Until very recent it was an ugly, derelict building in the heart of Stokes Croft and, fenced off from the public, it was showing very little signs of life. However, after a major renovation it opened its doors this summer and The Canteen has since miraculously become the epicentre of Bristol’s cultural quarter and is now one of the city’s most popular gastro-bar-venues.

In a nutshell, The Canteen’s success is down to the fact it caters for all; every type of person imaginable can be seen in there throughout the days and nights enjoying everything it has to offer. There’s the wide variety of drinks available including many local ales. There’s the excellent food - an excellent seasonal menu that’s put up on the kitchen’s blackboard everyday offering anything from a scrumptious fish pie to a delicious Thai curry, and all for a fiver (and don’t forget the free soup with every order)! There’s the art and music six days a week - always local and lively. And, most importantly, there’s the great atmosphere - always inviting, friendly and unpretentious, it becomes progressively more energetic the later into the evening it gets or the closer you creep to the dancefloor.

Growing through word-of-mouth alone, The Canteen’s popularity is mega, as the queues show every night; a tasty, chilled, cheerful, hearty and happening Mecca – it’s a wonder how we ever did without it! What’s important to remember though, is that The Canteen is just one part of the thriving urban regeneration project that is Hamilton House. In the multiple floors and rooms above and behind The Canteen you will find a wealth of studios, offices and workshops full of artists, performers and musicians, generating a hub of local creativity, enterprise and innovation. The scheme is all run by Coexist and you owe it to yourself to get down there and get involved!

www.coexistuk.org

Richard Entwistle
Photos by Ian Bradley