News / New Openings
Double fresh servings for historic street
Baldwin Street has recently received a fresh boost to its food and drink scene with two new openings – Tonkotsu and Rosa’s Thai.
Baldwin Street, nestled between Corn Street and Kings Street, is home to several popular food and drink establishments such as Bella Italia, Pret, Brewdog, Society Cafe, NQ64 and Tonight Josephine. The openings of two popular nationwide chains are set to add further vibrancy to the eclectic food and drink scene in Bristol.
The two restaurants which opened their doors within days to one another have already attracted throngs of food lovers to try their signature dishes. Both premises are located in the Alliance Building which traces its history back to 1881 with prominent French Renaissance features.
is needed now More than ever
Rosa’s Thai stands on the edge of Marsh Street in what used to be a Co-Op shop and post office. The popular chain which boasts of over 30 restaurants around the country with outlets in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds and Liverpool has opened its Bristol restaurant soon after opening its Bath branch.
View this post on Instagram
Rosa’s that began its food and drink journey in 2008 at a market stall in East London is the brainchild of Saiphin Moore. What started as a humble venture has become a purveyor of popular Thai dishes with an extensive menu created by Saiphin herself.
The menu includes crowd pleasers such as Pad Thai, red curry,Tom Yum, pork skewers and chicken satay. The “VIP Launch Party” is to take place on September 26.
View this post on Instagram
Tonkotsu on the other hand specialises in Japanese ramen noodle dishes with its own loyal following. Since opening its doors next to Society Cafe, the restaurant has seen long queues outside the premises eager to catch a glimpse of its offerings. Tonkotsu, loosely translated as ‘pork bones’ is the main ingredient of the signature broth which is served with noodles, roast pork belly, bean sprouts and bamboo.
The menu includes noodles, katsu curries, gyozas and broths alongside its chilli oil that can be purchased to take home.
Since opening its doors next to Society Cafe, the restaurant has seen long queues outside the premises – photo: Milan Perera
Founded by the friends Ken Yamada and Emma Reynolds, Tonkotsu opened its first restaurant in London in 2012 after the success of their pop up in 2011.
Rosa’s Thai and Tonkotsu are located in the Alliance Building which traces its history back to 1881 with prominent French Renaissance features – photo: Martin Booth
Speaking to Bristol24/7, Yamada and Reynolds said: “We have been blown away by how kind everyone has been throughout our opening couple of weeks, we’re so happy to finally be able to serve our ramen in Bristol. It’s fantastic also to be able to have beer on tap from one of Bristol’s finest brewers, Lost and Grounded.”
Rosa’s Thai stands on the edge of Marsh Street in what used to be a Co-Op shop and post office – photo: Milan Perera
Chris O’Mahony of Savills hailed the latest additions as replacing “a number of long term voids”. He posted on social media: “ The Alliance House on Baldwin Street has been a long term project. Back in the depths of ‘Covid’ we advised that once refurbished this block would attract a quality range of new occupiers. Jump forward to today and Tonkotsu, Rosa’s Thai and Society Cafe are now in and trading.
“These openings have brought new life and interest to this section of Baldwin Street and replaced a number of long term voids.”
Main photo: Milan Perera
Read next:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
