A Bristol-based brother and sister’s business reunion heralds the start of an exciting new chapter for a popular city bar and live music venue. Some 16 years after going their separate ways professionally, James and Philippa Smailes are back in business together again to lead The Gallimaufry into its next era.
The Bristol-born siblings first made their mark on the city’s hospitality scene when they bought Miller’s coffee shop and opened the famous Hermanos Café Bar (known locally as Manos) on Clifton Triangle, which became a firm-favourite late-night spot to see, and be seen in. Their popular partnership was put on hold in 2010 when Philippa took time out to raise her two children while James continued to run Manos until 2014, when he sold it to focus on The Gallimaufry in Gloucester Road, which he co-founded in 2012.
Known to most as The Galli, this venue continued the independent ethos and culture James and his sister had created at Manos and, like its spiritual predecessor, it has become something of a Bristol institution. When his business partner departed, it opened the door for James, 48, and Philippa, 50, to reunite.
He said: “Philippa will add a wealth of hospitality experience to help curate the private hire and events side of the business. She will be focusing on supporting me to take the business forward, so look out for new pop-ups, supper clubs, community and art events using our wonderful upstairs space.”
Philippa said: “It’s great to be working alongside Jamie again within the vibrant hospitality scene in Bristol. Although it’s been some 16 years since we worked together, we’ve slipped back into it very comfortably. He’s done a great job at The Galli, helping to create a venue where people can unwind in a cosy atmosphere while witnessing the finest of Bristol’s up-and-coming artists; I’ve got some great memories from working alongside my brother and I’m now really excited about the prospect of making some new ones. I can’t wait to get going with the super-talented team at the Galli with General manager of five years Sarah Harrison, assistant manager Matt Richards and supervisor/music production & bookings manager Beth Zajac.”
James learned his trade working in the late 1990s for the Moroccan-inspired souk-style clubs, with the Po Na Na group, starting in the cloakroom and working his way behind the bar at the Queens Road site, then moving on to work in and manage Boom Bar on Whiteladies Road, before becoming General Manager of the popular Fez Club in St Nicholas Street.
Philippa studied, lived and worked in Spain before returning to Bristol to team up with her brother at Manos, where she helped introduce a taste of Spanish culture, tapas and a renowned drinks and cocktail offering.
The Galli already hosts a full calendar of live music seven nights a week, ranging from Open Mic Mondays to folk, jazz and hip-hop jam sessions, as well as running pop-ups from their kitchen space, recently working with Wizzy from Sky Kong Kong, Fat Dad’s Burgers and most recently Gourmet Warriors and their legendary taco offerings.
James added: “Like many businesses, the Galli has not been immune to the harsh hospitality climate since the pandemic, shutting our doors in March 2020 on and off for two years. It was touch and go at points, and I’m not sure we will ever really get back to pre-2020 trading. The pressure on business costs, margins and the cost of living crisis has made it really hard work, but we still love what we do and see the value of our place in the community, and see the value of community, especially in the world today.”
“Our loyal customer base stood by us and returned as soon as the doors reopened, post-pandemic for which we will be forever grateful, and with Philippa back beside me, we’re really excited about what the future holds.”
Find out more about The Gallimaufry through their website and follow them on Instagram.
