Growing up in the Cotswolds, nearly every village had a village shop which formed the heart of the community
Sadly those days have gone and now they have become a rarity. So many buyers come to the Cotswolds dreaming of living in a village with either a pub or a shop and villages who can boast these much loved places, normally have a positive effect when it comes to house sales. The success of the village shop largely comes down to residents to either actively get involved with running them voluntarily or support them instead of filling up at the supermarket. Here are a selection who have shone throughout lockdown and supplied everyone with a place to connect as well as keeping them fed and looked after.
COLN COMMUNITY STORES
There has been a village store and bakery on this site since 1875. Coln Community Stores Ltd was formed in autumn 2012 to run the village stores and post office. It is a community benefit society, owned & run by members of the community in Hatherop, Quenington and Coln St Aldwyns.
Café is currently running a take away service only. They are also offering a collection/delivery option for people self-isolating or shielding.
BLOCKLEY VILLAGE SHOP
The Blockley Village Shop is a community shop owned by its 650 members. It is the largest of its kind in the country. A village shop offering a wide range of groceries, fresh fruit and veg, local produce and gifts. Free wifi. Post Office services are open from 9.30 -2.30 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. A cash machine is also available. A village lottery draw takes place on the last Saturday of every month. Half the proceeds are divided in prizes and half goes to the shop. They are also offering our free home delivery service. Monday, Thursday, Friday, 12pm till 3pm and Saturday 9am till 12pm for same day delivery.
https://www.facebook.com/blockleyshop/
BLEDINGTON VILLAGE SHOP
Owned by the community and staffed by volunteers, Bledington Shop stocks essential groceries and a wonderful range of produce and delicacies. Freshly baked bread, milk, ready-prepared meals as well as treats you cannot find in a supermarket. The shop and café keeps the community vibrant and caring; a meeting place for all generations to benefit and enjoy. They also run a dry cleaning service, shoe repair (both drop off and collect) and a DVD/book swap.
LONGBOROUGH VILLAGE SHOP
Another community-run, friendly and welcoming store to cater for all your needs whether you’re on your holidays, just passing by or live around the corner. Nothing is too much trouble! They pride themselves on offering the best produce sourced on your doorstep. This includes meat, fruit and as well as their own distinctive brand range including chutneys, biscuits and chocolates, as well as tailor-made gift boxes and hampers.
Weekly dry-cleaning service
