Herbert's café on Ashley Down Road closes after a decade

One of the few remaining independent food businesses on Ashley Down Road has closed after ten years.

The beloved sandwich specialist Herbert's announced on social media (July 11) they are moving to a larger site, although they have not confirmed where their new site will be.

The post said: "I am sad to announce we’ve had to close our Ashley Down Road store. We will be relocating very soon to a better and bigger premises.

"Sorry for any inconvenience and thank you to all the lovely people I’ve met and served over the ten years."  

Herbert's hot and cold sandwich cafe (Herbert's Facebook page)

Bristol Live have reached out to the business for comments about the closure.

It has been a month since the business departed and fans of the sandwich shop have reached out to express how much the café meant to them.

Jeff Jeffington said: "Sorry to hear that brutha, loved that place - onwards and upwards though".

While others have wished the business luck and promised to check out the new location once it has been anounced.

Rachel Semple said: "Good luck on your new venture I am sure I will be down to see you".

Although it is not clear where and when the business will re-open,  it is claimed the sudden departure is due to a reduction in customer volume due to lack of activity in the area and the opening of the Co-operative super market. 

A shop assistant from a B.I.S continental food store two doors down said: "There isn't any activity in the area anymore, when there is a big event like the Tom Jones performance at the Bristol County ground, more people are around".

For many small food businesses in the area, the opening times are short in comparison to the bigger stores on the street.

"The small food businesses on the street are only open for a limited amount of time but the large ones are the only ones really thriving," said the young assistant.

Ashley Down Road often used to bypass busier streets (Google maps)

It is also believed that the street is mainly used as a bypass from busier roads and a quick access point to Gloucester Road therefore, people are less likely to stop.

"Not many people park up and come into the store like they used to, it is mostly residents in the area and that is perhaps why businesses have closed down."

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