AN award-winning chef and restaurateur has opened a new Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and lounge bar near the M5 with a bold aim.
Conrad Jenkins, owner of acclaimed Bristol restaurant the Chef’s Table, has opened the Bridge in Charfield, between junction 14 for Thornbury and Wotton-under-Edge.
The venue, formerly the Vintage Birdcage Cakery on the Bridge, which closed a year ago, has undergone a substantial refurbishment and investment to create a restaurant, lounge bar and café.
Conrad said taking over the site was the culmination of a long search to find the right village venue, adding that he intends to create one of South Gloucestershire’s ‘most exciting new hospitality destinations’.
The Bridge offers relaxed Mediterranean-inspired dining, with stone-baked pizzas, quality dry-aged meats and poultry displayed in Himalayan salt cabinets, Italian-style dishes and homemade desserts.
Artisan gelato, coffee, cocktails and wines are also available, with locally sourced ingredients used wherever possible.
"I’ve always believed great food should be accessible and enjoyed in a relaxed environment," said Conrad, who was born in nearby Thornbury and now lives close to Charfield.
"The Bridge gives us the opportunity to create somewhere people can visit several times a week, whether it’s for breakfast, coffee, lunch, dinner or simply a drink with friends.
"It obviously has to be a successful business but it’s equally important that it gives something back to the community."
The venue is owned by Mike Adams and Barbara Adams, who wanted the site to remain at the heart of the village.
"Mike and Barbara have always been passionate about the Bridge being at the heart of village life, and I’m looking forward to building on everything they’ve created," added Conrad.
"Supporting local employment, working with local suppliers and helping local organisations is something that means a great deal to me."
Mike and Barbara offered their best wishes to the new venture, saying: "We are delighted that Conrad is taking on the Bridge.
"From our first conversations, it was clear that he shares our vision of creating somewhere that serves not only great food and drink but also the local community.
"We wish Conrad and his team every success and look forward to seeing the Bridge thrive for many years to come."
The long-term plans include quarterly fundraising events supporting local charities and community projects and a Christmas market in the car park featuring local businesses and producers.
Open days and educational visits for local junior and senior schools are also planned, along with other community events designed to bring people together.
The business is expected to create a number of new jobs across the kitchen and front-of-house teams, with roles including chefs, restaurant managers, supervisors and bar staff.
Conrad is well-known for building the Chef’s Table at Spike Island into one of Bristol’s leading independent restaurants.
The restaurant has regularly been recognised as one of the city's top fine dining destinations on TripAdvisor, earning praise for its food, service and hospitality.
The Chef’s Table is also recommended and listed by Michelin, which describes it as ‘intimate’ and says its food is ‘traditionally based and executed with care’.
The Bridge is in Poskett Way, Charfield (GL12 8FG), opposite the village hall.
Opening hours: Wednesdays and Thursdays - 9am to 11pm, Fridays and Saturdays - 8am to 11pm and Sundays - 8am to 8pm.
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