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Bristol’s first Japanese-inspired ‘listening cafe’ opens
A cafe which is inspired by Japanese ‘listening bars’ has opened its doors.
The idea for Lonely Mouth is to talk less and listen more with thoughtful sound placement given the first priority.
The new opening on 401 Gloucester Road is the business’ first bricks and mortar premises following pop-up residencies at the Volunteer Tavern in St Jude’s and the Plough in Easton.
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Owner and head chef Olivia Maxwell-Yates was inspired by a visit to Tokyo where she explored vibrant listening bars and sampled the city’s cuisines.
She previously worked in market stalls and restaurants in London before discovering a passion for Japanese ingredients and moving to Bristol.
Setting up with her partner Mikey Hammerton, co-founder of Pirate Studios and a self-proclaimed audiophile, the pair wanted to make somewhere that encompassed their love of food and music.
And Lonely Mouth – in what was previously Burra before that cafe moved to North Street – promises to be just that, named after the Japanese word ‘kuchisabishii’ which refers to the feeling when your mouth is lonely and in want of food.
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Lonely Mouth’s menu includes classics of Japanese cuisine, including silken tofu, salted edamame and deep-fried chicken kaarage.
The cafe also sells vegan baked goods from Rebel Rox
Lonely Mouth features decks where customers are encouraged to bring along their vinyls to jam and share music.
The cafe is currently open Tuesday to Sunday 8am to 5pm, with Olivia and Mikey hoping to expand their hours to include evening events as well as obtaining an alcohol license.
Main photo: Hope Talbot
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