The popular brunch spot feels “ignored” but says it hasn’t lost hope of making use of the space
Crafty Egg cafe in Fishponds
A restaurant has called out the council for “ignoring” its request to make use of its car park. The Crafty Egg in Fishponds hoped to use three shipping containers to host independent vendors behind its building.
The popular cafe-bar, best known for its brunches, submitted plans to Bristol City Council in November 2022 according to the authority’s planning portal.
However, the application is still listed as “pending consideration” on the authority’s website. The venue’s team have now announced a Plan B.
Sharing a photo of the car park behind the Fishponds venue, they told customers on Instagram: “Still not given up on using this space in Fishponds for something more positive…
“Calling all mobile traders, creatives and doers. We’ve got space for you at The Crafty Egg Fishponds. We’re looking for independent traders who operate from a vehicle (van, trailer, bus etc.) and are interested in stationing themselves in our big car park at the rear of our Fishponds café-pub — right next to Circular Art Space, East Bristol’s only gallery in a bus.
“Our original plan to host traders in temporary cargo containers is going nowhere – a 2.5-year-old planning application with Bristol City Council that they continue to ignore. So in the meantime we’re looking at vehicle-based.
“Daytime hours only. Non-food so as not to clash with our café. East Bristol, BS16 — high footfall, great vibe, loyal local community.”
The team added: “This would suit mobile yoga or therapy, artisan retail or vintage fashion, mobile gallery or studio, tattoo or piercing van, bike repairs or fix-it workshop, books, vinyl, plants, crafts and more. We’re open-minded.
“If it’s creative, independent, and runs out of a vehicle, let’s talk. Drop us a message or email fishponds@thecraftyegg.co.uk to visit the space or talk ideas. There’s not a lot of space so can probably only accommodate one or two vendors alongside Circular Artspace.”
Content cannot be displayed without consent
According to the planning application, The Crafty Egg submitted plans in November 2022 and it is still ‘pending consideration’ from Bristol City Council. BristolLive contacted the council for comment but is still awaiting a response.
Taking to the comments section beneath The Crafty Egg’s post, locals and business owners were quick to tag friends and businesses, urging them to get involved. Many called it the “perfect opportunity”.
Bristol has been hampered by long delays in getting a decision on planning permission, with a huge backlog growing in 2023 after a temporary recruitment freeze. The government placed the council in special measures, so developers could bypass the council in some situations.
In April the authority’s planning boss spoke of feeling “optimistic” about clearing the backlog. Higher fees means more money should be coming into Bristol City Council to help pay for planning officers, speeding up decisions.
Want the latest Bristol breaking news and top stories first? Click here to join our WhatsApp group.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.
If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.