We visit Staple Hill, where local traders are fighting against the odds to save the High Street

Just over the boundary line, Staple Hill is on the eastern edge of the city is still regarded as a Bristol suburb despite being in South Gloucestershire. East of Fishponds and south of Downend, it’s one of those areas estate agents are suddenly describing as ‘up and coming’.

A quick look on property website Rightmove reveals good-sized three-bedroom 1930s houses for £300,000 and two-bedroom Victorian cottages for much less. It’s no wonder Staple Hill is suddenly attracting first-time buyers who may have been priced out of the more affluent areas of Bristol.

The changing demographic of BS16 certainly hasn’t been lost on former UWE student Freya Buckley-Stait, who now owns The Friendly Eco on High Street, the main shopping area of Staple Hill.

Freya opened the eco-friendly shop two days before the first lockdown in 2020 and ran the business online until restrictions were lifted. Since reopening to the public, business has gone from strength to strength at The Friendly Eco, which sells cloth nappies, toys and sustainable gifts. Current best-sellers include the vegan chocolate advent calendars which are flying off the shelves.

“A lot of young families are moving here, rather than places around Gloucester Road, so Staple Hill really is up-and-coming,” says Freya. “We are very close to Fishponds and Downend, which are also popular with young families and you can explore the high streets of all three in a day.“

“All the shops in Staple Hill are trying to keep in line with the changing demographic of the area and we’re trying to bring the High Street back to life.”

Freya says local traders meet regularly to plan events that generate more footfall. There are regular markets and Christmas On The Hill is back soon. The ‘We are Staple Hill’ Instagram account keeps locals informed about events and also doubles up as an online shop for independent businesses in the area.

“We’re basically trying to keep events going on for the kids and also provide cheap days out for the parents, too,” says Freya.