News / Restaurants
Family-run Italian restaurant announces sudden closure
Customers old and new have reacted with sadness to the news that the owners of a popular Italian restaurant in north Bristol have decided to close its doors.
Bomboloni was opened in 2017 by husband and wife team Andrew and Sara Griffin after the pair had previously worked together in restaurants across the city including Tart, Prego and Markwicks.
Andrew sadly died just two years later with Sara continuing the Gloucester Road business, later transforming it from a restaurant into a cafe and deli.
is needed now More than ever
Before it became Bomboloni, 225 Gloucester Road was Biblos on the Hill, prior to that Zazu’s Kitchen and once upon a time Bistro La Barrique – photo: Martin Booth
Writing on Instagram, Sara said: “It is with a heavy heart, that as of today I have taken the decision to close Bomboloni. There are many reasons for this, first and foremost having a health scare earlier in the year.
“There are also other factors of course, such as staffing and absolutely sky rocketing bills. I have given Bomboloni everything since Andrew died, now it’s time for me.”
Sara thanked Karolina Rivas for being her “constant support throughout and the respect I have for you is immeasurable, thank you is not enough”.
She also thanked her daughter Molly, saying: “I will forever cherish the time we have worked together, you have helped me in ways you will never know.”
She added: “A huge thank you to each and every member of our Bomboloni family over the past 5 years, you have all helped to shape us,
“Without the support of our wonderful customers we would never of lasted this long, so thank you to each and everyone of you that have eaten with us.
“I leave you with some of my favourite food photos, past and present, along with my favourite person of all time doing what made him so very happy.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cjyqp3gjPgV/
The Guardian wine writer Fiona Beckett replied: “It’s been such a pleasure going there over the years – not often enough I now realise but some great memories and some of the best plates of pasta out there.”
Ishita Wilkins, aka @withmustard_uk, wrote: “So sorry to hear this. We’ve had so many lovely meals with you. Wishing you all the best.”
Garden and food writer Lia Leendertz added: “So sorry to hear this, what a beautiful restaurant you made. Wishing you all wonderful things for the future.”
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read next:
- Tributes paid to much-loved Bristol chef
- These are the Bristol winners in the Observer Food Monthly Awards 2022
- Bomboloni to reopen as a cafe and deli
- Shock as Pret prepares to open in former pub
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