Crave to open second restaurant in Bristol this Spring
Crave, a well-loved independent restaurant from Exeter, is set to open its second restaurant in Bristol this spring, marking the next chapter for the growing brand.
Founded by Sameer Shetty, Crave opened on Exeter’s Quayside in summer 2024 and quickly built a loyal following for its welcoming atmosphere, all-day menus and focus on flavoursome food enjoyed without fuss. Following the success of the first restaurant, the team is now preparing to launch Crave @ 52 in one of Bristol’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.
“Bristol has been on my radar for a while,” said Sameer. “It’s a city with an incredible food scene and a real appreciation for independent businesses. We’ve built something special in Exeter and I’m excited to bring that same feeling, and the same team-led hospitality approach, to a new city.”
Crave @ 52 will build on the foundations of the Exeter restaurant, with more emphasis on small plates and seafood with a menu designed for sharing, alongside a full cocktail bar, while keeping the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that has become central to the Crave identity.
The building itself forms part of the story. Most recently home to Haus Bar, Kinkajou, and before that the Indian restaurant Rajpoot for more than 40 years, the site has a long-standing food heritage. With Mediterranean and Eastern influences running through Crave’s menu, the team see the move as a natural continuation of the building’s past life.
Crave’s expansion has been driven as much by its people as its popularity. The business has grown a close-knit team since launching in Exeter, with plans to take that team forward as the brand grows.
A familiar face from the Crave kitchen will also be in the spotlight this spring. Tom Lodge, a key member of the team, is set to appear in the new ITV2 series The Heat, which sees ten ambitious chefs travel to Barcelona to work under multi-Michelin-star, award-winning chef Jean-Christophe Novelli. Tom will continue to work across both the Exeter and Bristol sites, playing a central role in menu development as Crave expands.
Crave @ 52 is due to open on Whiteladies Road in spring 2026, with booking details to be announced closer to launch. For more information, follow @Crave_Bristol on Instagram or visit craverestaurant.co.uk for more updates.
