News / clifton suspension bridge
Toilets reopen in former toilet block – now with added cafe
While drivers crossing the Clifton Suspension Bridge spend one pound to cross the span, visitors can now once again spend a penny in the newly reopened toilets on the Bristol side.
Three toilets have opened in a former toilet block that is almost a century old; a spring chicken by comparison to the 158-year-old bridge.
Each toilet contains a historic photo of the bridge and a QR code if you want to learn more about Brunel’s world famous structure as you tinkle.
is needed now More than ever
The refurbished toilet block is also now home to Chapter & Holmes cafe as well as a learning annexe that will provide more space for staff from the bridge’s visitor centre to welcome guests.
Chapter & Holmes is already well known for its tuk-tuk on the Leigh Woods side of the bridge, which will continue operating alongside their first permanent home less than 500 metres away.
A toilet with a view – photo: Martin Booth
Chapter & Holmes owner Warren Van Der Eb told Bristol24/7 that he is “so grateful” for the opportunity to open his first bricks and mortar premises, which also has space for tables and chairs at either end.
“I feel honoured to be part of the Suspension Bridge community,” said 46-year-old Warren, who lives in the city centre.
“It’s almost like a family. We all get on really well up here and support each other.”
Chapter & Holmes’ new cafe and the new toilets are on the Clifton side of the suspension bridge – photo: Martin Booth
The name of Chapter & Holmes comes from when Warren moved to Bristol to begin a new chapter in his life after leaving a career in retail management.
“I always liked companies with an ‘and’ in the middle and at the time I had a t-shirt with Holmes on it!”
The new Chapter & Holmes serves coffee and tea from Clifton Coffee, as well as smoothies, cakes from Bakesmiths, chocolates from Tony’s and ice cream from Roskilly’s.
The toilets are open every day from 6am.
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read next:
- Campaigners refused entry to ‘public’ toilets across Bristol as council scheme falters
- Council’s spare £900,000 going to mayor’s office and reserve
- Bristol’s smallest bookshop opening soon
- Discover the hidden underground secrets of Clifton Suspension Bridge
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