00am Tuesday morning and I realised that

"For me, the reason Wapping Wharf is a such a special place is the emphasis on personal interaction. It's rare on a mainstream high street for business owners to know their customers by name and vice versa - at Wapping Wharf, it's what makes the community tick!" Stuart Hatton, managing director at Umberslade, the developer behind Wapping Wharf, said: "We are so looking forward to seeing many of the independent businesses at Wapping Wharf re-open fully over the coming weeks and months.

"They have shown exceptional commitment, innovation and adaptability during the past year and we encourage people to support them. In doing so, we kindly ask for people's collaboration to ensure Wapping Wharf is safe and enjoyable for everyone."

People are encouraged to keep an eye on businesses' social media channels for updates over the coming weeks. Here is a taste of what's to come: Better Food's shop has been open throughout lockdown, but it will be offering table service on the café terrace from April 12th. Takeaway available as normal.

Gambas is cooking up new dishes for its menu ahead of opening its terrace for pre-booking and walk-ins from April 12th,.

Woky Ko Cargo and Rooftop are getting ready for outdoor dining from April 12th, offering both pre-booking and walk-ins Cargo Cantina will be opening its outside area for walk-ins from April 12th, as well as providing takeaway on the door and via click and click and delivery platforms. Shops re-opening fully from April 12th include Frankly and Fig 1; Bush Bristol is re-opening fully on April 13th Wild Beer at Wapping Wharf is opening its outside area on April 12th for walk ins, with its kitchen open for service from 14th

Seven Lucky Gods will be re-opening its outdoor terrace on April 12th

Calypso Kitchen is re-opening its outside seating area from April 12th for walk-ins. Elevate Yoga Studio + Creative Space, which currently offers virtual sessions, is

looking to re-open from May 17th.

A short film was created at the end of 2020 celebrating the independent businesses at Wapping Wharf as they continued to adapt and collaborate through lockdown. Produced by Lorne Kramer, of Under the Wing Productions, the film is a reminder of what makes independent businesses so unique. Wapping Wharf is in the heart of Bristol's historical and cultural quarter, with its treelined pedestrian and cycle route, Gaol Ferry Steps, providing an important connection between south Bristol to the city centre. Now home to over 40 independent businesses, many of which are based within CARGO - a popular hub made of converted shipping containers, Wapping Wharf is home to some of the city's best independent restaurants, shop, cafes and lifestyle businesses.