Double Puc Café is a Bristol-based independent café and catering business, founded in 2021 by Ed Brown and Griff Holland—two passionate hospitality professionals with a track record of launching successful food ventures. The pair set out to build something that went beyond great coffee and food. They wanted to create a warm, community-focused space rooted […]…
Double Puc Café is a Bristol-based independent café and catering business, founded in 2021 by Ed Brown and Griff Holland—two passionate hospitality professionals with a track record of launching successful food ventures. The pair set out to build something that went beyond great coffee and food. They wanted to create a warm, community-focused space rooted in sustainability, where local sourcing and strong relationships with trusted suppliers were central to the experience. 
Most of Double Puc’s ingredients are sourced from within a 40-mile radius of Bristol, reflecting their commitment to supporting regional producers and reducing their environmental impact. The café quickly became a popular spot in the community, known not only for its high-quality offer but also for its values-driven approach.
In 2024, Double Puc Café reached a turning point. With demand growing and their reputation strengthening, the team saw an opportunity to expand into a second site—at We The Curious, which is Bristol’s iconic science museum. This wasn’t just any venue. We The Curious had been closed for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a tragic fire. Reopening its doors would be a major moment for the city, and Double Puc had the chance to play a key role in bringing it back to life.
However, growing into such a high-profile location came with considerable pressure. The team needed to scale up quickly—without compromising on the quality, values, or the personality that made their café stand out in the first place. To tackle this challenge, they drew on what they’d learned from running Friska, their previous business, which helped them spot potential problems early and put systems in place for staffing, managing the supply chain, and delivering good customer service. Yet, they were still missing something.
This is where BrisBES tied the loose strings together.
Through the BrisBES programme, Double Puc Café received targeted support at a time when they needed it most. The grant they were awarded helped cover essential startup costs for the new café, including barista kits, EPOS systems, and physical improvements to the new venue. With the more practical needs met, the team could direct their energy towards the people and processes that define a great customer experience—recruiting skilled staff, perfecting its food and drink offering, and ensuring a smooth launch.
The financial support took a significant weight off their shoulders. But equally important was the guidance and business development support the BrisBES programme provided. Going through the process helped the team sharpen their overall strategy, particularly around financial forecasting, scaling operations, and working effectively with partners. Launching a new site in such a high-stakes environment meant coordinating with multiple stakeholders and the BrisBES programme helped the Double Puc Café team build the confidence and capability to manage those relationships effectively.
Ed Brown, co-founder of Double Puc Café, said: “The support from the BrisBES programme came at a crucial time for us. It not only helped us cover the essential startup costs but also gave us the confidence and guidance to grow sustainably without compromising the values that are at the heart of Double Puc. Expanding into We The Curious has allowed us to deepen our connection with the Bristol community, create meaningful jobs, and continue championing local, sustainable sourcing. We’re proud to be part of this exciting chapter in Bristol’s recovery and growth.”
Opening at We The Curious also created a range of new opportunities for the business and the wider community. The expansion led to the creation of at least 12 new full-time jobs, with aims to partner with City of Bristol College to support apprentices. In doing so, Double Puc not only grew its footprint but also reinforced its commitment to giving back to the community it serves. The reopening of We The Curious was a significant moment for Bristol, and Double Puc played a key part in making it a success.
