News / Cafe
The couple breathing new life into mini Bedminster cafe
Tina Gozra is busy putting the finishing touches to the compact interior of a coffee shop that will soon reopen as Brew n Bites.
Along with partner, Dave Wilkins, she is breathing new life into the premises next to Star News & Booze on Bedminster Parade, which will soon be offering hot drinks, sandwiches, jacket potatoes, cakes and more to the people of Bedminster.
The couple aim to offer good quality food and drink, using locally-sourced produce at reasonable prices – and they have a secret weapon in the ready-made supply of meat and freshly-made sausage rolls that will be supplied by the butchers they own in Hanham Common.
is needed now More than ever
For Tina, who will be running Brew n Bites, it’s a far cry from the desk job she had until recently, but she says she’s excited by the challenge and can’t wait to start welcoming people into the cafe that has space for about four seats inside and will offer takeaways.
Tina Gozra has ditched a desk job to launch Brew n Bites in Bedminster
“Dave’s always looking out for opportunities, and then this shop came up,” Tina tells Bristol24/7.
“It’s just really nice. It’s not so big it’ll be overwhelming and I can run it by myself.
“Dave’s got a little one and I’ve got two children, so it’s nice to have something for them as well, for their future.”
Tina and Dave will be using coffee from Bristol Coffee Company and intend to source all produce from local suppliers where possible, including, of course, Hanham Common Butchers, which was named ‘best butcher in Bristol’ and has recently notched up more gold awards for its sausages and faggots.
Tina has lived in Bristol all her life and used to attend St Mary Redcliffe & Temple School, just across the water from Bedminster. She says it’s lovely to return to open a business in such a familiar part of the city, adding that it has changed a lot over the years.
“There aren’t really many places that do more traditional stuff, like jacket potatoes and sandwiches,” she says.
Tina and Dave will be using locally-sourced produce in their new cafe
The couple will use much of the equipment left by the previous business, Coffee Shop, Canteen, but the jacket potato oven in pride of place behind the counter is new, as is the decoration.
While it will be the first time working in hospitality for Tina, she has had plenty of experience catering big family events.
Dave says: “The nice thing about the butchers is that it’s something that’s decent, that’s reasonably priced, and we’ll aim for the same with the cafe.
“People are more aware now and like to buy local stuff. And we’re buying from local suppliers so our money is staying in Bristol.”
Ahead of opening on Tuesday, Tina adds: “I’m really looking forward to welcoming people. It’s going to be different to what I normally do, sitting at a desk.”
Brew n Bites will be open from 8am to 4pm Tuesday to Saturday.
Brew n Bites is set to open on Tuesday
All photos: Ellie Pipe
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