towards a more sustainable food network.
Bristol producers feature heavily on the menu in a small love letter to fellow local businesses who are also driving a change in food consumption and waste reduction.
Owners Tessa and Elliott Lidstone knew before they opened their restaurant that they wanted to mentor young budding chefs; giving them the opportunity to break into an often-tough industry with a well-documented skills shortage.
In the two years that BOX-E has been open, they have taken on two apprentices (the first having graduated to a full time job at Harvey Nichols Second Floor Restaurant), as well as three work experience students.
They were early supporters of Bristol 24/7’s young chef programme, helping achieve the funding to make it happen, giving chef demos and providing food for events.
Since opening, the restaurant has donated approaching £4,000 in a combination of money and vouchers to local charities and organisations. BOX-E was a founding venue for BellyLaughs, which raises money for Julian House homeless shelter, and has provided ongoing support for the Grand Appeal, Action Against Hunger and StreetSmart.
BOX-E is excited to join Better Bristol with the knowledge that there is a real appetite in our city to do things differently and, in turn, to make a difference.
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