Gloucester Road, Bristol

Gloucester Road in Bristol is a historic street that runs through Saint Andrew's, Bishopston, and Horfield. It's part of the A38 route to Filton and the M5 Motorway. The road is known for its local businesses and is promoted as a hub of independent trade by Bristol City Council.

The road has been a part of the Bristol-Gloucester coaching route since the Middle Ages. In the late 19th century, shops and traders settled on the road, gradually shifting from butchers and grocers to pubs, cafes, and charity shops.

The Bristol North Baths opened in 1915, and are now a Grade II-listed building. The annex was demolished in 2002, and the main baths closed in 2005. The building awaits redevelopment into flats.

Gloucester Road is famous for its independent shops and has been recognized for having the longest row of such shops in Europe. It caters to the preferences of middle-class residents on both sides of the road.

Notable establishments on Gloucester Road include The Grape & Grind, Reclaimers Reclamation, and Crawford's Newsagents. The Drapers Arms pub is currently being converted into a micropub.

Artistic expression is encouraged by local businesses, such as The Golden Lion pub, which allows graffiti art on its walls. The street is known for its creative atmosphere. However, there is no artwork by Banksy on Gloucester Road. Gloucester Road hosts an annual Christmas street party, with late-night shop openings and additional food and drink stalls.