News / Whiteladies Road
Two friends open cafe on Whiteladies Road
Anna Gibbon and Lucy Draper have each brought their own slices of culinary skill to their new cafe on Whiteladies Road.
Roam Wild x 404 Bakes has been open for five days and the pair are already seeing regulars.
While Anna runs the bakery, Lucy looks after the beans, and the results are a wonderful selection of beautifully decorated cakes and great coffee from Triple Co Roast and teas from Bath.
is needed now More than ever
The unassuming cafe, which used to be a vape shop, is still in its early stages, the latest venture in what began as a pop-up van in Cotham Gardens around the corner, hence the name ‘Roam Wild x 404 Bakes’.
Roam Wild x 404 bakes may be small but their cake selection is mighty
Lucy would take the coffee van to festivals during summer and to different locations across Bristol.
She teamed with Anna back in June 2021, when the baker was running 404 Bakes, producing celebratory cakes for weddings, birthdays and more. Then, the bakery was located within 404 (Not Found), a corner cafe located at the bottom of St Michael’s Hill.
All the cakes are made in house, with sophisticated flavours and delicate designs, and are also vegan, although Anna prefers not to shout about this.
A cake fit for a wedding
A chocolate sponge, lemon curd and sumac buttercream cake decorated with wild flowers dominates the front counter, while smaller cakes give their own twist to classic favourites, such as a four-layer apple cake with apple sauce, bay leaf butter cream and miso caramel, and an olive oil banana cake with balsamic blueberry compote and peanut buttercream.
“We’re experimenting with lots of different flavours,” said Lucy. “The van could only do smaller pieces.” The pair are also hoping to add in some savoury snacks in the future.
Lucy and Anna are also excited to share the space with other businesses.
“With the current climate, it’s really nice to have businesses complimenting each other,” said Lucy.
Roam Wild x 404 bakes is located at 91a Whiteladies Road, BS8 2NT
All photos: Mia Vines Booth
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