Grounded

SPONSORED FEATURE

Founded in 2007 by property developer and entrepreneur Tobie Holbrook, the welcoming, relaxed vibe of Grounded is evident from the moment you walk in

All the café bars are well-placed in the centre of communities, providing a focal point for local residents. Offering a wide range of food; from their famous breakfasts, through to frequently changing seasonal specials, burgers and authentic stone-baked pizzas – there is truly something for everyone. 

The first Grounded, in Redfield, opened on January 14 2007. Tobie found himself spending a lot of his time at meetings in cafés, so when an opportunity came up to purchase 287 Church Road in Redfield, two doors up from his estate agency, he jumped at the chance to start his own. Tobie says that: ‘It seemed like the area [Redfield] was crying out for a family-friendly café, serving quality food in a relaxed environment. So this is exactly what we created.’

With chef Luka Lysiak on board, Grounded’s menu rapidly evolved, with a focus on seasonal ingredients provided by local suppliers. Tobie also saw the need for a place that opened in the evenings, so Grounded became licensed, and started showcasing local live music acts. The Redfield Grounded was followed by sites in Bedminster, Horfield, Brislington and Corsham. Although all following the same style in terms of interior décor, with old drawers and other recycled items adding to the rustic feel, each café retains a unique character, specific to the building and surrounding locality. 

Supporting the local economy is central to Grounded’s ethos. All Grounded café bars are access cashpoints of the Bristol Pound, meaning that you can exchange sterling for paper Bristol Pounds at the till, and everything sold at Grounded can also be bought in Bristol Pounds. Tobie says that involving the Bristol Pound with Grounded was a ‘no-brainer’, as the currency represents everything that Grounded stands for in terms of nurturing the local economy. 

Grounded has become particularly known for being a welcoming place for families and those with young children. The kids’ menu is extensive; offering everything from breakfast to homemade lasagne and pizzas. The kids’ pizza menu is proving a hit – the pizzas come with a range of toppings and have whimsical names, such as ‘Fireman Ham’ and ‘Despicable Meat’ for the ‘little’ kids, and ‘Darth Vedger’ and ‘Chickenbacka’ for the ‘big’ kids. A recent addition to the menu is the controversial chocolate pizza, a pizza base topped with chocolate spread, fresh strawberries, bananas and marshmallows, popular with kids and adults alike! With great food and such a welcoming atmosphere, Grounded seems to tick most boxes.