Kieran and Imogen Waite’s Cotham Hill tapas joint, Bravas, finds itself at the top of many a Bristolian foodie’s favourites list, so it came as no surprise that their next venture was an instant hit when it opened in Gloucester Road in early 2014.
In tune with the Spanish original, Bakers and Co is also inspired by the pair’s travels, this time in California and specifically influenced by San Francisco’s brunch scene. They’ve certainly succeeded in bringing a bright and breezy West Coast vibe to this narrow space with sunshine yellow crockery, lots of reclaimed wood and upbeat tunes on the sound system.
The theme continues with a punchy and imaginative brunch menu: fresh juices; spicy huevos rancheros; sticky warm cinnamon buns, and chilli and lime-spiked avocado smashed on to sourdough toast made in the on-site open kitchen. The baking doesn’t stop at bread, either. A typical day might see brioche or pumpkin, cinnamon and chocolate loaf artfully arranged on the counter and reduced to nothing but a dusting of telltale crumbs before the day is out.