Tobacco Factory

is one of the last survivors from the vast Imperial Tobacco site. It was saved from demolition by architect George Ferguson – read more about our history here.

Today, Tobacco Factory is a multi-purpose building that houses a lively Cafe Bar, Farm Shop and Sunday Market, as well as meeting spaces, offices for creative businesses and a performing arts school. The building is also home to Tobacco Factory Theatres – one of the most exciting performance venues in the country.

Strike a light for independents

Led by Bristol’s first elected mayor, George Ferguson, Tobacco Factory is a leading light in the campaign to support and champion independent, local business.

Founded on George’s belief that independent businesses are the lifeblood of our city, and give North Street its distinctive character, Tobacco Factory is proudly reliant on independent brewers, producers and suppliers.

The building’s transformation has been a catalyst for regeneration in the area, and Tobacco Factory’s continued support of independents has made it a hub for the area’s flourishing business community.

Find out more about just some of the local producers and supplies we regularly work with on our Friends & Suppliers page.

We are committed to supporting the local community and reducing our impact on the environment. Here are some of the ways that we try to make a difference…

  1. Our coffee machine is solar powered, serving around 52,000 hot drinks a year
  2. Up to 33% of the Tobacco Factory Theatre’s electricity is generated by solar energy
  3. We separate and recycle at least 80% of our waste
  4. We grown our own – with as many ingredients as possible coming from our own farm in Backwell, or other local suppliers
  5. Bike racks are provided on every floor
  6. Energy saving lighting is used throughout the building
  7. An electric car charging point is provided for public use
  8. We work hard to keep our prices fair

Key People

George Ferguson

Resident Caretaker

Seeing the potential for an exciting mixed use project, George saved the Tobacco Factory building from demolition and set about creating the cultural, social and creative hub that it is today.

Sarah Ford

Managing Director

Having joined Tobacco Factory at the outset to set up the Cafe Bar in 2001, Sarah oversees all aspects of Tobacco Factory's Cafe Bar, including events, the Sunday Market as well as Grain Barge.

Tim Myers

Facilities Manager

Looking after all aspects of the Tobacco Factory building and the Grain Barge, Tim is a self confessed construction nerd and is never happier than when calculating wall thickness and heat retention.

Anna Gilman

Events Manager

Previously the Cafe Bar Manager, Anna is these days very happily throwing our parties, being responsible for the many events at Tobacco Factory and Grain Barge, ensuring that everyone has a joyful time.

Charles Mooyaart

Executive Chef

Charles joins us with a mission to spread his belief that food should be ethical and fun - bringing people together with classic dishes made with locally sourced seasonal ingredients.

Shaun Harrigan

General Manager

Bringing 25 years experience to the role, Shaun describes his special skill as ‘patience’. When not enjoying writing up the weekly staff rota, he juggles drawing, painting, printing, cycling and hiking.

Fiona Milsom

Fi is the Queen Of Content. She heads up our social media, catch her at the venue phone in hand making the staff pose, but don't get too close, she'll make you be in a Tiktok.

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