The family behind a unique and well-loved small business in Bristol, which was launched by three sisters, has announced that it will cease trading in March. According to one of the co-founders, At the Well, a laundrette, cafe and printing shop, has faced a challenging few years and "with more uncertainty ahead" they said they have taken the "painful" decision to close.
At the Well first opened on Cheltenham Road in 2012 following a nine-month renovation of the premises, which had previously stood derelict for over a decade. Offering a range of services, including washing and drying, printing and pancakes, it became a popular weekend brunch spot, also playing host to live music and events.
The closure of the business coincides with the sale of the cafe premises at 145 Cheltenham Road, meaning that the space, laundry equipment and cafe set-up are all available. Listed with Maggs and Allen, the freehold with vacant possession for the 840 sq. ft property is £150,000.
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Speaking about the decision to close the cafe-laundrette, co-founder Ellen said: “Having achieved everything we set out to do, creating a welcoming, inclusive, and well-loved community space, it is really painful to make the decision to close.
"We’ve put our heart and soul into realising this innovative facility and having steered it through all the challenges the last few years have thrown at us; with more uncertainty ahead, we have decided as a family that we have taken the business as far as we personally can.”
Her sister and co-founder Lily said: “This business has always been about championing community in a society that is rapidly moving away from human connection. The wacky combination of a laundrette, cafe and event space has been an incredible way to achieve this, and we just feel honoured to have been a part of it!
"Perhaps it goes without saying, but it would be fantastic to think that this project or similar ones could be continued or replicated in the future”.
Cassie, their sister and co-founder, added: “The At The Well journey has been an incredible experience. We’ve been supported from the beginning by amazing friends and family, loyal employees, skilled tradespeople, a supportive landlord and an open and welcoming community.
"It has been a pleasure working in Stokes Croft over the last decade, and we want to extend so much gratitude to all the people who have been involved.”
At the Well plans to remain open until late March 2023. There are two final live gigs planned as a celebration of the laundrette's decade in business, the Avellana Jazz trio on Saturday February 11 and improv with Cirenne and JOW on Thursday February 23, billed as "klezmer-meets-jazz-meets-post-classical".
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