Michelin-starred chef and MasterChef finalist set for Bristol opening

Michelin-starred chef Josh Eggleton of the Pony & Trap, Chew Magna and 2013 MasterChef finalist Larkin Cen of Cen at Celtic Manor, Newport are due to open restaurants at Bristol's new retail concept Cargo in Wapping Wharf.

The restaurants will be made from converted shipping containers, which will host a variety of restaurants and retailers such as Bristol Cider Shop, Lovett Pies and Box-E Bristol restaurant run by former Empress chef Elliott Lidstone.

Chicken Shed, a dine-in and dine-out chicken shop which is due to open in September, was created by Eat Drink Bristol Fashion, a food festival co-founded by Eggleton alongside Amelia Twine, Nick Roberts and Luke Hasell.

Eggleton said: "Cargo is a great development which will make this part of the city a real destination for people who love eating out. The emphasis is on Bristol grassroots businesses and we're proud to bring Chicken Shed to add to the other independents opening here. Our focus will be on creating food that is delicious and sourced from ethical farms which treat their chickens well. We'll also have a roof terrace wrapping around our containers which will be the place to watch the world go by with a beer and some chicken wings."

Cen will be heading up Woky Ko, a 40-cover restaurant and takeaway, which is also due to open in September.

Talking about his new venture, Cen said: "I live in the city and have been waiting for the right location and moment to open an Asian-flavours restaurant that provides a casual dining experience while staying true to my style of cooking. I'm excited about the super skilled team we are building to take well-loved dishes and add in my own ideas to make them even more exciting for people to try."

Other neighbouring retailer announcements include: PIGSTY, a restaurant by the brothers behind pork production company the Jolly Hog; gourmet pie shop Lovett Pies; Bristol Cider Shop; Corks of Cotham a local wine, spirits and beer merchant; the Mighty Quinns Flower Emporium, an independent florist opening its first retail unit; and barbershop Shambarber.

Cargo will open in two stages, Cargo 1 due to open in September includes 18 converted shipping containers and Cargo 2 will open later this autumn and feature 28 containers. The containers measure 8 sq ft x 20 sq ft and are set on two levels, with glass fronts giving views out onto the waterfront, and outside terraces.

Elliott Lidstone leaves the Empress to open new venture >>

Wild Beer Co latest operator to join Bristol's new Wapping Wharf development >>

Latest video from The Caterer

Are you looking for a new role? See all the current hospitality vacancies available with The Caterer Jobs >>