Photos show transformation of Wetherspoon pub into new cafe


A new cafe in a former Bristol Wetherspoons is starting to take shape. Pictures taken today (Thursday) show work being carried out to the front of a former Wetherspoon pub in Redfield.

A new sign has been fitted ahead of its reopening as a Crafty Egg cafe. The St Georges Hall pub, which has been closed since 2021, will become the newest venue for the Bristol brand.

The Crafty Egg, which already boasts sites in Fishponds and Stokes Croft, has secured part but not all of the former Wetherspoon venue. BristolLive reported the new venue back in July, however an opening date has not yet been confirmed - and from the looks of the outside, there is still a fair bit of work to be done.

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A BristolLive photographer visited the site on Thursday morning, where work was being carried out to the exterior of the building. A new sign reading 'The Crafty Egg' can be seen in place in the photos, in the brand's colour scheme, however much of the former pub's red exterior is still visible.

Outside of the new The Crafty Egg venue in Redfield, which is not yet open - the venue was formerly the St Georges Hall, a Wetherspoon pub
Outside of the new The Crafty Egg venue in Redfield, which is not yet open - the venue was formerly the St Georges Hall, a Wetherspoon pub -Credit:Paul Gillis/Reach Plc

The pub's sign also still hung above the entranceway. Inside, however, the new cafe has already undergone a dramatic transformation, with a fresh paint job and a floral wallpaper installed, according to recent posts on The Crafty Egg's Instagram page.

When asked in the comments section if the team had an opening date yet, they replied: "Not yet. Hopefully not long." To which others responded to share their excitement.

One said: "So excited. It beats having to travel all the way to Fishponds." While a second said: "Going to be a great addition to the area!"

The pub, which left customers shocked and saddened by its closure - and trying to take souvenirs before it closed its doors for good - in 2021, has seen multiple plans proposed and withdrawn for the site over the years.

Developer Landrose bought St George's Hall from Wetherspoon, submitted a planning application to build 44 bedsits in the building - but that application was withdrawn from the council's planning portal in 2022. Local residents campaigned for the Church Road building to be put into community use and for the hidden cinema to be restored.

Much of the pub's red exterior can still be seen
Much of the pub's red exterior can still be seen -Credit:Paul Gillis/Reach Plc

In its original post announcing the news of its takeover, The Crafty Egg confirmed that the agreement "covers the front half of the pub, excluding the old cinema section, beer cellars, kitchens, utilities, bathrooms, and rear customer areas". The team added: "Nonetheless, we adore the space and are confident the Church Road community will too.

"Should investors aiming to renovate and restore the cinema area to the rear ever purchase it, we support that vision and pledge our assistance!"