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Design West and Architect Café
Slip inside Design West and you’ll find more than exhibition walls and architect’s sketches; just beyond the foyer hums Places & Spaces, a light‑filled café‑bar that feels like the building’s beating heart. Sun streams through tall windows onto communal tables, inviting freelancers to unfurl laptops beside neighbours deep in debate over urban greenspace. The espresso arrives rich and velvety, pastries flake like confetti, and seasonal lunches lean toward the wholesome—think roasted‑veg focaccia, zesty salads, and soups bright with herbs from local allotments. By late afternoon, the coffee machine softens its purr as craft beers and natural wines take centre stage, the vibe shifting from studio break‑room to laid‑back living‑room without anyone needing to budge a seat.
Yet the magic here isn’t only on the plate or in the glass; it’s in the conversation stitched between them. One table sketches plans for community housing while another pair trades tips on sustainable textiles. Exhibitions spill out into casual chats, talks continue over chai, and strangers leave as collaborators. In a city celebrated for creativity, Places & Spaces is the meeting‑point where inspiration gets a caffeine kick and big dreams find willing listeners.
We fuel bold thinking with small comforts—because the best designs often start with a shared pot of coffee and a doodle on a napkin.
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About
Wapping Wharf
Bristol
Bristol is known for its unique spirit, love of independent businesses and its creative, buzzing atmosphere. At Wapping Wharf this is truly reflected. Located right on the beautiful harbour side, Wapping Wharf combines history and modernity. With its background in shipyards dating back to the 1700s, much of the history is still apparent around the area. Brought together by new ideas and concepts that have created a special blend of vibes that make Wapping Wharf feel so special.
The area is thriving with an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants and cafés, all offering something different so there is plenty to explore, day after day. No matter what the occasion, the Wapping Wharf scene is sure to please — a day out shopping to treat yourself to a new wardrobe, a fine dining dinner to celebrate, drinks after a day at work, a relaxing yet rejuvenating yoga class or a trip to the art gallery to get some culture in - it has it all. And don’t miss out on CARGO; an area of Wapping Wharf with the incredible concept of shipping containers converted into shops, eateries and more. A great concept that ties into the history of the Wapping Wharf area, which has long been associated to ships. With gorgeous views over the harbour side, this one of a kind area of Bristol really is the perfect place to spend your day.
Multi-cultural, with street art and concerts on every corner, Bristol is one of the UK's most vibrant cities. But what makes the city unique is its huge drive to keep things local. From the stylish boutiques of Clifton to the quirky brunch spots of Stokes Croft, the Bristol independent scene has something for everyone, no matter your age, background or tastes.
Apart from its fantastic opportunities for shopping, eating and drinking, visitors flock to Bristol to discover the historic sites, famous galleries and diverse architecture that make the city so popular.
Spend your day in Bristol admiring Banksy's murals, Brunel's bridge and Britain's natural beauty. You don't have to head far out of this buzzing metropolis to find chocolate box villages, woodlands and the jaw-dropping Avon Gorge.
Come and discover the best and brightest of Bristol through the creative independents who keep the city turning.
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