Starring everything from contemporary Asian restaurants and cosy cafes in the Cotswolds to dog-focused pet shops and tiny towns for tots, Gloucestershire is teeming with new openings popping up all over the county this month.
To give you a taste of what's coming, SoGlos rounds up the most exciting Gloucestershire openings in December 2023...
DOG by Just For Pets in Stow-on-the-Wold
Following the launch of its first store in Cirencester, DOG by Just For Pets opened the doors to a new dog-focused pet shop in Stow-on-the-Wold this December 2023 — just in time for Christmas.
The doggy hotspot offers frozen food from brands such as Cotswold RAW, with high meat kibble available, alongside wet and freeze-dried foods; and for super trendy four-legged friends ready to fetch all the likes on Instagram, customers can find pet fashion and accessories from big name brands like Barbour and Le Chameau.
The Nest at Birdland Park & Gardens in Bourton-on-the-Water
Bourton-on-the-Water's much-loved attraction, Birdland, is set to open a brand-new cafe on Thursday 7 December 2023 — with special guest and Rugby World Cup winner-turned-chef, Phil Vickery, doing the honours.
There
will be a daily selection of sandwiches and salads on offer at The Nest Kitchen and Cafe, or for something warmer
during the winter months, there is the chance to load your choice of potato or
rice with tasty toppings including pulled pork, beef chilli or halloumi. The Bourton-on-the-Water
attraction has also recently created a Changing Places facility — a fully accessible
toilet to help visitors with limited mobility.
The Mayflower in Cheltenham
Returning to Cheltenham after a short hiatus, beloved Chinese restaurant, The Mayflower, is set to open under new ownership on Wednesday 13 December 2023, with local business JM Socials at the helm.
Paying homage to the Kong family, which established and ran the well-loved Cheltenham restaurant for over 40 years, it's offering a meticulously crafted menu that celebrates the diverse regional cuisines of China, showcasing a myriad of influences that combines the best of classic dishes to Cantonese and East Asian favourites — all in contemporary and tasteful surroundings.
The Scandinavian Coffee Pod at Gloucester Food Dock
A firm favourite in Cheltenham since its arrival in September 2014, The Scandinavian Coffee Pod is opening a second venue at Gloucester Food Dock late this December 2023.
Coffee fans will be able enjoy freshly roasted, seasonal blends surrounded by Scandi design detail — with ethically-sourced coffee, espresso and V60 filter options, alongside locally-sourced cakes and pastries, with gluten-free and vegan options, too.
Fundamental Movement Academy in Cheltenham
Providing high-quality classes to hundreds of children of all ages and abilities, from gymnastics and trampolining to preschool and free running, Fundamental Movement Academy is opened its first Gloucestershire venue in Cheltenham on Sunday 3 December 2023.
Cheltenham is the first of the business's branches with a fully functioning gymnastics hall, cafe and Teeny Tiny Town, providing an imaginary experience for toddlers and children to immerse themselves in, whilst being able to access physical activities in the circus themed soft play and gymnastics zone.
Sue Parkinson in Cirencester
Sue Parkinson is set to open a second store in Cirencester, in addition to its town centre fashion store, on Thursday 7 December 2023.
The new two-storey, 2,500 sq ft home and lifestyle store on Love Lane industrial estate will sell more than 1,500 different homeware products — from lamps and sofas to candles and dining tables — just in time to get your home looking gorgeous for the festive season.
Elote at Gloucester Food Dock
Originally hoping to open in November, Elote at Gloucester Food Dock is now set to open its doors this December. Inspired by trips to the USA and Mexico, it will bring a celebration of true Mexican cuisine to the city — with dishes like elote corn, ceviche and pastor tacos on offer, in a cosy terracotta-coloured space.
The business will buy specialist ingredients direct from Mexican grocers to provide an authentic experience, similar to what you could expect in homes and restaurants across the country. An official opening date is yet to be confirmed, but the Mexican eatery is hopeful to be open by the end of December 2023.
