The Factory café bar opened in November 2001 and immediately proved the crying need for something more than traditional pubs in South Bristol. Its tough industrial style, its music and lighting, its no nonsense open kitchen with its peasant mediterranean food and its young friendly staff have created a great welcoming atmosphere, where no-one feels out of place.

Having a strong dislike of the domination by 'multiples' George Ferguson decided to strike a light for independents and do it his way. In Sarah Ford, his manager and co-licensee he found someone who shares his vision and has the experience and determination to make it work.

Strike a light for Independents!

Inspired by the Manchester Independents campaign, George Ferguson has decided to launch a Bristol based campaign from the Tobacco Factory.

Nick Johnson, a Director of Manchester based developers Urban Splash, owner of the Atlas bar and a leading light in the Manchester campaign, says that "Independent business is vital if we believe in the renaissance of our towns and cities."

The purpose of the campaign is to encourage the support and patronage of independent outlets and businesses to help redress the balance that has swung strongly in favour of the multiples at the expense of local character and enterprise. Business at the Tobacco Factory epitomises this, with home grown enterprises, such as CLIK, Teoh's, E3 media etc.

George will be asking the City and Bristol's independent businesses and their supporters to sign up for membership of the campaign which will be aimed at reinforcing Bristol's enterprise culture.