The Arcade: Bristol's Overlooked Shopping Showcase
Posted on: 07 Feb 2018Mention the word 'shopping' to most Bristol punters and chances are the first places that spring to mind will be Cabot Circus, The Galleries and, slightly further afield, The Mall. Predictable and not surprising, then.
What is more surprising, however, is the fact The Arcade generally tends to get overlooked and short-shrift when it comes to being noted as one of the city's major shopping hot-spots. Which is a real shame, because this fantastic Grade II Georgian construction is home to an impressive, eclectic and primarily independent range of some of the best shops in the region.
Serving the city's shopping-going multitudes since 1825, it underwent extensive refurbishment a little while ago and there's no doubt it's one of the crowning glories of Bristol's unparalleled architectural grandeur. It's just also a bit of luck it's home to a refreshingly esoteric combo of retail outlets too.
So whether you're gagging for a coffee, in desperate need of a haircut, want to treat yourself to a bit of fine jewellery, or indulge your sweet tooth to some delicious confectionery, here are the businesses currently residing within The Arcade's impressive walls.
When a coffee shop has its own beans specially roasted for them, you know you're in for something special and unique - and The Crazy Fox is proud of its produce and has been providing Bristolians with cup after cup of the perfect blend since it opened. Caffeine-based beverages aren't the only thing on offer here though, as you can also enjoy one of their many delicious, refreshing juices or smoothies. Fresh cakes and food are served daily.
Sprawled across two floors and with a chill area upstairs, Flavour Vapour is filled with the heady aromas of as many vape flavours you could possibly imagine. And with leather sofas, table football and a games machine, it's a truly laid back and chilled venue where you can relax and vape to your heart's content.
If you fancy pampering yourself then Beauty Zone is the only place to head to for all your beauty desires - and with services including eyelash extensions, ear piercings and facials (golden and fruit, no less), it has one of the largest range of treatments in the city.
Specialising in top-notch barnet trimming for kids, EK Hair is a godsend for parents who normally struggle to get their little whippersnappers to keep still in the barber's chair but here have no trouble at all thanks to its fun, playful interior.
It's hardly surprising this place is always packed to the rafters with people wanting a decent cut and trim as those follicle-manipulating maestros at Crowned Barber Shop have gained a reputation for giving one of the best cuts around. You're always in for some friendly banter as those scissors snip away courtesy of Danny and his team. A sophisticated, professional cut - and the prices are very competitive too.
With the simple modus operandi of transforming art into fashion, this is one of The Arcade's most recent additions but has proved very popular, and you're bound to find something unusual, unique and artfully idiosyncratic in stock.
A tattoo and piercing parlour with a strong and loyal customer base, Inked Up is the go-to shop for many of the city's hardcore tattoo and piercing aficionados. In short, they can turn their hand to anything, from flash to custom work, and boast a magnificently bulging portfolio of top tattoo artistry along with years of professional experience.
Nail technicians of the highest calibre will tend to your cuticles at Kelly's Nails, a nail salon that is the main destination for those in need of some finger pampering and with services which include gel, acrylic and shellac nails in addition to facial waxing.
When it comes to first-class key cutting in Bristol, Mabz is most definitely your man. Whether you're looking for basic key cutting or other services such as engraving, shoe repairs or battery fitting, with his effortless charm and faultless service it's easy to see why Mabz triumphantly snatched the Best Independent Business in Bristol award.
Renowned masters of the ancient art of threading, Maya's Eyebrows take great pride in the services they offer such as waxing, facial treatments and massages.
In need of a professional, reliable and fast tailor or dry cleaner? Then head to Needle and Thread, consummate purveyors of all your clothing, dressmaking and custom-made requirements.
One of the more recent Arcade additions, it's a gastronomic haven for those who want to indulge in the intense, unmistakable flavours of Vietnamese food and drink. Since opening there has been a steady stream of enthusiastic culinary devotees trying out their tucker, no doubt drawn back time and time again by its authentic Vietnamese menu.
A spiritual stop-off for the city's more alternative-lifestyle leaning individuals, this magnificently divine haven for inner calm and tranquility is brimming with rare stones, crystals, books, fossils, original artworks and tarot cards. With a constantly rotating stock that adds a wholly unique edge to many of its wares, you can also take advantage of their tarot readings and private room reiki treatments.
Experts in the trade of garment customisation, their supremely talented and professional in-house designer will make sure your clothing needs are impeccably catered for. Amongst other things, they also offer a range of eco-friendly screen printing services.
The authentic taste of Italy comes to Bristol for this marvelous family-run eatery that has already proved a massive hit with the city's gastronomic connoisseurs. Pizza, calzone and Napoletani panini are, of course, the hearty traditional staples on the menu, and there's a selection of vegan options too. Wash it all down with an impeccable cup of the finest Italian coffee, naturally.
With a window display that boasts so much shimmering, shining silver your retinas will burn if you stare at it for too long, inside, however, is a treasure trove of wow-inducing, astonishing jewellery that will have you wandering around for ages and no doubt leaving with a breathtaking, glimmering accessory or two.
A noodle bar with a strictly no MSG rule, Wok Boxstix has been phenomenally successful since it opened its doors, filling the mouths of many a hungry Bristol gastronaut with its irresistibly mouthwatering, flavour-tastic range of specially tailored sauces and fillings. Noodles don't get much better than this.
We all need a holiday every now and again, and Bakers Dolphin is the travel agent par excellence who will sort out the best holiday and package deal and send you off on your travels with a big fat smile on your face. Of course, you might want to forego a flight abroad for something closer to home in the form of, say, a theatre trip, in which case these masters of the well-earned-winding-down period have equally got the nous to sort it out.
Shakeaway
Admittedly not an independent, but don't let that put you off from just how lip-smackingly tasty and moreish their eye-poppingly impressive, tummy-rumblingly excellent range of fabulous drinks combinations are. Milkshakes, smoothies, juices and frozen desserts on an epically delicious, brain-freezing scale.
The Arcade is located at Broadmead, Bristol, BS1 3JD. For more information visit the website here or call 0117 2140098.
Article by:
Jamie is a writer, blogger, journalist, critic, film fan, soundtrack nerd and all-round Bristolian good egg. He loves the music of Philip Glass, the art of Salvador Dali, the writings of Charles Bukowksi and Hunter S Thompson, the irreverence of Harry Hill, and the timeless, straw-chomping exuberance of The Wurzels. You can sometimes find him railing against a surging tide of passing cyclists, or gorging himself senseless on the Oriental delights of a Cosmos all-you-can-eat buffet.
