News / Hotwells
Waterfront ‘institution’ café closing after 60 years
A café overlooking the harbour is suddenly closing after serving Bristolians for 60 years.
Lockside Café, overlooking the Cumberland Basin, has been part of Bristol’s food scene since 1963.
Previously known as The Venturers Rest and latterly Popeyes Diner, the venue was made famous for being Sid’s Café in BBC sitcom Only Fools & Horses.
is needed now More than ever
Owners joked on the website that the Bristol “institution” has evolved since then from a greasy spoon to a “polished” one.
Lockside overlooked the Avon Gorge and the Clifton Suspension Bridge
Lockside’s closure is due to retirement, Christie & Co estate agents explain.
They wrote: “Known throughout Bristol since the 1960s, the venue famously featured in the BBC sitcom, Only Fools and Horses, before being successfully transformed by the current owner into a sophisticated daytime restaurant/café approximately 20 years ago.”
“The owner is now reluctantly moving into retirement and there is now a wonderful opportunity to take on an iconic Bristol venue.”
With shutters closed and a ‘for sale’ sign erected, the premises is on sale for offers in excess of £50,000 after being run by the same family for the last two decades.
Its listing states the turnover was historically circa £500,000.
Owner Gary wrote on the website: “Sadly we have decided to remain closed until further notice. We apologise for any bookings that we could not get hold of.”
The site overlooking the Cumberland Basin has been a food venue since 1963
All photos: Betty Woolerton
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