When Links of London got in touch and asked me to share what I think Bristol’s hidden gems are, I almost wasn’t sure where to start. If you read my Local Love posts you’ll know that I’m pro local, independent shops and brands, but there is one that I’ve loved for many years, which hasn’t had any airtime recently.
The Gem
It’s the one and only Cox & Baloney, a gem that was once hidden away in an indoor market on Whiteladies Road and is now the crown jewel of Cheltenham Road. A lot has changed since my last post about this vintage boutique-cum-tea room, most notably that for the last two years the main focus has shifted from clothes to their beautiful tea rooms.
The lefthand side of the boutique is still overflowing with pretty vintage crockery, homewares and beautiful dresses (along with adorable handmade Eejits toys). There are glass jelly moulds and vintage rolling pins, china teacups and embroidered vanity sets. The loose tea you can sip next door is also for sale, along with vintage picnic hampers and petticoats – it’s no wonder the shop was featured in the Guardian as one of the top 10 independent shops in Bristol.
Step next door and you’ll find shelves full of secondhand books (all for sale), jars full of tea and a snug downstairs complete with chintz armchairs and sequinned tablecloths. Owners Amy and Joney took a risk swapping the original layout to create a larger dining space, put it’s paid off and now Saturday afternoons see the tea rooms packed with vintage hen parties, Gloucester Road shoppers and those looking to sample afternoon tea in a fun, quirky environment.
In a time when independent shops and boutiques are struggling to stay afloat, and even high street stalwarts have been hit by the recession, it’s great to see Cox & Baloney flourish. This destination should be at the top of your Bristol bucket list – fancy a blogger’s tea party soon?
To take part for the chance to win £1,000 to spend at Links of London, all you need to do is tweet or Instagram your favourite hidden gem in your own city – easy peasy! For more details on the competition, click here. You have until the 15th June to enter, so be quick!
The Giveaway
As well as that, Links of London have kindly offered to give Ship-Shape and Bristol Fashion readers the chance to win £150 to spend online. This giveaway is open to UK residents only, until 22nd June. To take part simply click on le Rafflecopter – you know the drill!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I’d totally buy one of the sweetie XS candy jewelled rings! xx
I haven’t been to Cox and Baloney for ages, but I’m thinking blogger tea party soon?
Oh, and I think I’d have to go for one of the rose gold necklaces with my initials on! http://www.linksoflondon.com/gb-en/online-shop/women/charms/all/22789-rose-gold-vermeil-disc-pendant-charm
Oooh, how exciting! I think I’d pick the Effervescence XS Cord Bracelet in Grey! It’s so cute. :)
Loved the Cubist Rose Gold Vermeil Double Row Bracelet!
love the Aurora Double Link Pendant
I’d buy the Bee Pendant–so cute! And I would totally be up for a bloggers tea party at Cox & Baloney any time! It’s one of my favourite places in Bristol.
http://www.linksoflondon.com/gb-en/online-shop/women/necklaces/11482-20-20-interlocking-necklace this is beautiful …so many lovely pieces on their site x thanks for the chance to win x
Bloggers tea party?!?!?!!!!
Also, meant to say that I’m a fan of this one, which I would totes buy if I win!
http://www.linksoflondon.com/gb-en/online-shop/women/rings/23169-cubist-rose-gold-vermeil-ring
That hidden gem looks like a really cute place to visit. If I won, I think I’d buy the mister something although I’m quite tempted by these friendship bracelets http://www.linksoflondon.com/gb-en/online-shop/collections/friendship/21614-friendship-turquoise-rectangular-watch
I’ve only been in here once and another trip is definitely needed!!
I think I’d have to get some charms for a bracelet, the little birdcage one is so sweet!
If i was very very lucky i would buy my precious sister this good luck in everything you do necklace <3 she is studying at university and i really believe she has a very bright future , but i want her to know i wish her good luck every single day , so i'd spend it on this and save it until her birthday <3 http://www.linksoflondon.com/gb-en/online-shop/women/necklaces/22735-secret-eclipse-good-luck-pendant
Thank you for the chance.
I would choose this classic bangle because it’s so beautiful, smooth & shiny: http://www.linksoflondon.com/gb-en/online-shop/women/bracelets/311-classic-bangle
I would buy the leather stackable jewellery box – it’s beautiful!
I would buy the Life Begins at 40 Charm, the Fairy Godmother Charm and 2 Little Miss Princess Heart Charms for my daugters! Thank you!
I’d get a charm bracelet: http://www.linksoflondon.com/gb-en/online-shop/collections/star-dust/22524-star-dust-round-bracelet :)
http://www.linksoflondon.com/gb-en/online-shop/women/rings/22843-star-dust-rose-gold-round-toggle-ring
The Aurora Double Link Pendant 45cm is lovely
http://www.linksoflondon.com/gb-en/online-shop/women/necklaces/22731-aurora-double-link-pendant-45cm
I adore this charm :)
http://www.linksoflondon.com/gb-en/online-shop/women/charms/all/18734-envelope—sealed-with-a-kiss-charm
I love the Sweetie Bracelet <3
One of the charm necklaces would be the perfect pick me up for my sister x
http://www.linksoflondon.com/gb-en/online-shop/women/rings/22843-star-dust-rose-gold-round-toggle-ring
I love the Aurora Double Link Pendant
http://www.linksoflondon.com/gb-en/online-shop/women/rings/22865-star-dust-rose-gold-crown-ring
http://www.linksoflondon.com/gb-en/online-shop/women/earrings/22510-diamond-pave-earrings I would get these beautiful earrings x
The Secret Eclipse Good Luck Pendant.
Cox & Baloney sounds awesome! I love Links of London, their red rose gold watch is beautiful!
Maria xxx
I would buy this gorgeous necklace Secret Eclipse Bee White Topaz Pendant http://www.linksoflondon.com/gb-en/online-shop/women/necklaces/22738-secret-eclipse-bee-white-topaz-pendant
These are gorgeous!! <3
http://www.linksoflondon.com/gb-en/online-shop/women/earrings/22510-diamond-pave-earrings
Such a lovely giveaway!
I really like the Hope Rose Gold Plate Ivory Strap Watch! xx
I would buy my daughter this lovely piece http://www.linksoflondon.com/gb-en/online-shop/children/mr-men/19073-little-miss-sunshine-silver-necklace
I’d spend it on the hope grey strap watch!
I’d love to use the prize towards this amazing gold vermeil bracelet!
http://www.linksoflondon.com/gb-en/online-shop/whats-new/new-arrivals/23146-effervescence-star-xs-yellow-gold-vermeil-bracelet
I would love to get a Star Dust Round Bracelet http://www.linksoflondon.com/gb-en/online-shop/women/bracelets/22524-star-dust-round-bracelet
I’d love a pair of their Night Time Garden Pearl Flower Earrings.
I’d buy this gorgeous bracelet for myself: http://www.linksoflondon.com/gb-en/online-shop/women/bracelets/11409-friendship-bracelet—pewter-&-white-double-wrap
I’m in love with this ring! http://www.linksoflondon.com/gb-en/online-shop/women/rings/22856-star-dust-rose-gold-tube-ring
i love this for my daughter http://www.linksoflondon.com/gb-en/online-shop/children/jewellery/18263-little-miss-princess-cord-bracelet
I like the http://www.linksoflondon.com/gb-en/online-shop/women/necklaces/22738-secret-eclipse-bee-white-topaz-pendant, its lovely.
I would have to spend the money on a new watch. I can’t decide which one, I have never had a ‘nice’ watch that could be called a piece of jewellery so think it’d have to be something with a bit of sparkle or shine x
I would so love to be able to treat myself with something special
http://www.linksoflondon.com/gb-en/online-shop/women/bracelets/22721-charm-catcher-heart-purple-bracelet; Would love this as it is my daughter’s favourite colour
I absolutely adore this & it would be such a treat :)
http://www.linksoflondon.com/gb-en/online-shop/collections/hope/23111-hope-bracelet