End of an era as Cotham newsagent calls it a day

Chemistry postgraduate-turned newsagent Jabir Shah, who ran Tuck News in Cotham for 15 years, has shut up shop for the last time.

The convenience store owner has been a much-loved part of the local community but has announced his early retirement due to ill health.

Shah, who ran Tuck News with the help of his family, opened the shop on Cotham Road South for one last time on Saturday, when many well wishers stopped by to bid farewell to the well-liked shopkeeper.

Speaking to Bristol24/7, Shah said: “I love this community. I don’t have any other shop. I poured all my efforts into this shop and people have been so good to us.”

On the messages of support, he said: “I was moved by all the kind messages people sent me. I’m glad I was able to help the community even in a small way. This is a wonderful community and I’m going to miss it. I started this business as a trial for only couple of years but I was moved by the warmth and the acceptance of these people.”

Chemistry postgraduate-turned newsagent, Jabir Shah who ran Tuck News in Cotham for 15 years, has shut up shop for the last time

Shah, whose name became synonymous with warmth and reliability, fostered connections beyond mere transactions.

Regular customers recall fondly the welcoming atmosphere that permeated the small shop. From sharing anecdotes about everyday life to engaging in discussions about current events, the newsagent was not just a vendor but a friend to many in the neighbourhood.

Originally from southern Pakistan near Karachi, Shah intended to pursue a career in academia. After completing his masters degree in Pakistan, Shah started his PhD in chemistry from the University of Bristol, which he completed in 1998.

After spending some time at the University of Hull and then trying his hand in the burgeoning computer and tech industry, Shah returned to Bristol with not many options up his sleeves.

The father of 11 (eight sons and three daughters) was looking to the future with uncertainty with a family to feed and a mortgage to pay when he took the reins of Tuck News “on a wing and a prayer”.

His trepidations were unfounded as residents of Cotham and Kingsdown took him as their own with a sustained loyalty over the years.

The store sold a wide selection of newspapers, magazines, wines and beers on top of day-to-day groceries, such as bread, milk and snacks.

However, as the years passed, the wear and tear of running the shop took a toll on his health. Despite his unwavering dedication, he found it increasingly challenging to manage the day-to-day operations.

Tuck News on Cotham Road South will reopen under new ownership after the retirement of Jabir Shah

Tuck News has been sold to a newsagent on the same road, Monika’s, with whom Tuck News maintained a healthy competition and cordial relationship.

The proprietor at Monika’s is looking forward to the new chapter as he intends to operate the twin stores with plans to complement one another.

All photos: Milan Perera

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