Bristol food and drink venues close for good or renovation

Residents in Bristol lost four food and drink establishments this month, while two historic pubs shut their doors for major renovations. The closures include long-standing local favorites and newer ventures that struggled to maintain profitability.

The New Taj Indian takeaway on Gloucester Road in Horfield closed after 36 years of operation. The family-run business cited health reasons for the decision in a Facebook post. The owners stated that they served generations of customers who became friends over the decades.

The Lawrence Weston Fish Bar ceased operations on October 14. Owner Jay Choganbaz attributed the shutdown to rising costs and low sales. He noted that a new owner would take over the premises to run a different type of takeaway. Choganbaz thanked the community for its support over the shop's 20-year run.

Littleshop and Pantry in Henleaze closed on October 23 after six years in business. Freddy and Nessa Bird, who also run Littlefrench and 1 York Place, posted on Instagram that they were stepping away to pass the space to a new owner. They described the decision as a natural end to their time at the venue.

Coq, a burger restaurant on Whiteladies Road in Redland, closed suddenly this month due to financial difficulties. The business opened in December 2025, less than a year before its shutdown. Founders Will and Ollie Ford had previously run a successful location in Chippenham and a food truck called The Coq Au Van.

Two pubs also closed their doors this month, though they plan to reopen soon. The Lodekka on Tramway Road in Brislington shut on October 19 for a six-figure refit. Greene King, the owner, announced it is hiring new staff for the project. The venue is expected to reopen in November.

The Shakespeare Tavern on Prince Street closed on October 26 for internal and external renovations. The pub, which dates back to the 18th Century, is described as Bristol's longest-serving ale house. The renovation aims to preserve the Georgian dockside mansion's natural characteristics while adding contemporary comforts.

Work at the Shakespeare Tavern includes improvements to the first floor for events and a full refurbishment of the downstairs bar and toilets. The venue plans to resume serving cask ales, hosting live music, and holding weekly quiz nights once it reopens. A specific reopening date has not been confirmed yet.

The Lodekka and the Shakespeare Tavern are both expected to reopen by the end of the month or in early November. These temporary closures contrast with the permanent shutdowns of the four food and drink spots earlier in the month.