News / Cafes

‘Perfect storm’ forces popular cafe to close

By Martin Booth  Friday Sep 8, 2023

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”.

Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
Keep our city's journalism independent. Become a supporter member today.

“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

Read next:

Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast:

Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
I want to receive (tick as many as you want):
I'm interested in (for future reference):
Marketing Permissions

Bristol24/7 will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing. Please let us know all the ways you would like to hear from us:

We will only use your information in accordance with our privacy policy, which can be viewed here - www.bristol247.com/privacy-policy/ - you can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting us at [email protected]. We will treat your information with respect.


We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here.

Related articles

You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Join the Better
Business initiative
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
* prices do not include VAT
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Enjoy delicious local
exclusive deals
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Wake up to the latest
Get the breaking news, events and culture in your inbox every morning

Are you sure you want to downgrade?

You will lose some benefits you currently enjoy.
Benefits you will lose: