The stunning honey hues of Broadway village encapsulates everything that is quintessential about the Cotswolds, and it is no wonder it has been referred to as the jewel in the Cotswold’s crown. It is also Worcestershire’s gateway to the Cotswolds and, despite its size, represents a shoppers’ paradise with independent shops catering to everyone’s taste be it art and antiques, lifestyle and interiors or food and drink. And being a village, it doesn’t matter what season you visit, you won’t have far to walk whether it’s rain, sun or snow the British climate decides to throw at you that day. No need to worry about packing a picnic as there are lots of lovely eateries to choose from too.
Art lovers will be delighted to learn there are eight galleries, an artist’s studio, and a superb antique store to be found within Broadway. Cheltenham House Antiques is owned by Clare and Christian Scahill who, as well as selling stunning pieces from their store in Broadway, also refurbish period properties throughout the UK, finding exactly the right furnishings for each project. Artist Pink Harrison has travelled the world painting and sketching daily life in many different cultures. She decided to settle in Broadway and has turned her mother’s pottery studio into her own art studio where you can buy her work including her exquisite hand-painted lockets.
Whether you’re picking a pair of designer shoes or stocking up on walking gear, there are plenty of places to find whatever it is you’re looking for. Landmark Clothing is aimed at those who love the great outdoors and has both a country and a walking store in Broadway whilst Slate Clothing also boasts two outlets offering over 30 different clothing labels for those with style in mind. If you’re looking for something a little more local, gift store Wild At Heart has a host of accessories from scarves and gloves to handbags. Why not take home a keepsake from your day such as a beautiful handbag from La Bulle a signed print by a local artist.
If all this shopping has worked up a thirst, then you are spoilt for places to eat and drink in Broadway. As well as tea rooms galore, there is a specialist doughnut shop where they make doughnuts freshly each day with ten different diet-busting flavours to choose from. Guilt Trip Coffee + Doughnuts also produce their own coffee so you’re in for a decadent treat. If you’re looking for something a little more substantial, Flipside Burgers offer a great American-style menu with a lot more on offer than burgers alone. For those wanting to really splash out, there are plenty of stunning hotels with their own restaurants including The Lygon Arms, The Fish Hotel and Dormy House, along with stand-alone restaurants such as Russell’s.
Get a flavour for Russell’s by reading our interview with Andrew, the man behind the business.
Why not recreate a taste of the Cotswolds at home by bringing back some local fare from the many food emporiums on offer? Start with a visit to the Broadway Deli which has everything from fresh fruit and veg, a cheese counter featuring both local and European specialities and lots, lots more.
For a little pre-dinner aperitif, The Cotswold Distillery offers both locally made gin and whisky for you to take home with you. Of course, you might need to add to your cookware to keep up with all this catering and the Broadway Cookshop stocks every utensil known to man from essentials to gadgets you never knew existed.
You might want to get a few gifts whilst you’re in Broadway – either to put away for Christmas or just to share your Cotswold day out with friends and family – and you’ll find you’re spoilt for choice.
Sew You Knit Crafts stocks a huge range of sewing and knitting must-haves as well as kits aimed at all age groups and abilities. Head on over to Rikki Tikki which is a toy shop with a difference featuring toys and games that rely less on electronics inspiring imagination through creative play. Finally, why not treat yourself to a little something for the journey home. Hamilton’s Sweet Shop & Chocolatiers offer a range of artisan handmade chocolates that beat the Belgians at their own game.
We would need a whole series of blogs to capture everything that Broadway has to offer including lots of local walks such as a hike up to the iconic Broadway Tower. However, the best way to discover the village’s wonders and delights is to plan a trip there for yourself. We would love to hear any recommendations we’ve not been able to include in this blog, so tag us in your Facebook posts and use #IndieRetailMonth.
For information on how to get to Broadway, visit our How To Find Us page.
