A dog-friendly coffee shop brand has unveiled the opening date of its new Bristol venue. Coffi Lab, which already has sites in various locations in Wales, as well as in Portishead, will be opening a new coffee shop on Gloucester Road.
In a post to Instagram, the team at Coffi Lab shared an illustration of its new location, including two Labradors holding a ‘coming soon’ sign, and alongside it wrote: “Bristol, get ready- our Horfield Lab is opening Saturday, March 8 2025!
“Nestled on the corner of Gloucester Road and Dongola Ave our crew are busy putting the finishing touches on this beautiful old bank. From our roasters to our bakers to our baristas, we’re all incredibly excited to join the neighbourhood and open the doors for exceptional coffee from Soil to Sip.”
Gloucester Road was first announced as the brand’s new location for what is reportedly its 10th opening in September 2024, after fans mistakenly believed it would be opening in Clifton. It will reside in the former Lloyds Bank, next door to The Anchor pub.
According to Coffi Lab’s website, the team says: “When designing each new location we try to create a building that we hope is a gift to the neighbourhood. Each of our Labs is designed to highlight the specific history of its locality.”
Founder James Shapland started Coffi Lab as a means of creating a ‘home away from home’ and where dogs could be welcomed ‘with open arms’, after having grown up with labradors, and his best friend Dylan (one of his dogs) was the inspiration behind it all. He said: “Not a dog café as such, but beautiful, open venues – a focal point of leafy neighbourhoods where family and friends could come together without having to leave their canine companions at home…
“Now I love coffee, as much as my labs. I love the taste, the history and the passion behind every cup. But what I love most about coffee is the way it can bring people together.
“A coffee shop environment provides a wonderful gathering place. Our stores are designed to be cosy yet sophisticated. A place to relax and savour one of life’s little pleasures.”
Coffi Lab has its own coffee blend from Costa Rica. The Lab House Roast has flavours of milk chocolate, caramel and tangerine and, sourced exclusively for Coffi Lab, was chosen because of its ‘signature sweetness’.