Lockside Bristol 2022: when will cafe featured in Only Fools and Horses close, why is it closing - what next?

In what is regarded by many Bristolians as one of the city’s most iconic venues, the Lockside cafe has decided to close its doors for good.

The eatery was featured in British sitcom Only Fools and Horses, which was broadcast from 1981 to 2003.

Lockside was featured in the Christmas Day episode ‘Heroes and Villains’ which hit screens on December 25 1996.

Now it seems that owners of the iconic cafe, which has since celebrated its 60th birthday, will shut up shop one final time.

Here is everything you need to know about the closure of Lockside cafe, such as when it is expected to close, the reason behind the closure and what is the future of the site.

What is Lockside and where is it?

Lockside is an iconic Bristolian riverside cafe that is renowned for its patio, as well as serving hearty breakfasts, modern lunches and sweet treats.

The venue, which is located on Brunel Lock Road, initially started as a transport cafe when it first opened in 1963.

In recent years, Lockside has since modernised and became popular amongst the local community and beyond for its marvellous views of the Avon Gorge and the floating harbour.

The full address of the cafe is as follows: 1 Brunel Lock Road, Bristol - BS1 6XS.

When was Lockside featured in Only Fools and Horses?

Lockside can be spotted during the festive season on series eight episode one ‘Heroes and Villains’ which aired on Christmas Day of 1996.

The Bristol cafe can be spotted during the hour-long episode at ‘Sid’s Cafe’ where Roger Lloyd-Pack’s Trigger character is telling everyone about his medal.

When is the cafe going to close?

Any Bristolians hoping for one last taste bud tickling meal along the waterfront at Lockside will be left bitterly disappointed as Lakeside is currently closed.

The shutters were brought down in the week commencing Monday, 18 July 2022.

Why has Lockside been closed?

Lockside has been owned by the same family for over 20 years.

It is understood that the reason behind the closure is because the owner is retiring.

What is going to happen to it next?

The grounds of what once was Lockside cafe in Bristol have been put up for sale.

It has been listed on Christie property agents and is still available at the time of publication.

They are looking for offers in excess of £50,000.

The brochure reads: “Known throughout Bristol since the 1960s, the venue famously featured in the BBC sitcom, Only Fools and Horses, before being successfully transformed by the current owner into a sophisticated daytime restaurant/café approximately 20 years ago. The owner is now reluctantly moving into retirement and there is now a wonderful opportunity to take on an iconic Bristol venue.

"The current owner has created a very well established and well loved venue in Bristol. As they enter retirement there is huge scope to continue the legacy of Lockside and build on that further with longer opening times or a different offering."

For more information and to view some pictures, please visit the official property listing.