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New cafe and bar opens in historic former sail workshop
The Architect is a new design-led cafe-bar and outdoors terrace overlooking Bristol’s Floating Harbour.
The new space on the ground floor of Design West has been designed through collaboration and project managed by Shankari Raj of Nudge Group, with design input from film and television designer Gemma Randall best known for her work on His Dark Materials and War of the Worlds.
The renovation project has restored what was originally an 18th century sail loft on Narrow Quay near Pero’s Bridge, with features including charred timber beams from a fire.
is needed now More than ever
Tiles underneath the bar of The Architect have been donated to help raise money for the redesigned building – photo: Martin Booth
Shankari, better known as Shanks, said: “For the last 20 years I’ve been involved with the centre from attending talks, speaking, curating exhibitions, supporting workshops to now running the education programme and project managing the build delivery.
“As we peeled away the layer of the building to restore it, it was heart-warming to see details and markings from the many guises that the space has taken on and the design details from architects and designers from the last quarter of a century.
“The centre has been a home for me, where I’ve connected with people who have become lifelong friends and mentors and who have guided me throughout my career in architecture.”
The accessible terrace on Narrow Quay is a brand new outdoor space overlooking the Floating Harbour – photo: Martin Booth
Coffee at The Architect is from Clifton Coffee and pastries from Bakery Number Eight in St Paul’s, with cakes including pistachio polenta cake and vegan carrot cake.
“Design West is a lively new home for design and placemaking,” said Design West director, Anna Rutherford.
“The venue marks a step change for us as we open up our building to engage locally and internationally, across sector and society, to shape better places.”
Looking out onto Narrow Quay from inside The Architect – photo: Martin Booth
The project was completed thanks to a successful crowdfunder, and the construction phase employed local makers, metal-workers, upholsterers and craftspeople.
Shanks added: “Without the support of suppliers and built environment professionals coming together to give free time and products this project would not have been possible.”
Main photo: Martin Booth
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