Getting to Know Bristol - Kristian Crews, founder and owner of Spoke and Stringer
Posted on: 08 Jul 2015Spoke and Stringer is located at The Boathouse on Bristol's Harbourside and uniquely combines a shop dedicated to active lifestyles with an adjoining cafe and restaurant. Their ethos is to live a lifestyle of escapism and adventure, and supply a range of surfboards, push-bikes, custom motorcycles fashion and art, inspired by creative design. Spoke and Stringer's passionate belief is that true freedom is achieved through the combination of a healthy body and a healthy mind.
We sat down with founder and owner Kristian Crews to get his take on what it means to be the custodian of one of Bristol’s fastest growing hotspots…
When did you set up Spoke & Stringer?
It started as a pop up shop in December last year. We then had to expand to meet demand and took over the current premises.
Are you from Bristol?
Not from Bristol but Devon actually. Still a South-West gent through and through.
How’s business?
Business is going very well actually. S&S opened at the right time of the year and is exploiting the rare good weather. We would love people to continue to queue out the door when the coats start being donned as the produce we serve up speaks for itself.
Where do you like to eat out in Bristol?
There are so many options it’s tough to narrow it down. I’d have to go with Bakers & Co, Workhouse Café and Bento Boss.
What’s your favourite place in Bristol?
The Downs. Not many cities can boast a place like that. Obviously the Harbourside too!
Where do you see Spoke & Stringer in 5 years?
Continuing as we are and building on the praise we receive, we would expect to open a premises in Bath to continue what we’re doing here. Depending on the outcome of our first year in business!
What advice would you give to any aspiring Bristol small business owners?
You really have to be 100% focussed. It’s obviously very tough but if you want it you have to throw yourself in to it. The key is to remember exactly why you are doing it and why you started on this journey.
If you were mayor of Bristol for a day what one thing would you change?
Very hard to say! It seems clichéd to mention parking in the city but that’s obviously a factor affecting businesses of all sizes. What I think is most important though is there needs to be more help for local small businesses. A lot has been made over the past few years about the ‘brand’ that is Bristol. Without a little more help we are in danger of losing what makes our city unique
Spoke and Stringer is located at: The Boat House, Lime Kiln Road, Bristol BS1 5AD
Tel: 0117 925 9371
Email: info@spokeandstringer.com
Check out their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.