‘Deeply upsetting’ - Bristol cafe owner reveals reasons behind closure

The owners of a popular Bristol ice cream parlour have spoken about the reasons for closing the business after four years. Cowbee on the corner of Park Street and Unity Street closed its doors suddenly this week - and has already been purchased by cafe operator Spoke and Stringer.

Opened in the summer of 2019, Cowbee took over a former branch of HSBC bank and was the first launch from Bristol couple Nicola and Adam Sztuka. Cowbee quickly gained a strong following for its waffles, shakes and homemade ice creams using Chew Valley milk and honey from the owners’ own bees.

It went on to launch a burger menu using local meat and became a popular pre-theatre venue in the early evening.

But the owners say they have had to close because of a combination of factors. Nicola Sztuka said it was with ‘deep regret’ that her and her husband have had to close the business, pointing at Covid-19, the cost of living crisis and the possibility of an imminent recession as the reasons.

Nicola said: “Having opened just six months before the first lockdown, we didn’t have a chance to build the business before having to close and then reinvest more to cope with the requirements of operating through Covid.

“The constant interruption and uncertainty was extremely difficult to navigate. Since then we have been confronted with sky-high energy costs, rising food prices and shortages and increased staff costs.

“We’ve also been faced with offices in the immediate vicinity that were empty of people who were working from home. All whilst heading into an imminent recession. It’s deeply upsetting but we’ve had to accept the inevitability of situation.”

Nicola went on to thank staff and customers for their support over the past four years, as well as other businesses around the Park Street area. She said: “We will not forget our wonderful regular costumers, such as young Robin who would come in every day after nursery.

“Our fellow businesses on Park Street and the wider business community were a tremendous support and we wish them all the very best for the future.”

Bristol World can also reveal that the Cowbee site has been bought by Spoke & Stringer, which already operates cafes in the Harbourside and Clifton. Spoke & Stringer founder Kristian Crews said: “We’re thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of our new Spoke & Stringer store, featuring active lifestyle essentials from our favourite brands.

“We will be sharing the space with our sister company, Restore, where we will be serving coffee, fresh smoothies, and food, all centred around Restore’s core values of people and planet.

“We couldn’t be more excited to become part of the vibrant community of retailers in this historic area. Keep an eye out for the official opening date, and stay tuned for more updates.”