Two of Bristol's liberal, progressive and LGBTQIA friendly establishments have announced that they are closing, for various reasons.

VX is a vegan cafe and coffee shop on Bedminster's East Street, and is part of a gradual spread of independent and alternative businesses that have breathed new life into the traditionally working class shopping district, without changing its grassroots flavour. A spokesperson for VX told the Bristol Post that the end of their lease meant that it was time to move on from the project. B247 newspaper reports "While the team will notify people of a definite date of closure soon, they think it will be around October 13. Vx Bristol opened in December 2015 and became popular for its “vegan junk food” menu."

Meanwhile, over the other side of the river, North Bristol's La Ruca, run by a South American family for forty years, is also winding down. The couple who have been its powerhouse are retiring. La Ruca for many years was a meeting place for samesex couples to enjoy Saturday brunchtime. Liberal and progressive groups such as Amnesty International Bishopston would meet there to co-ordinate petitions and letter writing. And the food was renowned throughout Bristol as bringing a genuine taste of the Latin Americas to the city. The wholefood shop beneath the cafe will continue to trade until December.