News / New Openings
New Stokes Croft collective in former bakery
A former pop-up bakery in Stokes Croft has reopened as a social enterprise, now offering several businesses under one roof – complete with its very own dragon.
There is Elemental Cafe, artwork from 123 Space, fruit and veg from Bear Fruit, preserves from GingerBeard’s, and coffee from Triple Co. Roast.
Esme Hutchinson, who runs Elemental, says that the aim is to support locals and provide a space for small businesses to sell their products.
Triple Co. Roast is one part of the collective. This micro-coffee roastery tucked into the corner of Elemental is Bristol’s only in-house roastery.
is needed now More than ever
Jo Harper’s company’s focus is on quality in speciality coffee, working in direct trade with the farmers that grow the beans.
Owner Jo Harper explains that he wants it to relational, “so people can come in, ask me questions while I’m roasting and see the whole process”.
The back of Elemental leads to 123 Space, a gallery run by Love Bristol, which is both a church and a charity.
The aim of Love Bristol, who also run up-cycling centre Happytat, vintage clothing shop Treasure and various community houses, is to positively affect the community and help promote local businesses.
123 Space has been running for the past 18 months, and has combined with Elemental in an aim to increase footfall.
Sophie Mocharrafie, who works for the social enterprise, says: “It exists to promote local artists work and to be an affordable venue for upcoming artists and musicians.”
Despite adverse feelings that remain among the community towards Tesco over the road, Hutchinson says that “there still aren’t many good alternatives”.
The aim for the collective, she explains, is to fill this gap, “to create a bit of a village feel in the middle of the city, and be a positive part of people’s daily routine”.
Read more: 21 things you didn’t know about Stokes Croft
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