Wapping Wharf's Wild Beer has joined the growing list of businesses that have closed since the start of 2023. There has been a tidal wave of closures in recent months as many companies struggle to survive during the cost of living crisis.
The 14 empty units in Broadmead also signpost a difficult time for big retailers as well as independent businesses. Paperchase and M&Co are the latest UK-wide businesses to fall into administration in the last week, which will impact thousands of jobs around the country.
While not every business has cited rising costs as the reason for shutting, it has been a huge factor in why many venues, restaurants and retailers have become financially unviable in the current economic climate. Here's a rundown of all the Bristol businesses we've lost since the start of the year - serving as a reminder to shop local wherever possible to protect the city's independent scene.
Read more: Bar permanently closes as landlord 'takes back the premises'
Jigaraki
A string of businesses have closed in recent months at Wapping Wharf for various different reasons. Jigaraki had its last day of service in the Cargo development on New Year's Day after almost three years, but have said it's not the end for the Middle Eastern street food trader.
"We will be taking some time to work out what is next for Jigaraki. We would like to thank everyone for their support over the last few years and look forward to seeing you all in the future," the business said in a statement on Instagram.
Klosterhaus
The German-inspired restaurant housed in a historic, Grade I-listed building, shared a message on its website on January 3 stating that the restaurant was now permanently closed after just over two years of business. Hospitality group and owners D&D London explained that the decision was due to the cost of living crisis - you can read the full statement here.
One former Klosterhaus employee spoke to BristolLive at the time detailing allegations of staff walkouts over Christmas and high staff turnover. “We were left like a basketball team with no coaches in one of the busiest times in one of the busiest restaurants in Bristol. We scrambled people together to get as many as we could,” they claimed.
Sunday General
Clifton's Sunday General closed on January 29 citing the impact of the cost of living crisis. The bakery and store opened in October 2020 during the pandemic to offer a one-stop shop for local suppliers and producers.
"Like so many small businesses affected by the cost of living crisis, we’ve had to make the difficult decision to close our doors. We’ve absolutely loved being a part of the Clifton Village community and are super grateful for all the lovely customers and suppliers we’ve had the pleasure of meeting and working with," the store said in a statement.
The Burger Joint
The two sites of The Burger Joint have been closed since the beginning of the year. It is still unclear whether the restaurants might reopen, but both sites are listed as 'temporarily closed' on Google and the business website currently does not work.
Founder Dan Bekhradnia opened the first restaurant back in 2009 and the brand quickly became known for its build-your-own burgers. He decided to sell up in 2021 after more than 12 years as owner after he relocated away from Bristol and sought a new challenge.
Castle Bakery
Cottage Bakery was forced to close one of two of its sites after battling a difficult economic climate for the past three years. The much-loved bakery made the difficult decision to shut its Fishponds branch on Downend Road for good on January 29 with "heartfelt sadness".
The independent bakery is famous for its bread, cake and pastries as well as its bespoke celebration cakes. Cottage Bakery will continue to run its site on Rounceval Street in Chipping Sodbury.
Assembly Bakery
The award-winning bakery in Old Market announced it was permanently closing last week (February 3). The Assembly Bakery on West Street has thanked its customers for their support over the years, after announcing the closure with a "heavy heart".
The Old Market site first opened in 2017 and quickly became known for its beautifully made loaves, pastries and cakes championing some of the best local ingredients. At one time it had two sites after expanding to a unit in Wapping Wharf in 2021, which shut last year.
Tradewind
A Clifton cafe, Tradewind Espresso, said that 'due to the current cost of living crisis, it is no longer possible to keep the business running'. It started its life as a mobile van before taking over the site on Whiteladies Road that it called home for eight years.
The statement from Tradewind said: "After eight years of service, we are sorry to announce that Tradewind Espresso has now permanently closed its doors. Due to the current cost of living crisis, it is no longer possible to keep the business running."
Flipside
The Clifton venue that had one of the city's biggest selections of craft beers called time on the bar after 15 years. Flipside is set to become the permanent spot for A.B.O.E., which had been run from the venue as a food pop-up.
Wild Beer
Wild Beer's Bristol bar has permanently closed after the owners and developers of Wapping Wharf took over the premises. Umberslade said it did its "very best to support the team" during financial difficulties but it "had to draw a line".
The West Country brewery was one of the first independent operators to join the Wapping Wharf neighbourhood in 2016 when the area was first earmarked for redevelopment. The future of the Gaol Ferry Steps taproom was then plunged into doubt after Wild Beer fell into administration in December last year.
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