Bristol bakery and curry house to reopen on Chandos Road

Diners on Chandos Road in Redland can expect a change in the food scene when Ruby Jeans opens its second location. The new venue will occupy the unit formerly used by the Royal Spice curry house, which closed its doors in April of last year. The space has sat empty for the past year and a half. Ruby Jeans will operate as a bakery and cafe during the day, then convert into an Indian restaurant for evening service.

The expansion represents a strategic move for a business that began as a small coffee shop in Shirehampton in 2019. Mark Pummell, the director, is teaming up with Tahir Bhuiyan, who owns the Ali Mahal restaurant in Shirehampton. Together with head chef Liv Garriock, they plan to introduce curries and an Indian-Bangladeshi menu. The daytime menu will feature brunch items, sandwiches, paninis, cakes, and coffee. The evening service will launch as a subsequent phase of the opening.

Chandos Road is a well-known food district that includes the Michelin-starred Wilsons. Other nearby establishments include Dongnae, Little Hollows Pasta, and One Fish Street. Pummell noted that the street possesses a distinct identity and houses several independent businesses. He stated that the area attracts a mix of residents, students, and local workers. He wants to provide a regular spot for these groups to visit. The proximity to Wilsons was cited as part of the attraction for the new site.

Pummell acknowledged that the hospitality industry is currently facing difficult conditions. He explained that operating costs continue to rise while customers are spending more carefully. He said the business has had to make difficult decisions regarding menus, staffing, and operations to protect quality. The new location is viewed as a chance to apply lessons learned from the Shirehampton site. The goal is to create a more sustainable business model.

The existing Ruby Jeans location in Shirehampton already hosts a curry club with Ali Mahal on the second Friday of every month. Pummell said the new venue will allow the team to bring different backgrounds and experiences together in one space. The daytime atmosphere is intended to be relaxed for meetings or quick lunches. The evening concept will provide another reason for people to visit the street.

The business will focus on establishing its presence on Chandos Road and learning what customers prefer. Pummell said the priority is to give the new branch time to find its footing. The team also sees potential to expand their catering services. They aim to build a business that supports their team and becomes a valued part of the Redland neighborhood.