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About Ashwell & Co.

A unique vintage experience in Bristol

After being unable to find what she was looking for when planning her own wedding, Kate realised she couldn’t be the only one, and the gears started turning…

Will & Kate Ashwell stood outside Ashwell & Co shop in Bristol
Where we started

From Heartfelt Vintage to Ashwell & Co

Kate and Will founded Ashwell & Co in July 2014. After years of working in festival production, drama, education and the arts, they felt that their family of three would benefit from a change of pace, so started hunting for a career that continued their love of creativity and working with people. 

Where we started

Kate & Will, the Ashwells

Kate has had a keen interest in the alternative and fashion since she was a teenager but her true love of vintage was born when she moved to Camden as a student. She really valued the ability of vintage to allow her to have something that no one else did.

Having grown up in a hotel it was perhaps inevitable that Will would find his calling in hospitality. He has discovered a flair for baking, taking on all aspects of the Ashwell & Co afternoon tea offering. Every component that can be is handmade on site by his own hands, including the bread and clotted cream.

Will & Kate cheers with vintage tea cups in the Ashwell & Co tearoom
Kate Ashwell holding a vintage wedding dress, in front of a rail of vintage bridal dresses

When it comes to wedding gowns and clothing, Kate thinks back to her own experience and wishes somewhere like Ashwell & Co had existed when she was looking for her own wedding dress.

With one of the largest collections of vintage wedding dresses in the South West, an on-site seamstress and passion for creating a relaxed atmosphere for anyone dress shopping, Ashwell & Co refuses to add to the stress of planning a wedding.

Kate is an expert on shapes, styles and the history of each dress that comes to her, ensuring you go away with a dress you love and a little piece of history too. 

Kate and Will believe that it’s a fundamental part of life for people to come together and share food, and so have created an open, comfortable space for people to do just that.

Whether you are popping in with friends, have rented the tearoom for a party, or are browsing their collection of vintage clothes and accessories, they want everyone to enjoy the ritual of sharing experiences with other people.

Kate & Will Ashwell holding their puppy on the sofa at Ashwell & Co shop
Visiting Ashwell & Co

Gorgeous photos from our customers' time in our vintage boutique

Check out our customers’ lovely photos from their time here at Ashwell & Co Tearooms – enjoying our homemade afternoon teas, trying on beautiful vintage garments, and learning new creative skills with their loved ones. 

Real Bride Anna in her vintage wedding dress by Ashwell & Co
Anna
Came for our

Bristol, UK

Ashwell & Co is a hidden vintage gem – nestled in leafy Clifton, Bristol, and adorned with a carefully curated collection of vintage garments.

Meet the team

The Ashwell & Co team

It’s the people that make a place truly special, and every member of the Ashwell & Co team brings their own unique expertise and a warm smile to our vintage boutique and tearooms. Read on to find out more about these wonderful individuals. 

Kate Ashwell smiling, browsing a rail of vintage wedding dresses at Ashwell & Co
Kate
Vintage expert, styling queen

Founder

Will Ashwell laughing, stood in front of Ashwell & Co shop in Bristol
Will
High tea connoisseur, recipe developer, baker of excellent cakes and treats

Founder and Baker

family celebrating afternoon tea at Ashwell & Co
Bex
Admin queen, official afternoon tea tester

Personal Assistant

Lily
Server of afternoon teas, washer up extraordinaire, wearer of vintage

Weekend Assistant and in house model

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1960s vintage bride photoshoot with Hunch Co, bride posing in front of orange wooden door