An independent Exeter restaurant is preparing to take its next step beyond the city, with plans to open a second site in Bristol next spring.
Crave, founded by Sameer Shetty, opened on Exeter’s Quayside in summer 2024 and has since established a presence in the city’s dining scene. The business has now confirmed it will launch a new venue, Crave @ 52, in Bristol.
Sameer said: “Bristol has been on my radar for a while. It’s a city with an incredible food scene and a real appreciation for independent businesses.
“We’ve built something special in Exeter and I’m excited to bring that same feeling, and the same team-led hospitality approach, to a new city.”
The Bristol restaurant will build on the Exeter site, with a greater emphasis on small plates and seafood. The menu has been designed for sharing and will be accompanied by a full cocktail bar. The business said it intends to retain the relaxed atmosphere associated with its Exeter restaurant.
The new venue will open on Whiteladies Road in spring 2026. The building was most recently home to Haus Bar and Kinkajou, and before that housed the Indian restaurant Rajpoot for more than 40 years. The team said the site’s food heritage aligned with the Mediterranean and Eastern influences found on Crave’s menu.
Crave’s expansion has been supported by its existing team in Exeter, with plans for staff to work across both locations as the business grows.
Tom Lodge, a member of the Crave kitchen team, is also set to appear in a new ITV2 series, The Heat. The programme follows ten chefs travelling to Barcelona to work under multi-Michelin-star chef Jean-Christophe Novelli. Tom will continue to work across the Exeter and Bristol restaurants, contributing to menu development.
Booking details for the Bristol restaurant are expected to be announced closer to its opening. Updates are available via @Crave_Bristol on Instagram and at craverestaurant.co.uk.
