Visiting Bristol for the first time or planning a relaxed weekend break? This local guide takes you from Bristol Temple Meads through some of the city’s best independent bakeries, cafés and shops - finishing in Bedminster on North Street, home to our independent homewares shop, Mon Pote.
Plan Your Route: Bristol Temple Meads to Mon Pote
Visiting Bristol by train? This walking route takes you through some of the city’s best independent bakeries, cafés and shops - ending on North Street in Bedminster.
Hart’s Bakery: A Hidden Gem Beneath Bristol Temple Meads
The goodness starts straight away as you arrive at Bristol Temple Meads, especially if you’re visiting Bristol for the first time by train. Just beneath the station you’ll find Hart’s Bakery, a hidden artisan bakery tucked inside a large Victorian railway arch. It’s the perfect first stop to kick off your Bristol day - whether you’re grabbing a sweet treat (the cinnamon buns are a must for us) or choosing from their ever-changing selection of seasonal cakes and pastries.
Brunch Stops on the Way to Bedminster
If you’re heading towards Bedminster from Bristol Temple Meads, make time to stop at The Bristol Loaf for brunch. This much-loved independent bakery is known for its exceptional bread and pastries, all made using high-quality, fresh ingredients. Sitting beneath warm lanterns and winding vines creates a cosy, welcoming atmosphere that makes it a firm favourite for locals and visitors alike.
Walk Along the River Avon to Bristol Harbourside
From here, take a walk along the River Avon towards the Bristol Harbourside, one of the city’s most iconic areas. You’ll be greeted by the historic cranes outside the M Shed museum, originally built in 1878 to load and unload ships and railway wagons. For things to do in Bristol, we recommend popping inside if you’re in the mood for a little history, art and culture. Be sure to soak up the atmosphere too - the Harbourside truly comes alive in summer, when people gather with drinks and street food to watch the sun set over the water.
Wapping Wharf – Independent Food & Shopping in Bristol
Wapping Wharf is one of the best places in Bristol for independent food, coffee and shopping.
A vibrant waterside neighbourhood located right beside Bristol’s Floating Harbour, just a short walk from the city centre. Once a working dock, the area is now home to converted cargo containers housing a brilliant mix of independent shops, cafés and eateries, buzzing both day and night. For coffee lovers, Little Victories and New Cut Coffee are absolute must-visits. If you’re feeling peckish, Mokoko serves up glorious pastries and sandwiches. There’s also plenty of independent shopping to enjoy, including Better Food, Fig1 for gifting inspiration, and Bookhaus for their beautifully curated book selection.
Where to Eat in Bristol – Evening Food Near Wapping Wharf
If you’re looking for evening food recommendations in Bristol, Wapping Wharf and the surrounding area offer plenty of standout options.
Italian
- Magari – handmade pasta in a cosy neighbourhood setting
Mexican
- Cargo Cantina – tapas-style Mexican dishes, perfect for sharing
Japanese
- Seven Lucky Gods – bold flavours with excellent vegetarian options
Seafood
- Gambas – seafood-focused sister restaurant to Bravas (Tapas restaurant in Cotham)
Walk to North Street, Bedminster
Back to our daytime wander, after exploring Wapping Wharf, take a gentle stroll across the Gaol Ferry Bridge. From here, weave your way through the surrounding streets until you emerge at the top end of North Street, right by Sweven Coffee.
Take your time meandering down North Street, soaking up the independent shops, cafés and bakeries along the way - and before you know it, you’ll arrive at our beautiful little independent homewares shop, Mon Pote.
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Visit Mon Pote – Independent Homewares in Bedminster, Bristol
At the top end of North Street, you’ll find Mon Pote, our independent homewares shop in the heart of Bedminster, Bristol. We sit opposite award-winning bookshop Storysmith and near local favourites Patina, Independent Design Collective and Glass Designs. North Street is one of the best places for independent shopping in Bristol, and we’re proud to be part of such a creative, community-led neighbourhood.
Once you reach Mon Pote, you’ll be welcomed with friendly faces and an irresistible range of colourful homeware and accessories. Browse beautifully styled seasonal table décor, thoughtful gifts for kids, novelty pieces and a curated book selection. Upstairs, find bedroom and bathroom inspiration - from premium skincare and candles to stylish accessories and hardware. You’ll also discover soft furnishings including quilts, cushions and wall art, such as prints and solid oak frames that complement any interior. Whether you’re planning a home refresh or searching for the perfect gift, Mon Pote has something for every style.
👉 Learn more about Mon Pote here.
Why Bedminster Is a Hidden Gem of Bristol
If you’re visiting Bristol for a weekend break or planning a short city escape with a focus on independent shopping, we’d love you to explore Bedminster in Bristol. Make sure to stop by our shop and discover the many independent businesses on North Street, one of Bristol’s most vibrant and creative high streets.
Around the corner you’ll find artisan coffee spots and neighbourhood cafés perfect for a caffeine stop before or after browsing — community favourites include places like Peggy's, Burra and Southville Deli.
If you’re a fan of local flavours, Bedminster offers even more to explore. From specialty wine shops and green grocers to hand-crafted chocolates at Zara's Chocolates and Sunday markets at the nearby Tobacco Factory, there’s always something new to taste or browse as part of your visit.
We’ve also put together a dedicated blog post highlighting our favourite places on North Street, from unique shops to brilliant cafés and restaurants. Often described as a hidden gem of Bristol, Bedminster is one of the city’s most creative neighbourhoods, full of independent businesses and local charm.
Thank you for reading!
