With seating for just ten people, a new café and design store for Bath might be its smallest, but is well worth seeking out. Located just off the Grade I* listed Pulteney Bridge, the micro-concept store—already being labelled a hidden gem by those in the know—is, says co-founder Nick Beevors, “a design-led space that is a vehicle for doing good”. Which is nice, because ‘good’ can often seem in short supply.
Diminutive in size but not presence, Friends Are Electric serves as a hangout for creatives to work, play, and make a better world together—a smelting pot of talent that brings a new concept to this famous Somerset city. Featuring House of Hackney wallpaper; neon signage; table tops made from thousands of reimagined yoghurt pots (by Smile Plastics, who convert plastic waste for decorative use); a clever pencil shelving unit cum installation; and other bespoke furnishings, FAE’s design diversity contradicts its a footprint that many may consider restrictive.
Speciality coffee comes via We Heart’s favourite ‘girl bosses’, Girls Who Grind Coffee, and is served in cups made by Kaffeeform from recycled coffee grounds. Just the job to wash down the selection of Nordic-inspired open sandwiches on offer, alongside juices from Rejuce, who create juice from “wonky fruit and ugly veg from farms all over the UK”.
Innovative collaborations aside – and let us not forget the rather spiffing brand identity by independent ideas studio Mr.M – Friends Are Electric is a friendly and offbeat spot from where to either let the world go by or to get your creative juices flowing—because, with plenty of independent magazines and greenery dotted around the space, inspiration is certainly not in short supply.
Photography, courtesy Friends Are Electric Bath
