Mud Dock is one of the most-loved establishments on Bristol's Harbourside. On a warm Autumn afternoon it's hard to think of a better place than the outdoor terrace to enjoy a cold beer and tasty tapas while watching a lazy parade of boats on the water.
What makes people return again and again to Mud Dock Cafe?
"We offer the lot: the food and drink, the ambience, the location. People come here for a reason, and it is to do with lifestyle.
"On top of that we employ good staff who are paid fairly. The food is all cooked to order, nothing is pre-packaged. Everything is made from fresh ingredients right here on the premises. I am proud and pleased about the food, the coffee and the beer, which are the three fundamental things and restaurant need to get right. On top of that we have a venue with amazing character and special place in the hearts of Bristolians."
You've been open since 1994. Do you still get a buzz from running this place?
"Yes, in lots of ways. I love meeting and talking with our customers. We get a lot of local workers coming in here, especially to take advantage of the £5 lunch deal we do Monday to Friday. I see a lot of familiar faces.
"On another level, we host a number of corporate events for big names including some of Bristol’s better known companies. Its a fabulous place to entertain corporate guests.
"It's a completely different crowd at weekends. Then, the Cafe is more of a 'destination visit', if that makes sense. What I mean is that people wandering around the Harbourside know we are here, and dropping by for them is all part of an enjoyable day out. This area around the docks has so much to offer and we are seen as a big part of that.
"Term time we get mums and dads bringing their kids in to enjoy the place. It brings the place alive in a different way, and we like that very much.
"But it's not just about people from the city. The Mud Dock name and reputation reaches far outside Bristol. There is a knowledge and awareness of Mud Dock that people get from their friends who live in Bristol, from visits they've made to the city, and from our wider association with cycling."
Mud Dock was something of a trailblazer for dockside redevelopment. A lot has changed over the years...
"The Harbourside is unrecognisable compared to the mid-90s. Many changes are for the better, others perhaps not.
"One reason the Harbourside is so attractive is that there are a lot of eating and drinking opportunities here. For diners there is huge choice. We are comfortable with that because we know we offer something a little bit different, trade is good and we get excellent feedback.
"First of all we have arguably the best venue on the Harbourside. Certainly we can accommodate more al fresco customers than most if not all other venues round the waterside.
"If the sun’s out you can come here and get an excellent lunch deal for £5, sit outside taking in a glorious view over the docks. You can see how it is today; but the views also evoke something of Bristol’s past. Your visit doesn’t break the bank and we are told people find the Mud Dock experience incredibly enjoyable.
"We make the environment slightly challenging. Sit here for 10 minutes and you won’t get bored: there is plenty to look at.
"We've already talked about the waterside views. But inside the Cafe we have gathered together an eclectic mix of cycling paraphernalia. On the walls the ceilings, even the floorboards tell a story in this place. We haven't even talked much about the cycle shop, but the passion for excellence is the same there too."
Mud Dock's wifi is free and makes the Cafe a popular place for freelancers and businesspeople to meet and work. With Arnolfini two minutes away and Cabot Circus a ten-minute walk, Mud Dock really is at the centre of things for anyone wanting to explore Bristol's cultural and commercial riches.
