Wapping Wharf, Bristol’s newest Harbourside quarter, has signed up Small Street Espresso as its first retailer – paving the way for the creation of a new residential, cultural and leisure hub.
Described by Time Out as being at the forefront of Bristol’s coffee revolution when it opened in 2012, Small Street Espresso has since become a popular spot for coffee aficionados.
Wapping Wharf will be its second site and will open as phase one of the major development nears completion and residents move into their new homes. 
More than 600 apartments will be built at Wapping Wharf in total – 168 of them in the first phase – with developer Umberslade looking to attract a range of independent restaurants, cafes and shops.
The site is the final piece in the jigsaw that will complete the regeneration of the Bristol’s iconic Floating Harbour.
John Drysdale, who set up Small Street Espresso with his business partner Chris Chubb, said they were looking to create “something a bit different, with its own feel” at Wapping Wharf, while retaining some key elements of Small Street Espresso’s appeal such as its high-end, artisan coffee offer, warm customer service and focus on provenance. John and Chris are working on plans to give the cafe its own unique identity and name.
John said: “We’re very excited to have the opportunity to be part of this new Bristol neighbourhood with a strong community focus and independent feel. We’re looking forward to bringing our unique coffee experience to the Harbourside and meeting lots of new customers from the Wapping Wharf neighbourhood and beyond for their morning coffee hit as they walk to work.
“Our venture at Wapping Wharf will have a different style to Small Street Espresso but with the same atmosphere and high quality of specialist coffee. Our aim is for our new cafe to be welcoming to anyone and everyone with the option to really embrace our rich coffee offering for those who want to.” 
Stuart Hatton, director at Umberslade, one of the developers behind Wapping Wharf, said: “It is fantastic news that Small Street Espresso is going to open a new cafe at Wapping Wharf. As the first retailer to join this new neighbourhood for Bristol, they are a great indication of the type of business we are looking to attract, fitting in perfectly with our community ethos.
“We are also currently in discussions with a number of other retailers and expect to be able to make further exciting announcements soon. It is great to see this new quarter gradually coming to life as residents move into their new homes and we look forward to seeing this part of the city transform into a vibrant new neighbourhood where people can shop, eat and relax in a beautiful dockside environment.”
A much-needed new connection between the south of Bristol and the city centre is being created as part of the Wapping Wharf development. Gaol Ferry Steps, which will be tree-lined, will run through from Gaol Ferry Bridge to a new public square.
Pictured, top: Stuart Hatton, left, director at Umberslade; and John Drysdale, co-owner of Small Street Espresso at Wapping Wharf. Bottom: Gaol Ferry Steps under construction. Photos by Jon Craig
