UK
Bristol-based sisters Ellen, Cassie and Lily (pictured) have announced that At The Well café-launderette will be closing for business at the end of March 2023. The three sisters opened this unique community facility in Stokes Croft in the summer of 2012, following a nine-month renovation of Bristol’s first coin-op laundrette, which had previously stood derelict for over a decade.
Since opening, the café-launderette has become a much-loved community space, offering a range of services including washing and drying, printing and pancakes. Its quirky menu and ‘made from scratch’ approach has put At The Well on the map of Bristol’s favourite brunch spots.
Speaking about the decision to close the café-laundreette, co-founder Ellen said: “Having achieved everything we set out to do, creating a welcoming, inclusive, and well-loved community space, it is really painful to make the decision to close. We’ve put our heart and soul into realising this innovative facility and having steered it through all the challenges the last few years have thrown at us, with more uncertainty ahead, we have decided as a family that we have taken the business as far as we personally can.”
Sister and co-founder Lily said: “This business has always been about championing community, in a society that is rapidly moving away from human connection. The wacky combination of a laundrette, café and event space has been an incredible way to achieve this, and we just feel honoured to have been a part of it! Perhaps it goes without saying, but it would be fantastic to think that this project, or similar ones could be continued or replicated in the future”.
Ellen fully agrees, adding: ‘We would be absolutely thrilled to see the café-laundrette continued or replicated. We believe At The Well has demonstrated this innovative combination is widely appreciated, cherished by regulars, and generates considerable social-value for the wider community.”
“The At The Well journey has been an incredible experience. We’ve been supported from the beginning by amazing friends and family, loyal employees, skilled tradespeople, a supportive landlord and an open and welcoming community. It has been a pleasure working in Stokes Croft over the last decade and we want to extend so much gratitude to all the people who have been involved. We have employed fabulous people and want to thank every one of them including our current team for all their hard work and dedication,” said Cassie, sister and co-founder.
At The Well fully intends to remain open until late March 2023 and is encouraging everyone who can to stop by and try their Korean Gangnam-style pancakes, their Nitro-Dalgona coffee, and/or to wash their duvets! The sisters said they also have two final live gigs, which they’d love to see people turn out and enjoy in celebration of 10 years of live music in the laundrette.
Closure of the business coincides with sale of the cafe-premises (145 Cheltenham Road) by the landlord, so the space, the laundry equipment and cafe-setup are all available for someone wanting to take any aspect forward. Enquiries should be directed to info@at-the-well.co.uk
