Offbeat Spaces began as a dream shared by Lara and Patrick, a couple who were simply trying to solve a practical problem during a challenging time. In 2020, like so many others, they were adapting to a new normal. Their businesses needed storage, a studio, and most of all, they wanted to create something lasting—something […]…
Offbeat Spaces began as a dream shared by Lara and Patrick, a couple who were simply trying to solve a practical problem during a challenging time. In 2020, like so many others, they were adapting to a new normal. Their businesses needed storage, a studio, and most of all, they wanted to create something lasting—something that would bring people together.
When they chanced upon the empty property that was formerly home to Drumbank Studios, hidden away off Gloucester Road in Bristol, they didn’t just see an empty building, they saw potential. Though it had been vacant for more than a year, they imagined a thriving hub of local creatives, small businesses, and socially aware individuals. With the assistance of two additional co-creators and with the financial support of a vacant commercial property grant awarded by Bristol City Council, they rolled up their sleeves and got to work.
The building required everything—vision, time, and a lot of elbow grease. But with sheer determination, resourcefulness, and a strong sense of purpose, they set out to breathe new life into the space. By February 2022, The Old Drumbank Studios was operational, and it’s been buzzing ever since. Every studio and desk has been occupied since day one. It’s now a community of thriving creatives who value flexibility, freedom, and community.
Much of the renovation was done with reclaimed materials—a reflection of the founders’ values and their efforts to make the most out of what you have. This was not just bricks and mortar. This was about creating something sustainable, meaningful, and inclusive.
Their journey hasn’t been a smooth one. When you’re renovating an old building, surprises come with the territory, and there were many practical hurdles to overcome. But every hurdle was an opportunity to problem-solve, think outside the box, and push forward with a little more resolve. That same spirit is alive and kicking today—a space by and for people who refuse to take the straight path.
BrisBES funding came at a time when it was most needed to enable the next phase of the vision and the opening of a new on-site cafe space, which will soon be open to the public, alongside the existing pop-up shop. A grant of £5,000 enabled the team to buy and install a commercial coffee machine and grinder for the café—a hub of the dream. A café is not just about great coffee (though that goes without saying); it’s about people coming together. It’s where ideas are exchanged, collaborations are born, residents and the public later this year can take a well-deserved break. The coffee is sourced locally from Radical Roasters in Easton, which is another indication of how Offbeat Spaces is grounded in working within the broader Bristol community.
And this is just the start. The collective is trying to rent the building for 10 years to be able to provide even greater stability for the residents. They are looking to carry out further refurbishments and improvements throughout the building, specifically the ground floor area which was formerly warehouse style band practise rooms including the development of a photographic studio, and two new part-time jobs are about to be advertised to help cope with the expansion of the business. They’re already looking forward to some excellent collaborations, including involvement with the North Bristol Arts Trail.
Patrick, Lara, and the entire crew at this social enterprise, have demonstrated to everyone what is possible when you mix passion with perseverance and a strong conviction in community. Their story is a reminder that even during the most unsure of times, there is always hope for new beginnings. All it requires is vision, heart, and a desire to create something different—something slightly different. With BrisBES’ latest support, that vision continues to become a reality.
Patrick, Co-creator of Offbeat Spaces said: “Times are tough for businesses at the moment, especially those in the creative sector or operating on a shoe-string budget and driven by the values of social enterprise such as ours! The support we received from BrisBES has been a huge boost that will allow us to open up a new stream of revenue, create new jobs and hopefully help to ensure the long term security of our current projects.”
