An artisan ice cream parlour in Wapping Wharf has closed its doors for good after five years of serving Bristol. Oliver's Ice Cream served scoops for the last time on December 18 in its unit in Cargo 2 behind M Shed,
Owners Fran and David have decided to entire semi-retirement which meant closing the retail arm of the business. The pair opened the ice cream parlour in 2017 as one of the first businesses to join the Cargo development with a passion for fresh gelato and sorbets, offering more than 60 flavours in total over the years.
A statement on its website reads: "Oliver's Ice Cream has now permanently closed its shop in Wapping Wharf. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our customers for their support over the time we have been there."
Read more: All the new restaurants and bars that opened in Bristol in 2022
Fortunately for fans, Oliver's will continue to sell its famous ice cream cakes and other confectionaries online from March 2023 after the couple takes a break. The store was offering 50 per cent off its ice cream tubs in the lead up to Christmas to drain its stock before the final day.
In a statement shared on Instagram thanking the owners, Wapping Wharf said: "We would like to wish our friends at @olivers_ice_cream a fond farewell after being a much-loved part of the Wapping Wharf family for five years. They may have closed their shipping container shop but they'll be reopening their business as an online store in the coming months to stock their delicious range of chocolates and other confectionery, as well as their famous ice cream cakes for local deliveries - so watch this space!"
The news came as a disappointment to many of their loyal fans but the couple was wishes well for their semi retirement.
Sue Pursey commented: "So sad read to be reading this, your ice cream was always a treat on our trips to Bristol, but we can understand your decision as we have done the same with our business and cut back to enjoy more time out. Happy semi retirement."
Max Oliver said: "Very sorry to hear that. I just wish we were in Bristol more to visit more. I hope you enjoy having more time, but will miss your amazing ice creams."
Jack Hayward added: "Thanks so much for the incredible ice cream over the years, enjoy retirement!"
The news comes as Wapping Wharf has seen a number of closures and new openings towards the end of 2022. Woky Ko closed both of its Cargo sites but has since opened Daily Noodles. The area has also welcomed a new wine bar, East Bristol Bakery and a vegan deli to the development.
Up next:
