Bristol favourites Swoon to open new gelato shop at Wapping Wharf

Popular gelateria Swoon is to open a second Bristol site at Wapping Wharf this summer.

Since opening its first location on College Green in 2016, Swoon has been a firm favourite with gelato fans across the city, often with long queues outside.

Founded by Bruno Forte, his mother Louise, sister Pat, and wife Ana Maria, Swoon is a family business with over 120 years experience in making gelato.

In 2014, Bruno decided to try his hand at gelato making for the first time, and enrolled at the Gelato University in Bologna.

Two years later, Swoon’s first location opened on College Green, which has since been followed by shops in Bath, Cardiff, Oxford and Selfridges in London, and they’re now extending their offering to Wapping Wharf.

Swoon produces artisanal gelato, using the best Italian traditional flavours and exploring innovative new ideas to bring a mix of traditional and new gelato tastes.

Over the years it has won many awards, including over 100 Great Taste stars and the Supreme Champion Award for its hazelnut flavour, and will be showcasing Swoon Soft, its new soft-serve offering, at Wapping Wharf.

Speaking about the new venture, founder Bruno said: “From the moment we saw the plans for Wapping Wharf when it was initially being set up we knew we wanted to be part of it, and despite our growing brand, Bristol has always felt like home, so we jumped at the opportunity to join the community at Wapping Wharf.

“We are thrilled to be bringing Swoon and Swoon Soft to Wapping Wharf. We are looking forward to working and collaborating with the businesses around us to create some exciting new flavours in the near future!”

Stuart Hatton, managing director of Umberslade, the developer behind Wapping Wharf, said: “Swoon has an incredible reputation around the city and beyond, and everyone we’ve spoken to has been over the moon to hear the news that they’re joining our community, so we can’t wait for them to open.

“Summer at Wapping Wharf is really something special, and best enjoyed with a gelato, so their arrival is perfect timing!”

The new Swoon will open at Cargo 2 in June.