College Street is claimed to be the best street in Gloucester by its businesses. The route to the cathedral from Westgate Street is cobbled and quirky and is home to a variety of places to shop and visit. We spoke to College Street business owners about what makes their offer special and unique.
The Candle Tree
You encounter a beautiful wafting scent before you enter gift shop emporium The Candle Tree. Inside you can browse a range of candles, handcrafted soaps, home fragrances, luxury bath & body treats, novelty bottle stoppers, creative delights, and accessories.
Owner Sandra loves being on College Street, she said, ‘It’s a beautiful street with incredible history. It’s cosy and quirky and in the winter, when there’s a dusting of snow on the ground, it’s like being part of a movie. We love it here as everyone in the street is so friendly. It’s nice to see people coming back into the centre and back into the shops.’
L&S Lifestyle
Owned by Sandra and Lloyd of The Candle Tree, L&S Lifestyle is a separate shop next door which is opening soon! It will offer the same creative lighting offers that were found in The Candle Tree. The range will be much larger, and you can expect lighting that you won’t normally find on the high street. Other unusual and curated homeware will be available. Watch this space for the opening!
Clementine Café
Clementine is an artisanal café, open seven days a week, serving delicious coffee, homemade cakes, breakfast & lunch. The menu celebrates the seasons by using ingredients that are local, fresh and at their best. The café’s flagship branch is in Cheltenham and the Gloucester premises has now been open for two years offering milkshakes and gelato made on the premises. Watch out for the Black Forest gelato coming soon!
The Barbers
Robin at The Barbers shop has been on College Street for 18 years. He has built up a loyal and regular custom and offers good haircuts at a good price!
Spellbound
If you’re looking for psychic guidance, look no further than witchcraft supply store Spellbound. The alternative shop has been in College Street for 15 years and provides services to better people’s lives. Owner Toni is a witch and creates her own natural oils and offers treatments such as psychic guidance, private tuition, counselling and holistic therapy.
Manager Jamie claims there is no one like Spellbound in the UK, he said, ‘Unexpected clients walk through the doors daily and we have enjoyed a phenomenal increase in business in the last year.’ Spellbound owners welcome other alternative shops opening nearby. Jamie said, ‘I’m loving the Glastonbury feel to this part of Gloucester!’
Hairdresser – Salon 22
Owner Sadie enjoys catering to all aspects of hairdressing in her friendly and relaxed salon. Salon 22 offers discounts for NHS staff and students and sells sustainable hair product range Davines which offers refillable shampoos.
MiJu Wools
MiJu Wools is a knitting shop which provides a fresh and exciting approach to knitting and haberdashery. You’ll find a great range of affordable yarns, perfect for the beginner and the advanced. If you’ve spotted the ‘yarnbomb’ on the top of the post box outside of Gloucester Cathedral – this was thanks to MiJu!
Owner Diane has been in the wool shop for seven years, she said, ‘We love being in College Street. It’s such a beautiful location right next door to the cathedral and we have some wonderfully friendly neighbours. We thought the post box topper might cheer people up as so many have been through such a tough time. We were hoping it would bring a smile to lots of faces!’
Comfy Pew
The Comfy Pew café is the perfect place to sit and watch the world go by on College Street. You can enjoy delicious breakfasts, brunch, lunch, Sunday lunch and now bistro evenings in the 14th century building. Evening events are catered for with steak nights, cheese and charcuterie boards and private functions. Call to make a booking on 01452 422437.
Owner Patricia said, ‘We love the location here and lots of people come here and say they love the atmosphere.’
58 Westgate
The ladies clothes shop has been on the street for two years and you’ll find that everything costs under £20. The shops are also based in Tewkesbury and Stow with the main brand of Adini on sale.
