News / Cafes
Cafe opens in one of Bristol’s most historic buildings
One of the only surviving remains of Bristol Castle has been transformed into a new cafe.
Vaulted Chambers Cafe was originally the entrance to the castle’s great hall, with a counter and seating in two rooms with elaborate vaulted ceilings that give the historic building its name.
A team from Bristol City Council worked with Historic England to restore the Scheduled Ancient Monument.
is needed now More than ever
Previously a Boots before this area of what is now Castle Park was changed forever in the Blitz, income from the new cafe will be used to help fund the cost of maintaining Bristol’s parks and green spaces.
Much of the food is made on the premises, with tray bakes from Cakesmiths in St Philip’s and coffee from Wogan in St Jude’s.
The council’s business catering manager, Jayne Grocock, told Bristol24/7 said that it is “really rewarding to finally get the doors open” to the Vaulted Chambers Cafe.
“Everything in there is about preserving what we have left of it while also trying to create a contemporary cafe…
“It’s absolutely glorious inside. It’s got the vaulted ceilings and they are absolutely beautiful. I think it’s great that people can come in and see that.”
Listen to more from Jayne in the next episode of the Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast.
The vaulted chambers have been described as “an amazing survivor” – photo: Martin Booth
Despite its small size, there are still plenty of nooks and crannies to explore – photo: Martin Booth
The building was previously a Boots and a tobacconist – photo: Martin Booth
The money the cafe makes will be spent on the upkeep of Bristol’s parks and green spaces – photo: Martin Booth
None of the historic fabric of the building has been touched by the new cafe – photo: Martin Booth
Vaulted Chambers Cafe is located near the bandstand at the Old Market end of Castle Park – photo: Martin Booth
Main photo: Martin Booth; TikTok video by Mersina Booth
Read more: Learning more about the last surviving part of Bristol Castle above ground
Listen to the latest episode of the Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast:
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