Wander along Montpellier in Cheltenham and you’ll find beauty salons, hairdressers and barbers side by side with gift shops, art galleries and fashion boutiques, along with interior design boutiques which stand between cafes, bars and restaurants, making it the perfect destination to shop and stay a while.
SoGlos takes a look at the top 12 spots to make Christmas shopping a breeze - and to kick it all off, there'll be mince pies and mulled wine on Thursday 1 December 2022. From 5pm, festive musicians and singers will serenade you whilst you browse the shops and feast on festive food and drink. Enjoy!
Montpellier Courtyard
This cute courtyard is packed with a haven of independent boutique shops, interior design specialists, salons and eateries including Caroline Charles, Silks, L’Una Design, Bang and Olufsen, Tokyo Tattoo, Beau Amis, Sam’s of Montpellier and Edible Art Patisserie.
If you're looking for festive gift inspiration or a stop-off for sustenance, this is the perfect place to start.
Park Gallery
Browse unique collections of paintings, glass, ceramics and bronze by British artists and makers in the welcoming and friendly Park Gallery. There's also a carefully curated gift collection if you're struggling for ideas this Christmas.
Slate Clothing
With friendly staff and a stylish selection of modern looks, there's likely a new Christmas Day outfit for you at Slate Clothing, as well as a wide variety of treats and trinkets for friends and family. Head here to be inspired.
Neal’s Yard Remedies
If you find the busy, buzzy season a bit much, head to Neal's Yard for a dose of tranquility. From essential oils to herbal teas, there's plenty to soothe and stock up on to keep you going over the seasonal period.
Gloucestershire Guild
A celebration of colour and creativity, at Gloucestershire Guild you can take your pick of handmade works from carefully selected crafters including contemporary jewellery, ceramics, textiles, furniture, leatherwork, glass and baskets.
If you're stuck for which Christmas gift goodies to go for, this will sort you out.
Rossiter Books
At Rossiter Books you can expect a friendly welcome, expert advice on the best page turners as well as knowledgeable and friendly staff if you've got any questions.
The cosy and welcoming store also holds regular author events, so you could get a signed edition for someone special in your life.
Chaplais Kitchen
This bistro café, Chaplais Kitchen, brings together the best ingredients from artisans from around the world. Settle down for breakfast, brunch, lunch, tea and scones or some dinner. If you're in a rush you can grab and go too.
It's a terrifically tasty way to keep your energy up over the festive period.
The Urban Fox
If you're planning a stunning spot for a Christmas catch up over cocktails and cupcakes, Urban Fox is the place for you.
Sit beneath sparkling chandeliers and if you want to bag a bargain, cocktails are two for £12 from 5pm to 7pm.
The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie
It's hard to beat the glitz and glamour of The Ivy at Christmas time. Arguably, the most beautiful building in Montpellier, the popular restaurant is dressed to the nines and is a glorious place to gather loved ones for festive fun.
The new Christmas menu has just been revealed and its bespoke seasonal cocktails sound divine.
James of Montpellier
For chaps this Christmas, there's no better base to browse for menswear than at James of Montpellier. With luxury clothing, shoes and accessories to browse you'll be spoiled for choice.
A personal shopping service is also available to help you tailor your selection to achieve the best look.
Tonic Cheltenham
Treat yourself to a pre-Christmas pampering session or grab a voucher for everything from a massage to manicures and facial treatments.
With six indulgent treatment rooms, Tonic is the perfect place to gather your pals for a relaxing retreat.
The Square Pillow
If you're hoping for sweet dreams in the countdown to Christmas, look no further than the luxurious sleep specialists, The Square Pillow.
Here you'll find bespoke luxury bed linen, gorgeous bath robes, nightwear and lingerie - the perfect pick-me-up for yourself or a friend.
