The Love Inn reopens to celebrate their fifth birthday

The Love Inn opens for the first time in 2019 this week to not only mark a refurbished interior and their fifth birthday, but also their dedication to inclusivity and diversity in Bristol’s music scene.

The Love Inn on Stokes Croft has been completely refurbished inside

As I step into The Love Inn just an hour before they are set to reopen their doors, the friendly staff are still putting the finishing touches to a bright and welcoming interior. I’m greeted by Dave Harvey.

The co-owner of the establishment and part of the team behind Love Saves the Day is pumped about the relaunch and eager to kick the year off in true Bristolian style: “We haven’t done anything to the venue since we’ve first opened, so we thought it was time for refresh and a brighten up.”

Having established themselves as a go-to destination for food and drinks on Stokes Croft over the last five years ago, it became clear that a full refurbishment was necessary when their pop-up food offerings, such as Pasta Slut, became increasingly popular.

“We’re doing some brilliant food now with Pasta Slut on board, so we needed the toilets to be restaurant standard,” Dave explains. “But once our designer, Rebecca, started delivering some great ideas, the vision just came together for a top-to-bottom refurb that really got us excited so we thought, let’s go for it.”

Keen to perfect the transition between early evening dinner and a few drinks after work into cocktails and a late-night boogie, brightly coloured walls, fresh plants and trendy lighting harkens to that warm neighbourhood bar vibe, whilst still retaining their reputation as a late-night party spot.

The new DJ booth has an incredible sound system

The new cocktail menu is set to make a stir this evening as well, with a multitude of classic drinks mixed nicely alongside some original concoctions – ‘It’s a love ting’ and its blend of Beefeater gin, lime, pineapple and grapefruit already has us wanting to hit the dance floor. Looking sleek, the new DJ booth is one of the first things to greet you as you walk in and there’s plenty of cosy spots to sit in between dances.

But it’s not just an updated interior and some snazzy drinks that makes us certain tonight will be a hit. Talented DJ and booking agent for the venue, Ellie Stokes, has recently joined the team and it is her knowledge and current involvement in the Bristol music scene that makes the upcoming programme of events at The Love Inn so exciting.

“As soon as we met Ellie, we knew she was the right person to build a programme around diverse, local and emerging talent in the city,” says Dave, a music-lover and DJ himself, who can’t wait for a range of tastes to blast through the top-notch sound system now in place.

“Across all our businesses we are trying to encourage equality and inclusivity in general and Ellie’s talent and suitability for the role only applauds and supports what should be the norm.”

The bar is fully stocked for tonight’s event

Ellie herself is hot on inclusivity and keen to get more women comfortable and involved in music.

“I’ve been busy getting in touch with a variety of new, young promoters to make sure anyone feels like they can go to The Love Inn,” she says.

“As a woman, I feel I can bring a feminine edge to the venue and the programme, get female DJ’s and promoters involved and make them feel welcome and comfortable in this space.”

With the likes of Chrisophe, Ben Price, James Teak, Ranks, James Dyer and Ellie herself playing on Thursday, and a brand-new menu from Pasta Slut on the cards, there’s definitely something for everyone in the reopening night’s lineup.

And the celebrations don’t stop there. Friday sees the launch of Palette, a new monthly Friday night series that invites a range of established DJs to host a night alongside their own music inspirations and friends.

February brings Craig Richards, Danielle Moore from Crazy P, Gatto Fritto and Paranoid London to the inn and in March Chris Farrel from Idle Hands will be resident DJ.

Hammer and Dave himself are also set to play on Saturday, while Sunday welcomes a Hold Tight Records Roots Special from 7 pm onwards.

The Love Inn reopens on Stokes Croft

Read more: Famous Stokes Croft club announces closure