Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

Lapstone: Putting the Pleasure into Christmas Shopping

Crowds, queues, stuffy shops, and lack of originality – yes we will soon begin our Christmas shopping. However, it doesn’t have to be that bad. Last Christmas a lucky few who live within striking distance of the North Cotswolds had an all too rare experience. They did much of their present buying in an atmosphere of good natured calm.

They had travelled to Lapstone, an 18th century farm complex which stands on its own, on top of a hill outside Chipping Campden. It has been transformed into a large shop specialising in presents for all ages and stages, sourced from all around the world.

The ranges of gifts available are varied; from presents for men and children to women’s accessories and jewellery. Other items that may catch your eye include the latest designs for the kitchen, books on anything from gardening to cooking, room fragrances, glasses and goblets and luxurious country furniture for inside and outside the home.

Not only is Lapstone a shop, it also has a popular café serving the best coffee in Gloucestershire, reasonably priced lunches and afternoon tea. The ethos is based around fun and relaxation. Some people arrive in the morning for coffee and croissants, shop for a few hours, have lunch in the café and don’t leave until teatime.

Lapstone also boasts a beauty spa, the Escape where Espa products are used and a hairdressing salon, Mode which has a well deserved reputation. No doubt you are guaranteed to leave glowing and refreshed.

There's ample parking and no High Street aggression at Lapstone, the brain child of Simon Hudson who had the idea when unable to park at all at the start of his 2005 Christmas shopping trip. ‘Lapstone is designed to take the chore out and put the pleasure into present buying’ says Simon.

Lapstone is definitely worth a visit, however if Gloucestershire is a little too far away then visit the Lapstone website to shop online www.lapstone.net.

For more info, or to arrange a visit to Lapstone please contact Jayna Makwana 01353654400, jayna@atommpr.com