Shops / Shop of the Week
Shop of the Week: Roots, Broad Quay
Ten years ago, two friends Katie and Sam wanted to open a shop to “survive”.
In 2024, their tiny flower haven – Roots – on Broad Quay has become a mandatory stop for several passers-by – whether to admire their impeccable displays on the outside or sniff the bazillion fragrances indoors.
Painted a shade between blue and grey with the shop’s name scribbled in golden handwriting, Roots almost invites you in for a celebration of colours, fragrances and beauty.
is needed now More than ever
Carefully curated bouquets are kept in glass jars used as vases and beautiful wreaths hang in the shop’s window
Katie and Sam both said that it is a “perfect spot” to be a florist.
Sam continued: “We don’t have to do Instagram, we don’t have to do social media. Because of the spot, it is almost a win.”
“The vision is to keep selling beautiful flowers,” Katie said completing Sam’s sentence.
Dried flowers, fresh flowers, flower wreaths, bonsais, potted flower plants – the shop is a floral extravaganza that can’t be missed.
The fresh flowers had almost run out on Friday afternoon, as Katie and Sam stepped away for a quick lunch break.
“We always try and make sure we have something affordable because floristry is expensive. We try and just make it cheap and cheerful,” Katie added.
“I didn’t used to work in a customer-facing role, and I think people don’t realise how hard it is to pay – the rents and other rates – to pay for every single tiny thing a small business has to pay for.
“So I think it’s just trying to do that, as simply, as easily and as prettily as one can.”
The cash till is snuggled in a corner, surrounded by flowers of all kinds
Sam said: “If you’re going to survive in city centre, this is the best shop.”
The duo are only now breathing a sigh of relief after supplying some gorgeous flowers for UWE’s most recent graduates.
Working with countless flowers every day, what is the duo’s favourite?
Sam said it changes weekly, but they eventually settled on two variations of the same flower – Ranunculus – as an eternal favourite. Katie’s favourite is a butterfly Ranunculus and Sam’s favourite is the “chunky” clooney Ranunculus – a spring flower that in Katie’s words “keeps giving”.
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Both Katie and Sam had a bone to pick with Peony lovers.
Katie said: “As a florist, it’s our least favourite flower because they are so temperamental. To get them at the right place for a wedding is a nightmare.
“When someone says they want a Peony wedding I can’t sleep.”
And surprisingly, Katie admitted to sleepless nights after several flower requests and orders: “We’re trying to train the British public to preorder.
“Like you tell us what you want, we’ll get it for you. Everyone comes in on the day and expects so many flowers in so many colours. People just have to be adaptable.”
But that’s one reason why Bristol stands out for Sam: “On our wedding page, we have this off-the-rack wedding collection.
“It’s really vague and chilled – and people of Bristol get it. They love it. They come in and they’re like do what you want, see you on our wedding day.
“I don’t think any other city would be that chilled. I think the people of Bristol have a positive vibe.”
Roots can be found on the corner of Broad Quay
Roots, 1 Broad Quay, Bristol, BS1 4DA
All photos: Karen Johnson
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