☕️ Skateboard Cafe: A British Skateboarding Gem

Nestled in the heart of Bristol, Skateboard Cafe is a UK-based skateboard brand that has carved out a unique space in the global skateboarding scene. With its quirky name, artistic flair, and deep roots in British skate culture, the company has grown from humble beginnings into a respected name in skateboarding hardware and apparel.

🎬 Origins: From Scene Video to Skate Brand

Skateboard Cafe began not as a business, but as a creative project. In 2008, Rich Smith released a scene video titled Skateboard Cafe, capturing the essence of Bristol’s skateboarding culture. The video resonated with the local community, and soon after, a few t-shirts were printed under the same name. A year later, a small run of skateboard decks followed, sold in independent stores. There was no grand business plan—just a natural evolution driven by passion and creativity.

By 2012, the brand had gained traction, and Smith teamed up with Andy Makepeace to formalize operations. In 2016, Skateboard Cafe Ltd was officially incorporated, marking its transition from DIY project to legitimate company.

🎨 What Makes Them Stand Out?

Skateboard Cafe is known for its distinctive aesthetic—playful, artistic, and often nostalgic. Their deck graphics and apparel designs are heavily influenced by café culture, vintage visuals, and the creative personalities behind the brand. This artistic direction sets them apart from more conventional skate brands.

They’ve also made waves with their video projects, which blend stylish skating with cinematic flair. These videos have helped build a loyal following and showcase the brand’s sponsored riders in action.

🛹 Sponsorships and Team Riders

Skateboard Cafe has cultivated a tight-knit team of talented skaters who embody the brand’s ethos. Riders like Layth Sami have been associated with both Skateboard Cafe and DC Shoes, highlighting the brand’s growing influence and collaborative spirit.

The team has featured in numerous video parts and exhibitions, helping to promote the brand across the UK and Europe. Their sponsorship approach is organic—focused on skaters who share their creative vision and love for the culture.

🤝 Collaborations and Milestones

One of the brand’s most notable achievements was its collaboration with DC Shoes. This partnership resulted in a special collection inspired by Bristol’s iconic skate spot, Lloyds. The designs paid homage to the plaza’s grey stone blocks and navy floors, blending local heritage with global skate culture.

In 2022, Skateboard Cafe celebrated its 10-year anniversary with an exhibition and book launch at Centrespace Gallery in Bristol. The event showcased board graphics, photography, and artwork from contributors like Gaurab Thakali and Becki Clarke, reflecting the brand’s creative journey.

📦 What They’re Up to Now

Today, Skateboard Cafe continues to thrive. Their online store features a wide range of decks, apparel, and accessories, all infused with their signature style. From Clifton-themed t-shirts to diner-inspired hoodies, the brand keeps its aesthetic fresh while staying true to its roots.

They remain active in the skate scene, supporting their riders, releasing new products, and collaborating with artists and brands that align with their vision. Whether through exhibitions, video drops, or limited-edition collections, Skateboard Cafe is still serving up creativity—one deck at a time.

Skateboard Cafe - Alfresco Full Skateboarding Video HD

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