People urged to support

People urged to support the quarter's independent businesses but act responsibly when doing so

Many shops, restaurants and cafes are preparing to re-open[1] from Monday April 12th onwards at Wapping Wharf, Bristol's muchloved harbourside quarter, in line with the Government's roadmap for lifting lockdown.

New stretch tents have been put in place on the upper levels of CARGO 1 and 2, Wapping Wharf's popular retail hub made of converted shipping containers, providing covered outdoor seating areas for people to dine al fresco. Additional outdoor seating is also being accommodated at the bottom of Gaol Ferry Steps, between Wild Beer and CARGO 1, with pedestrian and cycle access. The Wapping Wharf team is launching a Wapping Wharf Code to encourage people to help keep the area a safe and enjoyable place for everyone. The Code builds on existing measures in place at Wapping Wharf, which include one-way systems within CARGO 1 and 2 and signage to encourage people to keep their distance from one another and queue appropriately.

The independent business community at Wapping Wharf has made huge efforts to adapt in innovative ways over the last year, many launching takeaway, click and collect and delivery services.

Ben Williams, owner of Jigaraki, a Persian-inspired street food takeaway, which opened at Wapping Wharf during the pandemic, said: 6 "I've been struck by how businesses here at Wapping Wharf have pulled together and the incredible creativity they have shown in such challenging circumstances. It is really something special, a unique community like no other."

Tessa Lidstone, co-owner of Bib Gourmand restaurant BOX-E, which is re-opening for outdoor dining from April 21st at CARGO 1, said: "Wapping Wharf's strong collaborative ethos and an extremely supportive landlord have helped small businesses survive, and in many cases flourish, during this difficult year." Many of the restaurants at Wapping Wharf have seen huge interest in pre-bookings ahead of re-opening, with BOX-E's next availability for a Saturday night in mid June.

Meanwhile, many businesses are planning to retain new initiatives they've launched during the past year for the long term. Hayley Wright, owner of plant shop Bush Bristol at Wapping Wharf, said:

“We launched click and collect and UK delivery as part of our efforts to keep trading during lockdown and we will most certainly be keeping these going in the future as they’ve proved really successful.