Ship-Shape and Bristol Fashion
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Hidden Gems and a Links of London Giveaway

Cox and Baloney BristolWhen 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

Cox and Baloney Vintage BoutiqueIt’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.

Vintage inspired dresses at Cox and BaloneyStep 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?

Eejits handmade toyCox & Baloney menuCox & Baloney tea roomsCox & Baloney loose leaf teaTo 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

Links of London picksAs 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

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44 Comments

  1. LauraDaisyChain
    June 8, 2014 / 7:49 pm

    I’d totally buy one of the sweetie XS candy jewelled rings! xx

    Reply
  2. Hayley
    June 8, 2014 / 7:53 pm

    I haven’t been to Cox and Baloney for ages, but I’m thinking blogger tea party soon?

    Reply
  4. Maria
    June 8, 2014 / 8:21 pm

    Loved the Cubist Rose Gold Vermeil Double Row Bracelet!

    Reply
  5. EMMA WALTERS
    June 8, 2014 / 8:49 pm

    love the Aurora Double Link Pendant

    Reply
  6. Angela @Little Apple Tree
    June 9, 2014 / 8:19 am

    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.

    Reply
  8. Lily
    June 9, 2014 / 11:09 am

    Bloggers tea party?!?!?!!!!

    Reply
  11. maddie
    June 9, 2014 / 12:17 pm

    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!

    Reply
  14. Rachael Jess
    June 9, 2014 / 3:03 pm

    I would buy the leather stackable jewellery box – it’s beautiful!

    Reply
  15. Tracy Nixon
    June 9, 2014 / 3:03 pm

    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!

    Reply
  21. Katrina
    June 10, 2014 / 11:27 am

    One of the charm necklaces would be the perfect pick me up for my sister x

    Reply
  23. Chrissie Curtis
    June 11, 2014 / 12:31 am

    I love the Aurora Double Link Pendant

    Reply
  26. Carla
    June 11, 2014 / 12:45 pm

    The Secret Eclipse Good Luck Pendant.

    Reply
  27. Maria
    June 11, 2014 / 4:50 pm

    Cox & Baloney sounds awesome! I love Links of London, their red rose gold watch is beautiful!

    Maria xxx

    Reply
  30. Mary K
    June 12, 2014 / 6:46 pm

    Such a lovely giveaway!
    I really like the Hope Rose Gold Plate Ivory Strap Watch! xx

    Reply
  32. Amy J
    June 16, 2014 / 6:53 pm

    I’d spend it on the hope grey strap watch!

    Reply
  35. Rhoda K
    June 20, 2014 / 2:18 pm

    I’d love a pair of their Night Time Garden Pearl Flower Earrings.

    Reply
  40. Anna Wilson
    June 21, 2014 / 8:43 pm

    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

    Reply
  41. Julie Jenkins Jessup
    June 21, 2014 / 9:24 pm

    I would so love to be able to treat myself with something special

    Reply

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