Call for people to explore Bristol’s diverse high streets

Eddie Essa pours rich espresso into a small cup with an expert flourish as he serves mayor Marvin Rees on Monday afternoon.

The business owner welcomes a new campaign encouraging people in Bristol to explore their local high streets and get to know traders as part of a bid to boost the city’s diverse independents in the wake of the pandemic.

Covid has affected many East Street businesses as it has in other areas, but traders say footfall had already dropped in recent years with the closure of banks and the number of empty premises taking their toll on the once-thriving street.

“It just needs a bit of attention,” says Eddie (pictured above), who has owned and run Eddie’s Coffee Lounge for seven years.

“There are lots of empty shops now.” He believes attracting more people to the area will make a big difference and help boost all businesses with the potential for increased footfall and more investment.

Frank Tunc, the owner of Sunshine Cafe just up the road. agrees there need to be more new businesses to move into the vacant units and help restore the street to its former glory.

He has run his business for 11 years and says it’s sad to see the state of the high street now.

“There used to be so many people down here,” adds Ellie Dare, who works in Sunshine Cafe. “Now the banks are closed.”

She says investment is definitely needed in the area.

Ellie Dare and Frank Tunc of Sunshine Café with mayor Marvin Rees for the launch of Where’s it to? Photo by Ellie Pipe

East Street is one of 15 high streets in Bristol, including the city centre, that will be profiled as part of the new Where’s it to? campaign, which aims to help boost businesses and lift areas that have been adversely hit by the pandemic.

In March, Bristol City Council announced plans to bring 150 vacant properties back into use as part of a £4.7m recovery package for Bristol’s high streets and city centre.

Launching the Where’s it to? campaign on Monday, Rees met with traders and locals, who gave their views on what needs to change to improve high streets.

“Alright, Marvin?” called one resident, beeping the horn of his scooter as rode cheerfully past Sunshine Cafe.

“What’s the difference between North Street and East Street?” asked another passerby as he highlighted the disparities between the two neighbouring streets in Bedminster, while another cafe regular said there is a need for more accessible toilets for disabled people.

Speaking about the aims of the new campaign, Rees said: “This campaign celebrates the unique character of each Bristol high street while recognising the contribution to the city as a whole. After a challenging year, we want to promote our shopkeepers, restaurateurs and businesses, as they have been critical to morale during the pandemic.

“Many of us have been shopping more on our local high streets and we really want to encourage more of this as we begin to recover from the pandemic. We are inviting Bristolians to shop locally, stay safe and take care of each other.”

The Where’s it to? campaign has launched with a series of films highlighting some of the gems on East Street, the Old City and Church Road in Redfield.

A different high street is due to be profiled each week through a short documentary capturing a snapshot of different areas as businesses reopen once more.

Well-known Bedminster pharmacist Ade Williams stars in the East Street film, which features a number of local businesses. He told Bristol24/7 it is vital to support local high streets not just for the businesses but as a key part of the identity of neighbourhoods and residents.

Bristol City Council is leading the project, which is being paid for by a chunk of £831,570 from the European Regional Development Fund to help high streets rebuild and grow.

Main photo by Ellie Pipe

Read more: £4.7m to help Bristol’s high streets recover in wake of pandemic