One of the West Country’s oldest travel companies is the first to back initiatives to revitalise Broadmead, Bristol opening a new shop to help local people plan a safari, a wedding abroad, a luxury cruise, London theatre break or coach tour of Europe.
Bakers Dolphin has opened a new travel shop in The Arcade -the Grade II listed arcade that links Broadmead and the Horsefair.
Four experienced travel specialists are on hand in the shop to give people the widest choice with first-hand knowledge of most destinations.
Bakers Dolphin, a family business which started in 1889 with Charles Theodore Baker arranging pony and trap rides in Weston-super-Mare and once had 100 travel shops throughout the region, returned to Broadmead with a travel shop in 2014. It has proved so successful that an expanded, more permanent base has now been taken in the arcade.
The move comes ahead of consultation this summer over plans for a multi-million transformation of Bristol’s shopping quarter.
Sales and Marketing Director Amanda Harrington said: “We are excited by plans to make Broadmead even more attractive. We are investing in the area ahead of the regeneration proposals.
“Many people want the advice and experience of a travel adviser when they book their holidays and we have created a fantastic environment in the new shop where people can browse through the options and get some real help and advice.
“We have Tina, who is a wedding specialist; Jo, who specialises in cruises and Fiona, who is well-travelled and can advise on city breaks and package holidays. Because we are independent we can offer a wider range than most travel agents.
“We also have Nicki, who can provide expert advice and our own Bakers Dolphin holidays, featuring hand-picked hotels and tours for discerning travellers on our fleet of Gold Coaches on offer. The shop includes a ticket bureau, which will enable people to buy for concerts, events and shows either for themselves or as gifts for others.
“The Arcade has a reputation for quality independent shops and is a natural cut-through for people shopping in some of Bristol’s bigger stores, such as Primark and Marks and Spencer.”
The shop was officially opened by Miss Bristol International 2016, Gabriella Papp.
