A much-loved bar and eatery in Bristol will close its doors at the end of this month as it prepares to reopen as part of a famous Bristol brand. Bocabar Paintworks, in Brislington, will close after 21 years of service on Monday, March 31.
The bar, which was set up in 2004 by co-owners Mel and Paul Eavis, was established in the early stages of the redevelopment of the Paintworks site. Bocabar Paintworks had grown out of the former small pizza/deli Bocacina, in Wells Road, and the Bocanova restaurant in Colston Street.
Bocabar Paintworks will reopen in June under the Loungers name, becoming Miro Lounge. Mel and Paul Eavis, owners of Bocabar, said: “It will be a heartfelt wrench to close the doors on Bocabar Paintworks after so many years.
“There are many customers and friends who we are so grateful to for their loyalty to us over the years so a huge thank you to them. Loungers now offer the opportunity for new investment in the building and to make it a sustainable space during these tougher economic times.”
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Bocabar’s Finzels Reach venue will remain open and will be further developed as time goes on. Mel and Paul added: “It means a lot to us that our regulars will be able to continue to enjoy the space as a daytime cafe and evening bar/restaurant with affordable drink and food menus.
“It also makes us happy that all our lovely team have the opportunity of working at Miro Lounge when it opens, so our customers will see some familiar faces and feel at home!
“Having the one Bocabar at Finzels Reach will be easier to manage. We are very excited about having more time to focus on developing further Bocabar Finzels Reach and having more time for other interests we have.”
The new Miro Lounge will open everyday, for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and drinks and will include a full kids’, gluten-free and vegan menus.
John English, head of community, Loungers said: “We’ve got big boots to fill but we’re looking forward to opening the doors of Miro Lounge in June.
“We share many of the values Mel and Paul of Bocabar hold so dear, including a strong sense of community and neighbourhood, excellent food and drink and a passion for top notch hospitality so we’re sure Miro Lounge will be well received by locals and visitors.”
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