One of the best things about having our showroom in Chipping Norton is that there's always an excuse to get out and have a little wander around town.
It's a proper Cotswolds market town, full of independent shops, characterful old buildings, good coffee and plenty of places to have a browse. So, we thought we'd take you along for a little day out with Holly.
Independent Shops and Local Finds
First stop was Beehive Home, which is one of those shops where you can have a quick look around and somehow end up wanting to take half of it home with you. It's full of beautiful homewares, textiles, gifts and interesting finds, with an eclectic mix of old and new. We particularly love the emphasis on handmade pieces and supporting independent makers. The Basket Room is often among the brands they stock, so of course Holly had to pop in for a browse and a chat.
Next up was Oats, where Holly picked up a few essentials for the team at the warehouse. Tea for the kitchen and incense for the office. Simple treats to brighten the working day.
Then it was time for a wander around Jaffé and Neale, the independent bookshop in the Market Square. It's the sort of place you could happily lose an hour in, with shelves full of books, as well as stationery, cards and gifts. There's also a café serving coffee and cakes, so you can settle in with a good book, something sweet and watch the world go by for a while.
Chipping Norton has definitely become a little more famous in recent years, thanks in no small part to a certain local farmer and his television show. It's no mystery why everyone seems to have heard of it all of a sudden. But beyond the Clarkson's Farm effect, it's a charming, independent market town, with plenty of brilliant local businesses that have been part of its fabric for years.
We also had a little peek through the window of The Fibreworks, an independent wool and yarn shop with a wonderfully creative, community-minded feel. As it was Monday, it was closed when we passed by, but even the window was full of colour and texture, hinting at the beautiful selection of yarns and everything you might need for your next knitting, crochet or craft project.
A Pause in the Market Place
Then, time for a little breather.
The steps outside Chipping Norton Town Hall are a fantastic place to stop and take it all in. Built in 1842 and designed in the Palladian style, it's a beautiful historic building that sits proudly over the Market Place. From here, you can take a moment to watch the town go by, with people coming and going, popping into the shops and stopping for a chat. It's a great spot to pause and take in the architecture and general buzz of the town.
Time for Coffee and Cake
And finally, the most important stop of the day: cake.
MOR Bakery is tucked away on West Street in a beautifully converted building, with modern interiors that still feel warm and inviting. There are pastries, cakes, bread and very good coffee, and when the sun is shining, you can sit outside and watch the world go by.
It's easy to see why we love having our showroom here.
Why We Love Chipping Norton
Chipping Norton has all of the things we look for in a place: independent businesses, creative people, beautiful old buildings and a strong sense of community. It's lively without feeling overwhelming, and small enough that you can spend a relaxed afternoon simply wandering from one place to the next.
And if you're making a day of it, there's plenty to explore beyond the town itself. A short drive away, you'll find Daylesford Organic in Kingham, with its beautiful farm shop, garden and café, while fans of Clarkson's Farm can head to Diddly Squat Farm Shop, just outside Chipping Norton, for a taste of one of the area's more recent claims to fame.
Planning a Day Out in Chipping Norton?
If you're planning a visit, here's our whistle-stop tour of a few places we'd recommend adding to your list.
Beehive Home for beautiful homewares, textiles, gifts and handmade pieces.
Oats for organic essentials and a few treats for the kitchen or home.
Jaffé and Neale for books, stationery, gifts, coffee and cake in the heart of the Market Square.
The Fibreworks for wool, yarn and everything you might need for your next knitting, crochet or craft project.
Chipping Norton Town Hall and Market Place for beautiful historic architecture and a chance to sit and watch the town go by.
MOR Bakery for very good coffee, pastries, bread and, of course, cake.
And if you're staying a little longer, Daylesford Organic in Kingham and Diddly Squat Farm Shop are both a short drive away and make for an easy addition to your day.
So, if you find yourself nearby, come and say hello to us at The Basket Room showroom. And leave a little time to explore the town while you're here.
We'll see you in Chipping Norton.
