In association with
WORCESTER BID
Worcester is renowned for its abundance of independent businesses, which make up over 60 per cent of the city centre.
For one night only, Worcester Business Improvement District (BID) are bringing all these businesses together, under the most spectacular roof on the High St.
We would like to invite you to an exclusive late-night shopping and live music event at Worcester’s Guildhall on Thursday, December 5, from 4pm, supporting the local businesses who are the beating heart of our city centre.
If every person in the county received a £10 gift from an independent local retailer instead of from online or a big supermarket, it would inject more than £1million into the city’s economy this Christmas.
All your favourite independent shops from across the city will be at the festive event, selling unique gifts to delight even the hardest to please relatives. Food and drink from city faves including Wayland’s Yard, Tonic, Hop Lords and Burger Shop will also be on offer to get you in the festive spirit.
Phoebe Dawson, CEO of Worcester BID, said: “The Independent Christmas evening at the Guildhall is perfect event to kick start your Christmas. You can eat, drink, shop, and be merry.
“It’s also a wonderful opportunity to support your local business community. Worcester is bucking national trends, boasting an increase in high street footfall and this, in part, is because we have so many fantastic independent retailers that offer distinctive products that you won’t find online or on out-of-town trading estates.”
Shoppers heading into the centre to look for gifts and soak up the yule-tide atmosphere during late night opening can take advantage of free parking after 6pm in the council’s car parks.
Businesses with stalls at the event include: Anja Potze Fine Jewellery, Arrange My Escape, The Cabin, Embrace Boutique, The Hat House, House of Haby, Iapetus Gallery, The King’s Gallery, Mangojuice, Mr Simms, New England, Piston Gin, Sub Studio Photography, Tonic, Visit Worcester, Wise Owl Toys, Worcester War Games.
For more information: www.visitworcester.co.uk
Massalla Lounge
Worcester's favourite Indian Restaurant, the Massalla Lounge first opened in 2007 and has a great reputation for serving high quality food in an unpretentious environment.
Located conveniently in the centre of the city, it has a spacious dining area with a variety of seating options, making it popular with everyone from couples, to families and large groups.
Chef Chowdhury has been at the helm since 2012 and serves a menu that offers tasty authentic Indian curries and speciality dishes and includes vegan and gluten free options.
Open Monday to Sunday from 6pm.
33-35 Broad Street, Worcester, WR1 3NH
Tel: 01905 729955 or 01905 729938
Worcester’s Premier Yoga Studio
The Zen Shed is a family run yoga studio in the heart of Worcester.
The studio offers yoga for people of all levels, whether they have practiced yoga before or never set foot on a yoga mat.
The Zen Shed boasts Worcester’s only purpose-built Hot Yoga studio, and many other yoga styles from dynamic to restorative, are on offer.
New students can buy 21 days of unlimited yoga for just £1 a day, to try out all the different styles.
Visit our website at: www.thezenshed.com or find us on Facebook at The Zen Shed UK.
Wise Owl Toys
We are a traditional, educational, family-run toy shop which was commended as one of the top 20 best small shops in the UK last November. We like to be different and have a “left-handed” section within the shop – the rest is ambidextrous!
We stock products from Orchard Toys, Galt, Playmobil, Bigjigs, Schleich, WOW toys and a number of jigsaw suppliers such Gibsons, Ravensburger and House of Puzzles.
We also stock a variety of games and logic puzzles for all ages, come on in and try some!
5 Charles Street, Worcester, WR1 2AQ
01905 22353 or 25798
Brauchli Opticians, Worcester
Are a highly regarded, trusted and a well-known, long established business.
We are now delighted to be able to offer a new service for patients who are unable to attend a local practice without assistance. This means, we can test your eyes within the comfort of your own home. The eye examination will be of the usual high standard we deliver in practice, with all the necessary tests carried out using quality portable equipment. We aim to offer a home visit appointment within days of your enquiry, so no long waits! We will travel out to most areas within and around Worcester. This new service means that Brauchli Opticians are one of the very few Independent Opticians in Worcester to deliver excellent eye care within your home.
Most home visits will normally take up to 1 hour. The Optometrist will work around your home surroundings, therefore, no need for you to move any furniture. If new spectacles are required, we carry a wide selection of frames from ‘budget’ to ‘designer’. We will help you choose and dispense your selected frame and lenses which will also be delivered and fitted at a later scheduled date.
7 St Swithin's St, Worcester WR1 2PY
Tel: 01905 26193
London Camera Exchange
London Camera Exchange can trace its origins back to the 1950's when the founders acquired premises in Guildford's Tunsgate from which they operated a photography studio. The owners of Tunsgate Studios soon noticed that their customers were very interested in the equipment used in the studio and even went so far as to sell some of their old equipment. When customers started to offer other cameras in part exchange for newer or more expensive models the business, as it exists today was born.
8 Pump St, Worcester WR1 2QT
Tel: 01905 22314
TripelB 39
Belgian beer is famed worldwide for distinction and quality. TripelB is the all new Belgian beer café in Worcester where you can enjoy it in more than 100 finely crafted variations, complemented by authentic Belgian foods in a relaxed, amiable atmosphere. Opened in September, it promises to be a landmark city favourite for people who take their taste seriously.
The Belgian food offering ranges through charcuterie, cheeses, cakes and pastries, waffles and ice cream, with more to come.
TripelB Belgian Beer Café, 9 Copenhagen St, Worcester WR1 2HB
Tel: 01905 25192 or 07540 463219
Facebook: @TripelB Belgian Beer Cafe
Perfections Bridal Studio
Located on Friar Street, in the heart of historic Worcester, Perfections Bridal Studio has been serving brides from the West Midlands, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire since 1999. You will love the unique beauty of the Grade II listed building that we are located in. During your appointment with us, you will get exclusive use of a luxurious fitting room for 1.5 hours and be guided by a friendly, experienced bridal sales consultant. We are stockists of some beautiful, fashion forward bridal designers to include: Eliza Jane Howell, Essense of Australia, Justin Alexander, Kenneth Winston, Stella York and Sassi Holford. In addition, we hold a plus size collection and lots of accessories to complete your wedding outfit. We look forward to welcoming you.
46 Friar Street, Worcester, WR1 2NA.
Tel: 01905 610482
Email: info@perfectionsbridalstudio.com
Web address: www.perfectionsbridalstudio.com
Fuel Clothing
Fuel clothing sell a selection of distinctive and unique fashion pieces for the discerning female. Whilst being a firmly established business located in Worcester city Centre they have become one of the most successful independents in Worcestershire.
There are an array of brands that are stocked in this boutique including Desigual, Joe Browns, Bench, Vila and Only. We also specialise in French and Italian ready to wear fashions which are received in store on a weekly basis.
Open Hours, Mon - Sat: 10am - 5:30pm. Sunday: 11:30am – 4pm
11 Reindeer Court, Worcester, WR1 2DS
Tel: 01905 22639
Bolero Bar & Kitchen
Whether it’s meeting with friends and family for brunch or afternoon tea, after work drinks, dinner, cocktails or relaxed Sunday lunch, Bolero Bar & Kitchen situated on Foregate Street is the ideal venue.
We offer an unrivalled choice of premium drinks and a great choice of freshly made food, including locally sourced Aubrey Allen dry-aged steaks and delicious desserts.
From cocktails, specially selected beers and wines to our infamous sharing gin boards, as well as DJ sets Fridays and Saturdays - you’ll find good times at Bolero’s!
34 Foregate Street
Tel: 01905 22220
Email: bar@bolerovenues.com
arrangeMY ESCAPE
Award-winning travel agency
We are an independent Worcester business, making dreams come true. Many people ask if travel agents still exist or needed and the answer is absolutely! Business is booming. Planning a holiday can be a stressful time, picking the right hotel, the best locations, choosing an airline, reading reviews, keeping it within budget and most importantly the correct financial protection. This is where we come in; we are a team of four dedicated travel experts.
Think of us as your internet search engine. Except we get to know you and listen to your ideas and thoughts, and you get the best honest advice at no extra cost. We deal with many big-name companies that everyone knows trusts and love and we also deal with many specialist tour operators that you may not have thought about.
We check them all saving you time and hassle and of course your arrangements will also be protected through ATOL & ABTA. Many people think travel agents are expensive; I think you’ll be shocked at how good our deals are.
Check out our Facebook page arrangeMYescape we have daily holiday deals. Whatever your holiday maybe a cruise, a family getaway, trip of a lifetime in Orlando at the parks, a Safari, that dream Honeymoon or a two-night London trip. We can book it all! Support your local independent travel agency.
12 Mealcheapen St, Worcester, WR1 2DH
Tel: 01905 887 032
House of Coffee
Visit us on Cathedral Square and watch the world go by...Fresh and homemade menu offerings catering for all needs. Teas, Coffees, Speciality Hot Chocolates, Cakes & Pastries.
Local cider, beers and mulled wine. All served up with the best playlist in town!
Open from 9am every day (10am Sundays). Available to hire for exclusive evening events
104 High St, Worcester WR1 2HW
Tel: 01905 20990
THE RISE AND RISE OF SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
American Express has a long history of championing the high street and is proud to have been a founder of the first ever Small Business Saturday back in 2010 in the US.
Now in its seventh year in the UK, and with American Express as the Principal Supporter, the campaign has grown significantly with an estimated £812m spent in small businesses across the UK on 2018’s Small Business Saturday – an eight per cent increase on the previous year.
As well as gaining significant media coverage and support from leading political and business figures, Tweets posted in support of the campaign reached more than 100 million people, with #SmallBizSatUK and #SmallBusinessSaturday trending in the UK throughout the day.
The ethos at the heart of the Small Business Saturday campaign has remained: to promote small businesses at the heart of the holiday season and to help this invaluable sector of the economy grow and thrive.
Like Small Business Saturday, American Express understands that small businesses and the people that run them have a unique place in local communities across the UK and wants to shine a light on the benefits of shopping small.
From the expertise offered through to the feeling of being known when ordering the ‘usual,’ American Express are dedicated to helping deliver loyal, repeat customers who over time can become your advocates.
Last year’s Shop Small national campaign was a huge success showcasing and celebrating small businesses from all over the UK in the lead up to Small Business Saturday.
As part of the activity, customers with American Express cards who spent more than £10 with participating small businesses on the day received a £5 credit.
To inspire further, American Express has recently launched its Shop Small magazine in partnership with Courier, another leading voice in the sector and champion of small businesses.
From a single day in the US in 2010, Small Business Saturday's success over the past seven years is the perfect tribute for hard-working entrepreneurs around the world. The world of small business can be a challenging environment, but with people's love for their communities' enterprises seen beyond just the day itself, and with the support of partners like American Express, Small Business Saturday's impact can only continue to grow.
Centenary Lounge
At Centenary Lounge in Worcester you can enjoy a lovely breakfast, light lunch, sumptuous evening meals or a delicious afternoon tea in between. If you want to smell the coffee, or wind down at the end of the day with wine or cocktails, you can do that too. All in a beautiful, charming and warm bistro café (or restaurant upstairs) finished in the striking Art Deco style of a 1930s GWR period railway buffet and housed in an elegant five storey Grade II listed Georgian building on The Cross, in Worcester city centre.
31 The Cross, Worcester WR1 3PZ
Tel: 01905 724242
Museum of Royal Worcester
Discover a range of festive gifts, and things for the Christmas table at the Museum Shop at the Museum of Royal Worcester. We offer a unique range of vintage Royal Worcester china alongside the fresh and charming designs of the new Royal Worcester ‘Wrendale’ china range by Hannah Dale for Portmeirion, this year including beautiful Christmas decorations. We also stock a range of fine art prints, cards, and giftwrap.
If you’re looking for something quality and different for all budgets come and browse the rich design inspiration and heritage of Royal Worcester Porcelain. Today all purchases made in the Shop support the work of the Museum, an independent charitable trust, in looking after and making accessible the largest collection of Worcester porcelain in the world, in the place where it was made.
Open Monday to Saturday 10am – 5pm. Sunday 10am – 4pm. Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Easter Sunday
Severn Street, Worcester WR1 2ND
Tel: 01905 21247
www.museumofroyalworcester.org
Twitter: @TheMoRW
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMoRW
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/themorw/
Rock Follies Vintage
WINNER of Independent Business Awards 2019
Is an intriguing little Vintage Shop located in the Centre of Worcester in Reindeer Court. Set on two floors and full to the rafters of original treasures, be it a whole outfit, a coat or just a brooch you will have lots to choose from as they sell Clothing for men and women, Accessories, Jewellery, Hats and even homeware. Why not do a sustainable Christmas this year ? and pick out an original gift, stocking filler or party outfit.
Open every day.
25 Reindeer Court, Worcester, WR1 2DS
Tel: 01905 20085
Instagram @rockfollies Facebook @rockfolliesvint Twitter @rockfolliesvint
The Kiln
The Kiln is Worcester’s first coworking space and is available to freelancers, start-up businesses and remote workers. It is an inspiring, professional place to work with Super-Fast Wi-Fi, unlimited coffee and meeting rooms to hire.
Being a part of The Kiln is about joining a friendly, motivated community spending each working day alongside inspiring people that all bring something new to the party.
It’s a place for natural networking, without elevator pitches and super early mornings, providing relevant meet-ups and workshops
2 Copenhagen St, Worcester, WR1 2HB
Tel: 01905 675179
Check it out at: TheKiln.co
Cornucopia
Cornucopia is a family-run independent home and gift shop based in Crowngate shopping centre, Worcester. They specialise in home furnishings and decor, jewellery, gifts and cards. Clare and her team pride themselves on offering the best customer service by hand picking and sourcing unique items with their customers in mind. The team are proud to be celebrating 35 years in business this year.
Clare and her daughter Hannah take great pleasure in being one of Worcester’s long standing independent traders. They take part in Small Business Saturday, promoting fantastic work that our local independents do and the contribution they make to the local economy. They participate in campaigns such as ‘Just a Card’ which encourages people to support and buy from Artists, Makers, Small Businesses and Independent shops. Cornucopia also donates items to St Richards Hospice and St Michaels Hospice, to help with fundraising.
Cornucopia is proud to stock iconic British brands such as Emma Bridgewater, Plum & Ashby and Repeat Repeat. The shop’s exclusive array of jewellery and giftware also has a Danish influence that originated with the business founders. Such as luxury brands Dansk Smykkekunst and Broste Copenhagen.
Cornucopia’s ethos is all about quality and individuality, and the team are thrilled to continue to bring something that little bit special to the heart of Worcester.
Crowngate Shopping Centre, Worcester, WR13LD
Tel: 01905 28250
www.crowngate-worcester.co.uk/store/cornucopia/
Cranes Music Ltd
At Cranes Music, established in Worcester in 1972, you will discover a comprehensive and impressive range of the finest digital pianos and keyboards by Yamaha & Casio, a select range of pre-owned acoustic pianos, acoustic guitars by Tanglewood & Takamine, a large range of accessories, sheet music and much more - all at competitive affordable prices.
Displayed in an accessible and friendly environment with expert advice available from staff who are first and foremost passionate musicians themselves, Cranes continues to be the one stop music store in the heart of historic Worcester
26 New Street, Worcester, WR1 2DP
Tel: 01905 23023
gareth.floyd@cranesmusic.com
Embrace
Embrace is Worcester’s only luxury lingerie boutique. The owners Paula and Lisa are lingerie fitting specialists and over the last six years of trading, they have built a strong and loyal following. As well as fitting mainstream lingerie, they fit sports, maternity and teen bras. In addition, they are also a Centre of Excellence in mastectomy fitting and have won many National Awards for their fitting expertise and standards of service. Their diverse range of bras includes well-known brands such as Fantasie and Panache through to exclusive brands such as PrimaDonna, Marie Jo, Empreinte, Aubade and Lise Charmel.
Their mainstream range goes from an A cup to a K cup meaning that every woman regardless of size will feel beautiful and feminine. All customers are given un unhurried personal fitting in beautiful and private fitting rooms.
Embrace can be found at 23 Reindeer Court, Worcester and is open Tuesday to Saturday 9.30am to 5pm.
Infinity Beauty
Launched in 2012 by Judith Hall who boasts over 30 years’ experience in the beauty industry.
The team at Infinity Beauty have created a warm, relaxing and inviting atmosphere in which you can relax, unwind and be pampered in beautiful surroundings whilst highly qualified, experienced therapists carry out expert treatments.
We offer a range of varied services from manicures and pedicures to facials and body massages. Also available are more specialist treatments such as microdermabrasion, holistic therapies and intimate waxing.
Our aim is to provide a friendly, luxury experience, focusing on high quality, reputable treatments and products.
Along with our treatments we also sell luxury slippers & nightwear, bath & body products, candles & diffusers. Gift vouchers are available
47 Friar Street, Worcester, WR1 2NA
Tel: 01905 613 558
Worcester Whitehouse Hotel
Visit the premier hotel in the heart of our historic city just opposite Foregate Street Station on Christmas Eve when Santa will be with us to host Breakfast and Afternoon Tea – to find out more just give us a call.
We specialise in hosting: Wedding Receptions, Christmas Party Nights and Murder Mysteries.
If you are looking for great food, great service and a fabulous experience – look no further…
We hope to see you soon…
May we take this opportunity to thank you if you have been a guest with us in the past and to wish everyone a happy 2020.
Foregate Street Worcester WR1 1EA
events@worcswhitehouse.com
The Cardinal’s Hat
This festive season Worcester’s oldest pub will be introducing some of the newest Christmas craft beers to its extensive range. Elliot Smith joins the bar team at The Cardinal’s Hat in Friar Street who, together with manager Becky Dance, is curating some of the best rated, locally sourced craft and cask ales to launch this December.
“Our choice includes ales with a festive twist, to be enjoyed with our platters of limited-edition Christmas cheeses to capture the mood and flavours of the season. Whenever you come into the Cardinal’s Hat this Christmas, have a taste and let us know what you think,” says Elliot.
31 Friar St, Worcester WR1 2NA
Anja Potze Fine Jewellery
Anja Potze Fine Jewellery in Friar Street are celebrating 25 Years In Business and to mark this occasion have designed this stunning Platinum Aquamarine Diamond Five Stone Ring, in their trademark colours. Visit the boutique to view the piece, which is a bespoke one off design and a beautiful showstopping piece of jewellery. The team will be supporting Small Business Saturday by offering Mulled Wine and Mince Pies to all customers, and of course complimentary Gift Wrapping for your Christmas purchases!
10 Friar Street, Worcester, WR1 2LZ
Tel: 0190520944
Gold Stitch Tailoring & Alterations
With over 20 years of experience as professional tailors and dressmakers. We provide a range of quality work at prices you will love. Including alterations and repairs on suiting, wedding dresses and everyday clothing such as trousers, jackets, Zips and hems, we can even alter jeans. Bring your soft furnishings in for repair and alteration and curtains in for shortening, even leathers are no problem. Fitting rooms available on site and assistance with the pinning is also available. We offer a dry-cleaning service also with same day service available on request.
4 Charles St, Worcester WR1 2AQ
Tel: 01905 729435
Gold Stitch Tailoring & Alterations
FESTIVE FROLICS IN THE FAITHFUL CITY
Historic Worcester is a magical city at Christmas. The picturesque streets come alive with festivities and the cathedral, bathed in a warm wintery glow, is a beacon for the city.
The fantastic range of shops and boutiques also makes for enjoyable, not to mention convenient, Christmas shopping.
With most shops open till 8pm every Thursday, you can even get your gifts during the working week.
And once the shops do close, there’s a wonderful array of bars and restaurants to help you celebrate the festive season.
Phoebe Dawson, Worcester BID CEO, said: “Worcester is a lovely city to visit at Christmas. The lights add sparkle to the city and there’s always something going on, whether it’s a concert in the cathedral or a festive food market.
"We are incredibly proud of our high street. We have more independent businesses than most towns, which means visitors can buy unique, quality gifts and support the local community at the same time.”
As well as pop-up markets, Worcester has many family-run eateries and well-known restaurant chains to choose from, many of which can be found in the cosmopolitan Cathedral Square.
Food and shopping can dominate Christmas preparations, so it’s important to make time to enjoy the season and Worcester has plenty of activities to help you create treasured memories for years to come.
Rising majestically above the River Severn, the cathedral is a fantastic destination for a family day trip.
Every December the cathedral cloister comes alive with a free child-friendly Christmas Tree Festival when nearly 100 uniquely decorated Christmas trees will line the medieval walls, creating a truly magical display (December 7 – January 1).
Phoebe continued: “The cathedral is a draw at any time of year and it’s fantastic to see it come alive with this now much-anticipated winter Festival. The decorations by local groups and businesses are always spectacular, and it’s a joy to see children and their families exploring the ancient building.”
Children can also attend the cathedral’s crib service on Christmas Eve and visitors of any age will love the cathedral’s screenings of the much-loved films, The Snowman and the Snow Dog on Saturday, December 21.
Worcester’s Tudor Museum also has a story telling evening, A Winter’s Weaving, to warm you this Christmas (Friday 13 December) and The Royal Porcelain Works, which is fast becoming Worcester’s most vibrant arts centre, also has plenty of Christmas entertainment, not to mention delicious food at its café, Goodroots.
For more information on local events and offers, search for Visit Worcester on social media or go to: visitworcester.com
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