A new deli has moved into a unit in the arches on Oxford Street near Temple Meads Station. The Dings Deli completes the street filled with independent businesses both old and new - and its owner wants to bring the village deli into Bristol.
Liz Melville, 33, is originally from North Devon but has been in Bristol for around five years, specifically in the Dings area of the city. “Once I moved to the Dings, I didn’t want to live anywhere else in Bristol, it’s such a hidden gem,” she said.
She fell in love with Bristol’s selection of delicatessens while working for The Mall in Clifton a few years previously. The idea for The Dings Deli was born out of frustration over not having many options in the St Philips area offering high quality groceries and cupboard store items.
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Liz said: “I always wanted to do my own thing, but you never think you can. It still doesn’t feel like mine, it still feels like I’m playing shop.
“I’ve tried to cherry-pick local, South West and Bristol-based suppliers where possible and showcase the best of what Bristol has to offer. We’ve got a plethora of wonderful suppliers in the area and they’re not always accessible, especially in this area of Bristol.
“More and more people aren’t dining out as much and perhaps spending a bit more on nicer ingredients to make dinners and better quality products so hopefully this all lends to that.”
Inside, the countertop is filled with read-to-eat lunchtime delights like scotch eggs made in Ledbury, priced at around £4.35 each, which Liz said is the best she has ever had. There is also a number of deli meats and cheeses.
The most popular product, however, is probably the only product not produced in the south west of England. Liz sells a range of cannoli, a Sicilian sweet pastry, imported from the Italian island, and the hazelnut-filled delight sells out most days.
Liz continued: “In time, I want to add fresh soups, salads, sandwiches, frittatas and quiches so it’s a more complete lunch offering. Because it’s just me at the minute I’ve started with what I can do, ready-to-eat.
The Dings Deli also sells an array of cupboard store items from artisan companies from the South West, including The Cherry Tree, Bath Culture House preserves, biscuits from the Fine Cheese Company and Nutcessity nut butters.
Liz plans to offer fresh fruit, vegetables, eggs and bread by expanding in the adjoining arch and become a one-stop-shop further down the line - the deli is situated behind the Bristol Fruit Market in St Philips. She is also hoping to be able to offer Christmas hampers for gifts showcasing the best the south west has to offer.
“The development in the area as a whole and the new businesses that have moved in have just transformed it. Mokoko has just moved into Box Makers, we’ve got Small Goods and I’m the last person to take a unit on this street. We’ve got Future Doughnuts and Little Martha’s. Both the Cycle Shop and the Pasty Emporium have been there for years and years.
“We’ve really completed the street. On one side we’ve got the workforce supporting us and getting lunches and on the other side, the residents as well.
“Huge kudos to the rest of the street and the residents for being so supportive. I’ve never met so many people as I have in the past few weeks. Everyone is so positive and coming to introduce themselves.”
The Dings Deli is located at Unit 27 Oxford Street, Bristol, BS2 0QT - open seven days a week
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