The Albatross Cafe has quickly become one of North Streets most relaxed, laid back and aesthetically pleasing spots in the community, all thanks to owners Imogen and Louie.
The story of the Albatross Cafe began when the pair were travelling through New Zealand and found themselves dreaming up their cosy Bedminster cafe.
Imogen explains that whilst she sat back relaxing on a boat one evening admiring the albatross flying above against the sunset colours, the idea of the Albatross Cafe was born and this original image has influenced all aspects of the cafe we know and love, from the colour schemes to the logo to the name.
Following their stint travelling, the pair relocated to Berlin for 5 years and immersed themselves in the community, getting a taste for the Berlin lifestyle. They soon realised that the cafe-bar culture that thrived in Berlin, was something they wanted to explore back in the UK. This inspired their late night opening hours and mixed menu of coffee and cocktails.
Deciding that Bedminster was where they wanted to be, the pair went out in search of the perfect location, making their way up North Street knocking on the doors of empty spaces until they got an answer. The space had previously been empty and boarded up for 25 years, so the injection of life into 60 North Street was a welcome addition to the street.
With most of the furniture being sourced from independent vintage shops in Berlin, the couple wanted to create a laid back, relaxed and friendly atmosphere where customers could come and feel at home.
Each aspect of the cafe has been careful thought through, with personal touches added throughout. The distinctive pottery was designed in collaboration with and made by Imogen’s mum and the distinctive greenery throughout are representative of their personal love for plants.
The pair explains that they love the feel in Bedminster and regularly see the same faces pass through which only adds to the sense of community in the area. Having been there for 2 ½ years, Imogen and Louie have seen the development of that end of North Street and explain how nice it is to see growth in the street.
They like to keep in local and purchase most of their produce locally from other North Street favourites such as Hugo’s, Zara’s Chocolates and Marks Bread. As well as running a cafe-bar, Albatross Cafe also regularly hosts events, including the Talk Wordy To Me events and Crafts + Cocktails, that can be booked through Lets Make Art.
You can visit the Albatross Cafe at 60 North Street, Tuesday - Thursday 10am - 4:30pm, Friday and Saturday 10am - 10pm and Sunday 10-4pm or check them out on Instagram and Facebook at @albatrosscafebristol.