This year is probably the most important for independent businesses as they look to rebuild. The money spent in local, independent shops and businesses makes a real difference to the owners and the local economy. Here we celebrate ten out of our (many!) fabulous Gloucester independents!
Hooker and Eight
You can find fresh and homemade pizza at this Westgate Street restaurant. Owners Dan & Balz have been welcoming people to Gloucester’s only independent sit-down pizza joint for two years. Hooker & Eight takes serious pride in everything that goes onto their dough and are proud that the vast majority of their ingredients are sourced from local Gloucestershire businesses.
Arts and Crafts Centre
Browse and buy high quality unique and handmade goods at the Westgate Street Arts and Crafts Centre. The centre, owned and run by Gloucestershire artists and craft makers, also runs regular workshops from willow making, pastel drawing and even troll making masterclasses!
Truscott Jewellers
Father and son jewellery designers Lee and Trevor Andrews now run Truscott which has been an independent jewellers in Gloucester since 1905. For over 100 years the business has been providing clients with both luxury and affordable jewellery from the premises next to the historic cathedral. The family run business is now making some changes and soon you’ll be able to look through the windows into a new downstairs workshop to see everything being repaired and made in-house.
Odin’s Vision
If you’re into Nordic culture, you’ll love new shop and bar Odin’s Vision! Owners Dan Jarman and Phillip Moore opened the business recently and are already welcoming regular customers who enjoy the unique goods on offer. Nordic inspired prints, art and items are available along with rare drinks such as mead and unusual beers which you can sample any time including late nights on Friday and Saturdays until 10pm.
Farmhouse Deli
The Northgate Street store has been running for 52 years will such success that it’s expanded with sister stores in Southgate Street and Cheltenham High Street. The company prides itself on producing top-quality foods and is best known for the world-famous Gloucester sausage. Along with meat, you’ll find pies and pasties, jams and chutneys and cheese and diary. You can also shop online.
Bizarre Gloucester
Alternative wear and items shop Bizarre sells clothing, body jewellery and gifts with a twist which are inspired by tattoos, cinema, retro and custom car culture. Owner Kate has been in the Westgate shop for 6 years and enjoys the mixture of customers who visit. Bizarre also has its own on-site tattoo and body piercing studio offering a friendly and professional service.
Smart Tailoring
The professional tailors on Southgate Street has been offering a high quality service for 9 years. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, they have built an enviable reputation for excellent tailoring and alteration services at a speedy and affordable price.
Hothouse
You’ll find exclusive brands and interesting gifts in Hothouse, including Wrendale Designs ceramics and products and beautiful Lua bee-inspired products. The ladies clothing and fashion accessories shop in the Eastgate Shopping Centre, has handbags, purses, jewellery, scarves and more. They have an extensive range of homeware and gifts from home fragrance to kitchenware and stationery. Hothouse is also in Worcester and you can browse and shop online.
Gloucester Antiques Centre
You’ll find a huge range of great antiques and collectibles at unbeatable prices in one of Gloucester’s oldest and most interesting buildings. The Westgate Street centre has rare finds, beautiful gifts and classic collector’s items. You can also enjoy outstanding views of Gloucester’s magnificent Cathedral at the back of the centre along with a visit to a new tearoom with fabulous cupcakes.
Cosmic Tree
Opening on Gloucester Day on Westgate Street, Cosmic Tree offers a collection of art, gifts and homeware all inspired by nature. Husband and wife team Paul and Kelly source beautiful, well made and ethnical products and the art product range is created and hand printed by Kelly who is looking forward to running an art studio upstairs in the city’s smallest building.
