‘Perfect storm’ forces popular cafe to close

The owner of a popular cafe has detailed a “perfect shit storm” which has led her to close after more than seven years.

Shona Graham first opened Emmeline on Cheltenham Road before moving the short distance to the Canteen on Stokes Croft.

She said that despite trying “so hard for so long (it is) time to draw the line”.

“The main thing I want to stress at this point is it’s not due to a lack of loyalty from our customersm” said Shona. “Your loyalty has honestly been outstanding, overwhelming, amazing through the last 7.5 years.”

Saturday is the last day of Emmeline on Stokes Croft but its cafe in Spike Island will continue to operate.

Shona Graham in the original Emmeline on Cheltenham Road – photo: Shona Graham

Writing on Instagram, Shona said: “Got to rip the plaster off! Sadly Stokes Croft will be closing. I’ve been trying to figure out what to write, but ironically the cafe has been so busy this week (and hotttt! ?) that I’ve struggled to start.

“As you’ve had to endure hearing many times with fellow loved small businesses. The perfect shit storm of the already small margins, not recovering from covid.. the landscape has completely changed for lunch trade- working from home/shorter weeks etc.. coupled with an extreme rise in costs, staffing shortages & decrease in spending whilst trying to keep price point accessible to as many as possible & maintain the quality of the offering (& who can forget the car through the window!) it’s just now impossible to come back from. I’ve tried so hard for so long. Time to draw the line.

“There’s lots more to say but the main thing I want to stress at this point is it’s not due to a lack of loyalty from our customers. Your loyalty has honestly been outstanding, overwhelming, amazing through the last 7.5 years. Thank you & I’m so sorry to you guys. Please keep eating your greens!! ?

“It’s been humbling & very emotional seeing lots of you this week ? I’ve been back on the floor the last couple of months & I’m so happy I was able to soak up how special our community is.

“Team Emmeline past & present you have made me so proud & delivered such a special service every day ❤️ thank you so much you make it what it is! You are a very special group of women.

“My friends who have helped me relentlessly over the years to build/resurrect these beautiful spaces THANK YOU there is no way it would happen without you with the shoe string budgets I have hustled with ?

“Thank you to our precious local suppliers @wogancoffee @thebristolloaf @forestbakerybristol @tigerandfloat @abunoorfoods @arthurdavidfws amongst many others past & present who bring the goods rain or shine we’d be nothing without you!

“She lives on, you can still find the same menu & welcome @spikeisland and order on @foodstuffbris & our good work will continue with @teamcanteenbristol ❤️ Last day is Saturday xx”

The original Emmeline on Cheltenham Road is now Poquito – photo: Martin Booth

Main photo: Abbie James

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