Friends of Shibumi
Here at Shibumi, we think it’s so important for the business community to support each other… That’s why we’ve put together a list of our best friends! Some of our favourite companies that we think deserve a little shout out!
We have split them into categories to make it easier for you to find what you’re looking for; from milliners, to wedding venues, and our favourite local places to visit in case you want to turn your appointment with us into a weekend away, including places to stay, our favourite restaurants and independent shops, even the odd spa 😉
Most of our recommendations are for small businesses just like ourselves, so it would mean a lot to us (and them) if you could check them out.
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WEDDING/ EVENT SUPPLIERS
MILLINERS
The best hat hire company in the county! The Cotswold Hat Club have a fantastic selection of hats to hire from a range of talented designers. They offer a monthly subscription for those of you who may regularly require millinery, or you can hire on a one-off basis.
Annabel creates beautiful bespoke hats, tailored to your Shibumi outfit perfectly. She can dye to match or use our fabrics, and she's just down the road in Dursley!
JEWELLERS
Justin Duance are a small contemporary jewellers based in Cornwall who use recycled metals, ethical gemstones, salvaged woods and beach sand to create beautiful handmade jewellery inspired by natural surroundings.
Ruth creates stunning jewellery using precious stones and ethically sourced diamonds. Perfect for a special occasion.
For timeless and elegant pearls, we highly recommend Harriet’s designs. Beautifully made and something for every budget, perfect for the classic Mother of the Bride.
Joanna creates funky jewellery that would look so fabulous with your Shibumi outfit! Ideal for someone looking for a non-traditional Mother of the Bride outfit, and perfect to accessorise your wedding outfit.
WEDDING VENUES
Elmore Court is owned by Ruth’s brother Anselm and is such a beautiful place to have a wedding. With a focus on using local suppliers and even produce grown on the estate this venue is a great choice for the eco-conscious Bride and Groom. Set in the idyllic village of Elmore in Gloucestershire.
This unique wedding venue is a little hidden gem! Nestled in the Gloucestershire countryside, only about 10 minutes from Shibumi, is this beautiful wedding venue.
Who doesn’t want to get married by the waterside!
FLORISTS
If you’re looking for a unique experience while choosing your wedding flowers, then look no further than Kate’s Cutting Patch! Kate grows all of her own flowers and when you visit her you can take a walk and choose your flowers while they are still growing. Perfect for bespoke bouquets and wedding flowers. Plus, Kate is the most lovely person too!
Fox Flowers make the most stunning artificial flowers… these would be so fabulous for table centre pieces or purchase their individual stems to create your own bridal bouquet that will last forever.
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Wojteck Chrapek, otherwise known as Voyteck Photography creates such stunning wedding images. Based in London, but able to travel, Wojteck is a great choice if you’re looking for modern, funky wedding photos that you will treasure forever.
James is based in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire and creates beautiful classic wedding photography. He has even photographed a few celebrity weddings! His images are breath taking and we love his work.
SHOES
The Rainbow Club provide an excellent service where you can have any of their styles of shoes dyed to match your Shibumi outfit. Lots of our customers use them and they come highly recommended!
Pssst shoes design and make all their shoes by hand. A small business that pride themselves on providing quality shoes that are not mass produced at really reasonable prices.
They come in a huge array of beautiful colours and can be made with bespoke measurements and changes.
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A WEEKEND IN THE COTSWOLDS
PLACES TO STAY
A beautiful hotel, just down the road from the Shibumi showroom. Offering luxurious bedrooms, as well as a restaurant and wellness treatments. We have had lots of positive feedback from our customers who have stayed here!
Calcot is just 10 minutes from Shibumi and is an incredible place to stay if you want to make a weekend trip of your Shibumi appointment. Treat yourself to spa treatments, a dip in the outside hot tub, and a meal at the adjoining Gumstool Inn.
Local Air BnBs
There are some really beautiful Air Bnbs to stay in, in Gloucestershire. A few of our favourites are this thatched cottage in Cirencester, a beautiful Summerhouse in France Lynch and the vineyard in Inchbrook (just 5 minutes from us!)
SHOPPING
Brand Zero are the next door neighbours to Shibumi and their products are incredible. All made by hand with completely natural ingredients, they offer shampoo bars, lip balms, hand creams, and more. Really lovely products from a really lovely company.
This fantastic independent jewellery and gift shop is a must-visit if you head into Nailsworth after your Shibumi appointment. Full of gorgeous treasures and unique gifts.
If you’re coming for a Friday appointment, we highly recommend staying the night and visiting Stroud Farmers Market on a Saturday morning. It’s such a lovely atmosphere with great offerings of yummy food and amazing crafts and gifts.
Tetbury
If you fancy a wander around a beautiful historic market town, then pop to Tetbury after your Shibumi appointment for some great independent shops, cafes, pubs and antiques.
A really lovely way to spend an afternoon.
PLACES TO VISIT
If you haven’t visited this world famous Arboretum just 15 minutes away from Shibumi then we highly recommend taking the time to do so when you visit us. It is so beautiful and a great day out, especially in the Autumn.
This beautiful house is surrounded by amazing parkland, perfect for a dog walk, or even a dip in the lake! The ‘haunted’ mansion is also well worth a visit and they have a café offering cream teas in the Summer months. The house is now owned by the Woodchester Mansion Trust.
Can you tell we like to spend time outdoors?!
The Rococo Gardens in Painswick are truly stunning. A lovely way to spend an afternoon, and they are even available as a wedding venue!
Entry is free to the amazing Gloucester Cathedral, home to Harry Potter and some incredible architecture. They often have additional art exhibitions happening inside the cathedral; it’s a must visit if you’ve never been before!
PLACES TO EAT
If you’re looking for coffee and cake or a lunchtime sandwich then The Canteen is a great hidden gem. Nestled in the centre of Nailsworth, it’s perfect for lunch before or after your Shibumi appointment.
This Mediterranean restaurant offers light lunches or fabulous sit down meals. Really tasty food in a good atmosphere.
This quirky farm shop and café is great if you want to sample local produce from artisan producers. Takeaway or sit in their amazing yurt for the full ‘Stroudie’ experience!
Just 5 minutes away from Shibumi lies the gorgeous Thistledown Farm. With a café to visit for lunch, and if you’re feeling adventurous why not stay in their campsite before your Shibumi appointment?
If you’re hunting for the best roast dinner in Gloucestershire, then the Falcon is for you!
You’ll need to book in advance but if you’re spending the weekend in Gloucestershire then we highly recommend this pub in Wootton-Under-Edge.