A popular cafe on Whiteladies Road has become the latest hospitality business in Bristol to close its doors due to rising costs. In a post on Instagram and a sign placed on the cafe's door, Tradewind Espresso said that 'due to the current cost of living crisis, it is no longer possible to keep the business running'.
Tradewind has operated from 118 Whiteladies road for eight years, where it serves its own blend of the Bristol-owned Roasted Ritual coffee alongside cakes and savouries and brunch. A particularly busy spot on weekends, the business grew from a mobile coffee van and, in 2018, was acquired by the London-based chain Department of Coffee & Social Affairs.
In July 2020, Big Hospitality reported that DOCSA entered liquidation, affecting 20 units trading under the flagship brand. While two other cafes operating under DOCSA in Bristol, including the Crazy Fox, shut their doors, Tradewind continued to operate.
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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." In the post's comments, customers expressed their sadness at the sudden closure.
One said: "Absolutely gutted to hear this. So sorry that the government isn’t doing more to support incredible businesses like yours. Best coffee in Bristol." Foliage Cafe in Clifton agreed with the sentiment, saying: "So infuriating! So many independents running out of business! This can’t keep happening!"
Tradewind is the latest independent hospitality business in Bristol lost to rising costs. Earlier this week, Cottage Bakery in Fishponds announced it has been forced to close one of two of its sites after battling a difficult economic climate for the past three years.
It appears as though there may be even more changes coming in Whiteladies Road. Next door to Tradewind, the property currently housing the cheesemonger and bottle shop Two Belly has been newly-marketed with Maggs & Allen. On its listing, the lease for the 1,130ft² unit with bi-folding doors to the street, is priced at £24,000 pa starting from August 1, 2023.
Next door to Two Belly and two doors down from Tradewind, a long-vacant double-fronted shop, which was previously a Boots, now has a let agreed. The 1,400sq ft retail unit was also marketed with Maggs & Allen and listed for £35,000pa. Bristol Live has approached Two Belly for comment.
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