Pubs and Bars / Cafes
Bar of the Week: Tobacco Factory
North Street has a festive vibe on the last evening of November.
Lights twinkle overhead, there’s an impromptu singalong outside one bar and the three wise men even put in an appearance – but more on that later.
The scene of chaotic merriment inside the Tobacco Factory café bar is reminiscent of a huge, mad, family Christmas get together.
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This is a place where anyone can feel at home, as friends perch on high stools, cradling their beers, large groups cram around big wooden tables, couples drape themselves over comfy sofas, a guide dog lies contentedly, keeping one eye on the door, and children play underfoot.
It is a true mix of people as the south Bristol community takes refuge from the winter chill inside the welcoming warmth of the former tobacco factory.
The vast venue doesn’t naturally lend itself to cosiness, yet with Christmas lights twinkling from every available surface, work from Bristol artists adorning the walls, baked goods sitting temptingly on the bar and tantalising aromas drifting from the open kitchen, the atmosphere is decidedly cheery.
A barman knowledgeably talks through the options of craft beers, ciders and wines available, providing efficient service, while maintaining the air of someone who has been asked one too many times about the cask of mulled cider that ran out long ago.
‘Strike a light for independents’ is emblazoned on staff t-shirts as a nod to the bar’s former life at the heart of Bristol’s tobacco industry, as well as its strong ethos of supporting local businesses. Indeed, a number of market traders are set up on tables along the far wall to sell their wares.
Two of the three wise men
“Have you seen a camel?” says a voice from behind. It belongs to a man decked in long robes and matching head wear – one of the three wise men – and his two counterparts aren’t far behind.
They wander through the bar, chat to a few children and make their exit – all just par for the course on a Thursday night in Southville.
The Tobacco Factory uses Mark’s Bread from the award-winning bakery just across the road – among many other local suppliers – and it proves a winning choice as a large mug of mushroom soup arrives with three deliciously satisfying chunks of bread.
The soup itself is creamy, wholesome and perfectly flavoured, with the added joy of melted Parmesan to be scraped up from the bottom. For £4.50, it makes for a warming and tasty light dinner – the only complaint is that there just isn’t quite enough of it.
Other foodie options range from hearty chunks of sausage rolls, sharing platters, bar snacks and mains – with plenty of choice for vegetarians – while the drinks offering is extensive, with a small glass of good red wine priced at around £2.80.
On the corridor by the toilets, an art machine is fashioned from an old cigarette machine, selling ancient Egyptian style amulets made from clay dug up in Bristol.
The features epitomises a venue that manages to be quirky, artistic and cool, while remaining inclusive, welcoming and steadfastly local.
Tobacco Factory cafe bar, Raleigh Road, BS3 1TF
0117 902 0060
www.tobaccofactory.com/cafe-bar
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