Crowdfunding sought for Bristol community bike cafe

Coffee, cake and cycling. The three C's that make up the holy alliance of a great Sunday morning out.

Being West Country folk, we might be biased here, but we can't help thinking that this Crowdfunder project for a bike shop -cum- cafe in Bristol sounds just the ticket.

It's not just about the cake though; Roll for the Soul aims to be be a community-focused bike café for Bristol, the focal point for cycling in the city, celebrating and supporting a unique cycling culture.

Rob Wall, who's working to get the project off the ground, says: "It'll be for Bristol cyclists, by Bristol cyclists, which also means trying to attract non-cyclists to show them what they're missing.

"Roll for the Soul will provide quality food and drink; cycle-related events; information; sales, repairs and servicing; workshop space; and will advocate for cycling.

"It's a not-for-profit... and will use any surplus revenue to support and promote cycling in Bristol, in partnership with other social enterprises."

The cafe has provenanace too - Roll for the Soul was trialled for a week at the Bristol Cycle Festival earlier this year, and proved a great success.

So what's the catch? Roll for the Soul needs to raise £90,000 to open, £12,000 of which needs to come from crowdfunding.

Look Mum No Hands in London has been instrumental in helping Rob develop a detailed financial plan, and the money raised from donations will go towards kitchen equipment including a refurbished espresso machine (definitely essential!), oven and hob, plus chairs, tables and cash registers.

The project's nearly a third of the way to being funded, but still needs donations. There are some great rewards on offer, including invitations to the opening night, printed ilustrations and t-shirts.

To donate or read more, click here.